Creamy Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this absolutely irresistible Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna! If you’re looking to put a fresh spin on the classic lasagna, this recipe is your answer. We’re talking layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and an incredibly rich, homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection with gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
I crafted the creamy Alfredo sauce from scratch for this recipe, ensuring every bite is packed with unparalleled flavor and luxurious texture. It’s so good, I predict it will become a new favorite in your household, just as it has in mine! My husband even took the leftovers to work, and it received a resounding “two thumbs up” from his colleagues. This hearty and satisfying lasagna makes 9 generous servings, with each serving calculated at a favorable 7 Freestyle SmartPoints, making it a fantastic option for those following a balanced eating plan without sacrificing taste.
Why This Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna Will Be Your New Go-To
There’s something inherently comforting about lasagna, but sometimes it’s fun to venture beyond the traditional red sauce. This Alfredo version offers a delightful change of pace, blending the familiar heartiness of lasagna with the rich, savory flavors of a chicken and bacon Alfredo. The combination of succulent chicken, smoky bacon, and the velvety, garlicky Alfredo sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced profile. While it feels indulgent, the use of lighter ingredients for the sauce and cheese helps keep the nutritional values in check, especially for those tracking points or calories. This means you can enjoy a decadent meal that fits into your lifestyle. Plus, making the Alfredo sauce from scratch allows you to control the quality and freshness of your ingredients, resulting in a superior taste that store-bought sauces simply can’t match.
The Heart of the Dish: Crafting the Perfect Homemade Alfredo Sauce
The secret to this lasagna’s incredible flavor lies in its homemade Alfredo sauce. Forget those jars of pre-made sauce; making it from scratch is surprisingly simple and yields a far more delicious, creamy result. Our sauce starts with a base of light fresh cream and 1% milk, offering a rich texture without excessive heaviness. Light butter and light cream cheese are incorporated to add body and a subtle tang, enhancing the overall creaminess. The magic truly happens with the aromatics and seasonings: garlic salt provides a foundational savory note, Italian seasoning infuses herbaceous warmth, and a dash of salt and pepper balances the flavors.
Finally, finely grated Parmesan cheese is stirred in, melting into the sauce to create that signature nutty, umami depth that defines a classic Alfredo. Cooking this mixture gently over medium heat, stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth, ensures a luscious consistency that will beautifully coat every layer of your lasagna. This homemade touch truly elevates the entire dish, making it taste like something from a gourmet Italian restaurant right in your own kitchen.
Creamy Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 cup light fresh cream, 5%
- 1 cup 1% milk
- 2 Tbsp light butter, I used Gay Lea light
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- Dash of salt & pepper
- 4 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles
- 12 oz about 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup light shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices cooked center cut bacon, I use Wegman’s brand
Instructions
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Boil and drain your noodles. Cook and drain your bacon, crumble into small pieces.
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Preheat oven 350F, spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
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In a sauce pan over medium heat mix your cream, milk, butter and cream cheese together, stir and cook til the cheese melts. Then add in your garlic, italian seasoning, salt & pepper and 3 Tbsp of parmesan cheese (leave 1T aside) stir well.
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Start layering your lasagna, place 3 noodles on bottom of dish, top with 1 cup (4oz) shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of your sauce, then layer 3 more noddles, 1 cup chicken, 1/2 of your crumbled bacon, (no cheese) and 1/3 of your sauce. Your last layer is 3 noodles, 1 cup of chicken, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, remaining sauce and bacon. Sprinkle your last 1 Tbsp of parmesan cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake in oven for 35 minutes.
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Cut into 9 servings, each serving weighing approx 7oz.
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Lasagna will freeze well.
Notes
Smart points- 8 using SP calculator
Points plus- 7 using PP calculator
Nutritional info per serving.. Calories 253…Fat 11.1g..Sat fat 6.5g…Carbs 21g.. Fiber 0.9g…Sugars 2.1g…Protein 18.4g using My Fitness Pal
Additional Info
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna: Assembly Tips
Assembling this lasagna is a straightforward process, but a few tips can ensure a perfect result every time. Always start by boiling and draining your lasagna noodles until they are al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. Cook your center-cut bacon until crisp, then crumble it; the smoky, salty crunch is essential to the flavor profile. Prep your shredded chicken – a rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here for quick dinner preparation.
When layering, aim for even distribution of ingredients to ensure every slice is packed with flavor. Begin with three noodles on the bottom of your casserole dish. Follow with a generous layer of shredded chicken, a sprinkle of light mozzarella, and a third of your creamy Alfredo sauce. The second layer introduces the savory bacon; spread half of your crumbled bacon over the chicken and another third of the sauce (no cheese on this layer, as we want the top to brown nicely). The final layer of noodles, chicken, the remaining mozzarella, sauce, and bacon is crowned with that last tablespoon of Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust. Covering with foil for the initial bake helps steam the lasagna and melt the cheese evenly, while removing it for the last few minutes allows the top to brown beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Making It Your Own
This Creamy Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a pop of color and freshness, consider garnishing your finished lasagna with fresh parsley or chives before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle kick, or include some sautéed spinach or mushrooms in one of the chicken layers for added vegetables and texture. This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with your favorite additions!
Nutritional Insights and Weight Watchers Friendly
For those mindful of their diet, this Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Lasagna is a fantastic option. Using light cream, 1% milk, light butter, and light cream cheese significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional Alfredo sauces, while still delivering a rich, satisfying flavor. The inclusion of lean shredded chicken and center-cut bacon also helps keep the meal well-balanced. With 7 Freestyle SmartPoints per serving using the WW recipe builder, 8 SmartPoints, and 7 Points Plus, it’s a smart choice that allows you to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner without derailing your health goals. Each serving provides approximately 253 calories, 11.1g fat, 6.5g saturated fat, 21g carbs, 0.9g fiber, 2.1g sugars, and a substantial 18.4g protein, based on calculations from My Fitness Pal. This makes it a great way to get a good amount of protein in your meal.
Meal Prep and Freezing for Later Enjoyment
One of the best features of this chicken and bacon Alfredo lasagna is how well it freezes, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. After baking and allowing the lasagna to cool completely, you can cut it into individual servings or freeze it whole. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. For a whole lasagna, cover the baking dish securely with foil, or transfer it to a disposable aluminum pan for easier storage and cleanup. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or for larger amounts, bake the thawed lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the cheese is melted and golden. This makes delicious leftovers a breeze, ensuring you always have a satisfying meal on hand for busy weeknights or unexpected cravings. It’s truly a gift to your future self!