The Ultimate Low-Point Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: Spicy, Cheesy, and Weight Watchers Friendly
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a generously portioned slice of lasagna. The layers of tender pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese create a culinary masterpiece that’s a favorite for many. However, for those mindful of their diet or tracking points, traditional lasagna often comes with a hefty caloric and point count, making it a rare indulgence. While frozen diet meals exist, they rarely capture the homemade taste and satisfying richness we crave. My mission was clear: create a truly delicious, cheesy, and filling lasagna that wouldn’t derail my health goals. And I achieved it, with a fantastic twist!
Introducing a fusion of two beloved comfort foods: classic lasagna and spicy buffalo chicken. By intelligently reducing some of the cheese and pasta content, and incorporating the zesty kick of buffalo sauce, I developed an incredible Buffalo Chicken Lasagna recipe. Each generous serving clocks in at just 5 SmartPoints (for blue & purple plans), 6 SmartPoints (for green plans), or 6 PersonalPoints. This dish doesn’t compromise on flavor; it’s wonderfully spicy, incredibly cheesy, and utterly delicious!
This recipe transforms a classic Italian dish into a vibrant, American-inspired casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. It’s designed to be a guilt-free pleasure, allowing you to savor every bite without worrying about your point allowance. The robust flavors of buffalo chicken blend seamlessly with the creamy ricotta and savory pasta sauce, creating a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
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Ingredients
- 9 whole wheat, high fiber lasagna noodles (not oven-ready, boiled first)
- 12 ounces cooked shredded chicken, approx 3.5 cups (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups light pasta sauce, reduced fat for lower points
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 300 g container light ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup light ranch dressing
- 1 cup light shredded cheese, (a 3-cheese blend works wonderfully)
Instructions
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Begin by boiling your lasagna noodles according to the package directions. It’s crucial to use non-oven-ready noodles and pre-boil them until al dente. For best results and to keep the SmartPoints consistent, aim for high-fiber, whole wheat noodles. The noodles I used had the following nutritional information per 4 noodles: Fat 1.5g, Carbs 61g, Fiber 9g, Protein 11g. Finding a similar noodle brand will help ensure your point count matches this recipe’s calculation. Once boiled, drain and set aside.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will help prevent the lasagna from sticking and make serving easier.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, light pasta sauce, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and Frank’s RedHot sauce. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until the chicken is completely coated and the mixture is well-combined. This forms the flavorful buffalo chicken layer of your lasagna.
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In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the light ricotta cheese with the light ranch dressing. This creamy blend will be your cheese layer, providing a cool contrast to the spicy chicken and adding moisture to the lasagna.
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Now it’s time to assemble your lasagna! Start by spreading about 1 cup of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch dish. This base layer helps prevent the noodles from sticking. Next, carefully place 3 lasagna noodles over the chicken mixture. Spread another generous layer of the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the noodles, ensuring even coverage. Then, dollop half of your ricotta and ranch cheese mixture over the chicken layer. You can drop it by spoonfuls and then gently spread it out with the back of a spoon or a knife. Add 3 more noodles on top of the cheese layer. Repeat the process: another layer of buffalo chicken mixture, followed by the remaining half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Finally, place the last 3 noodles on top. Finish the top layer with a thin spread of any remaining buffalo chicken mixture – you just need enough to provide a flavorful base for the final cheese sprinkle.
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Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, carefully remove the lasagna from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle the light shredded cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing; this allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner cuts. This recipe yields 9 generous servings, each being 5 SmartPoints for blue & purple plans, 6 SmartPoints for green plans, or 6 PersonalPoints. Leftovers store well in the fridge and freeze excellently, making it perfect for meal prep!
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Nutritional information (excluding additional vegetables) per serving: Calories 240, Fat 7.5g, Saturated fat 1.3g, Carbs 23.4g, Fiber 1.8g, Sugars 2.7g, Protein 22.2g.
Additional Info
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Tips for the Perfect Low-Point Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Achieving a truly outstanding lasagna, especially one that’s also diet-friendly, involves a few key considerations:
- Noodle Selection is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of whole wheat, high-fiber lasagna noodles. They not only boost the nutritional content by adding fiber but also contribute to the overall satiety of the dish. Remember to boil them al dente before assembling to prevent a mushy texture. Oven-ready noodles are generally not recommended for this recipe as they absorb more liquid and can change the texture of the finished dish.
- Chicken Prep: For convenience, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonders. Simply shred the meat and you’re good to go. If cooking chicken from scratch, boil or bake chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. Ensure the chicken is finely shredded to blend well with the sauce.
- Customizing Spice Level: Frank’s RedHot is essential for that authentic buffalo flavor, but if you prefer a milder or spicier kick, feel free to adjust the amount. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a spicier hot sauce. For less heat, you can slightly reduce the Frank’s or increase the pasta sauce.
- Cheese Choices: While the recipe calls for light ricotta and light shredded cheese to keep points low, ensure they are good quality brands. A 3-cheese blend for the top layer often melts beautifully and adds more complex flavor. You can also crumble a small amount of light blue cheese over the top for an extra layer of authentic buffalo flavor, but be mindful of the added points.
- Adding Vegetables: Beyond the diced peppers and onions, consider incorporating finely chopped carrots or celery into the chicken mixture for added nutrients and a subtle crunch. Spinach (drained well) can also be added to the ricotta layer for extra greens.
Meal Prep and Freezing Instructions
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is an excellent candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout the week. You can assemble the entire lasagna ahead of time and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
For longer storage, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled completely, slice the lasagna into individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply remove the foil and plastic, and microwave or bake from frozen until heated through. For best results when baking from frozen, cover with foil for the initial part of reheating to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, serve this hearty Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a crisp, refreshing side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing or a side of celery and carrot sticks provides a welcome crunch and helps balance the richness and spice of the lasagna. A lightened-up blue cheese dressing on the side can also complement the buffalo flavors beautifully without adding too many extra points.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how creative cooking can transform classic comfort foods into healthier, guilt-free versions without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. With its spicy kick, creamy layers, and satisfying cheesiness, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a delicious and lighter meal option, this lasagna delivers on all fronts. Get ready to enjoy lasagna heaven, the buffalo chicken way!