Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something hearty, delicious, and packed with protein, then this pesto chicken lasagne is about to become your new favorite dish! Not only is it creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, but it’s also a great way to get in a solid serving of protein. I’ve combined succulent chicken mince, creamy pesto, spinach, and a delicious white sauce to make this dish a total winner. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for those nights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive right into this tasty recipe that serves 3-4 hungry people!
Method
1. Prepare the White Sauce
Start by making the creamy white sauce for the lasagne. In a blender or food processor, combine 300g of low-fat cottage cheese, 80ml of semi-skimmed milk, 20g of parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 40g of reduced-fat pesto to this mixture, then blend everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your lasagne’s rich, flavorful sauce. Set this aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cook the Chicken Mixture
In a frying pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Next, add 500g of chicken mince along with 2 cloves of crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs. Stir the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked through. After that, add 50g of lightest cream cheese and 40g of reduced-fat pesto (which you set aside earlier). Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined and creamy. This chicken mixture will be one of the key layers in your lasagne, providing both flavor and moisture.
3. Assemble the Lasagne
Now comes the fun part assembling the lasagne! Start by spreading 1/3 of the white sauce evenly at the bottom of an oven-proof baking dish. Next, place a layer of lasagne sheets (about 7 sheets or 140g) on top of the sauce. Then, add half of the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly over the lasagne sheets. Follow this with another 1/3 of the white sauce, spreading it out over the chicken layer. Add another layer of lasagne sheets, then top it with a handful of fresh spinach leaves. Follow up with more white sauce and the remaining chicken mixture. Repeat the layering process until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Finish with a top layer of cheese 60g of grated mozzarella cheese and 20g of reduced-fat cheese, along with the remaining 5g of parmesan sprinkled on top.
4. Bake the Lasagne
Once you’ve assembled all the layers, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25 minutes. This initial baking step will help the lasagne cook through without the top getting too crispy. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and add small blobs of the remaining pesto on top of the lasagne. This will give it an extra burst of flavor. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the lasagne is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it stand for at least 5 minutes. This resting time is important because it allows the lasagne to set and makes it easier to slice into neat, perfect portions. After the 5 minutes, divide the lasagne into 3-4 servings, depending on your desired portion size. Serve it up and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan
- Blender or food processor
- Oven-proof baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater for cheese
Pesto Chicken Lasagne A High-Protein Delight!
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesIngredients
300g low-fat cottage cheese
80ml semi-skimmed milk
20g parmesan cheese
A few fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper (to taste)
40g reduced-fat pesto
For the Lasagne
1/2 tbsp oi
1 onion, diced
500g chicken mince
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp mixed herbs
50g lightest cream cheese
40g reduced-fat pesto (half for the sauce, half for topping)
7 lasagne sheets (140g)
A handful of spinach
60g grated mozzarella cheese mix
20g reduced-fat cheese (I used Eatlean)
Another 5g parmesan for topping
Directions
- Prepare the White Sauce Blend the cottage cheese, semi-skimmed milk, parmesan, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and 40g of pesto together in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Mixture In a frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the diced onion until softened. Add the chicken mince, garlic, mixed herbs, cream cheese, and half of the pesto. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the mixture is creamy and flavorful.
- Assemble the Lasagne Start by spreading 1/3 of the white sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets on top. Next, add half of the chicken mixture, then another 1/3 of the white sauce. Layer more lasagne sheets, followed by spinach, then more sauce and chicken. Repeat this process, layering the ingredients in any order you like (I promise, it’s foolproof!). Finish with a top layer of cheese, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan.
- Bake the Lasagne Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, add small blobs of the remaining pesto on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
- Rest and Serve Let the lasagne stand for at least 5 minutes before cutting it into 3-4 servings. This resting time allows the lasagne to set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the frying pan. It should remain juicy and tender for the best texture in the lasagne.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time Allowing the lasagne to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when cutting.
- Adjusting Salt Because pesto already has a salty base, make sure you taste the white sauce and the chicken mixture before adding extra salt. You don’t want it to get too salty!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Side Salad A simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the lasagne.
- Garlic Bread Serve with a warm slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Steamed Vegetables Pairing it with steamed broccoli or carrots makes for a healthy, vibrant side dish.
Fun Fact
Did you know that pesto is originally from Italy and is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil? It’s a perfect match for all kinds of pasta dishes, including this protein-packed lasagne!
Conclusion
This pesto chicken lasagne is the perfect way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without feeling guilty! Packed with protein and rich in flavor, it’s an ideal dish for any occasion. It’s super easy to prepare, satisfying, and full of healthy ingredients that will keep you feeling full and energized. So, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this lasagne is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out when you try it enjoy!
