If you’ve ever heard about the famous “Marry Me Chicken” — that creamy, dreamy chicken recipe people claim is so good it’ll earn you a marriage proposal — I have just the right variation for you! Presenting my Marry Me Chicken Lasagna , a delicious twist on both the chicken and lasagna worlds.
This hearty dish combines the irresistible flavors of juicy chicken , crispy bacon , creamy ricotta , and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes layered between tender lasagna noodles. It’s a dish that’s comforting, loaded with flavor, and sure to win over your dinner guests — whether it’s date night, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in.
What Makes This Dish Special?
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it also brings together the best of lasagna and chicken: homemade creamy sauce, layers of cheesy goodness, savory bites of chicken breast, and the surprise crunch from crispy bacon. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken Lasagna.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to make this flavorful dish:
For the Pasta:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- ⅔ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
For Assembling:
- 2 cups skim ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you get started, gather the following tools to ensure smooth preparation:
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan : A large enough pan to layer your noodles, sauce, and fillings.
- Medium Saucepan : For crafting your creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Mixing Bowls : Needed for combining ricotta and seasoning, as well as mixing the sauce.
- Foil : You’ll need this to cover your lasagna while it bakes.
Having these tools at your disposal will streamline the cooking process and ensure that your Marry Me Chicken Lasagna turns out perfect!
Preparing the Creamy Sauce for Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
The heart of this Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is undoubtedly the creamy, dreamy sauce that ties all the layers of pasta, chicken, and cheese together. It’s rich with garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes — the kind of sauce that elevates this dish far beyond your typical lasagna.
Making the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
- Melt the butter and sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 30 seconds . The goal here is to release the aromas of the garlic without browning it. This short step ensures that the garlic adds a fragrant base to the sauce.
- Whisk in the milk and cream: Slowly pour in 1½ cups of milk and 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream while continuously whisking. Heat the mixture until it starts to gently bubble, ensuring that it doesn’t boil, which could cause the dairy to separate.
- Add the seasoning and Parmesan: Season the sauce by stirring in ½ teaspoon kosher salt , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for just a hint of spice. Next, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, adding a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes: Finally, fold in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and ⅔ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes . The spinach will wilt slightly, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring a delightful tang that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. Let the sauce sit on low heat while you prepare the rest of the lasagna.
By this step, your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes — and we’re only just getting started!
Assembling the Marry Me Chicken Lasagna: Layer by Layer
Now that your rich garlic-Parmesan sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the lasagna. This step is all about layering textures and flavors to create a mouth-watering meal that will impress just about anyone who takes a bite.
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
- Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot by the time your lasagna is ready to bake. - Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spray your 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the lasagna doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Combine Ricotta and Garlic Powder
In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder . This will be your creamy, flavorful ricotta layer that adds texture and richness to each bite.
Step 3: Start the First Layer
- Spoon some sauce into the dish:
Spread about 1 cup of the prepared sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. This base layer of sauce helps ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom and keeps everything moist and flavorful from the start. - Layer the noodles:
Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce so that they cover as much of the bottom of the pan as possible. - Add the ricotta mixture:
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, creating a nice creamy layer that will melt into the pasta as it bakes. - Add the chicken and bacon:
Mix the shredded 4 cups of cooked chicken and 8 slices of crumbled crispy bacon into the remaining garlic-Parmesan sauce. Spoon ⅓ of this chicken-bacon-sauce mixture evenly over the ricotta layer. - Top with mozzarella:
Scatter ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup ) on top of the chicken mixture. This layer of cheese will melt and create a stretchy, gooey finish for each layer.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
- Continue layering:
Repeat this same sequence two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken and bacon mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Make sure to press each layer down gently to even it out as you go.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Cover with foil:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps lock in moisture and prevents the cheese from browning too soon. - Bake the lasagna:
Place your lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes , or until the sauce is bubbling and the center of the lasagna is fully heated. - Remove the foil and bake until golden:
For the final touch, remove the foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes to allow the top layer of cheese to get golden and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Now, your lasagna is almost ready to impress!
Serving and Storing Your Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
Your Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is now out of the oven, golden, bubbling, and smelling absolutely divine. But before you dive in, there are just a few more steps to perfect this dish.
Step 1: Let the Lasagna Cool
It’s incredibly tempting to dig into the lasagna the moment it comes out of the oven, but it’s essential to let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to cut clean slices that hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Garnish with Fresh Parsley
For an added pop of freshness and color, garnish the lasagna with freshly chopped Italian parsley . The parsley pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese and sauce, adding a bright contrast to each bite. Not to mention, it makes the presentation look as stunning as it tastes!
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to serve up the lasagna. Grab a spatula and cut into generous squares. Each layer, brimming with creamy ricotta, tender chicken, salted bacon, and cheesy goodness, promises to leave your family or guests utterly impressed.
To complete the meal, consider serving the lasagna with some easy side dishes. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or garlic bread works well to contrast the creaminess of the lasagna.
Storing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Lasagna
This lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to save any leftovers:
How to Store:
- In the refrigerator:
Place any leftover lasagna in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days . Alternatively, you can leave it in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - In the freezer:
Want to make this dish ahead of time or store leftovers longer? This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the entire lasagna in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the lasagna overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat:
- By oven:
Reheat slices of lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes , or until heated through. If reheating the entire dish, cover it with foil and heat for about 40 minutes . - By microwave:
For a quicker option, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on medium power. The lasagna will warm up nicely, but the oven is the best option for maintaining the dish’s texture.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Lasagna is everything you love about comfort food combined into one irresistible recipe. With layers of Parmesan-infused creaminess, tender chicken breast, savory bacon, and a touch of Italian flair from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, it’s a lasagna that stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a date night, this dish is certain to charm anyone at the table — and leave them coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent, heartwarming dish — just be prepared for those marriage proposals!
Happy cooking!