Rosemary Chicken Comfort Layers

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This dish combines shredded chicken infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, layered with smooth béchamel sauce and mozzarella cheese. No-boil noodles simplify assembly, baking to golden perfection. A touch of nutmeg adds warmth to the Parmesan-spiced béchamel, while optional spinach adds freshness. Perfect for a fragrant and hearty Italian-inspired main course that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and satisfying flavors.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:50:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Rosemary Chicken Lasagna fresh from the oven, ready to be sliced. Pin
Golden, bubbly Rosemary Chicken Lasagna fresh from the oven, ready to be sliced. | cinnamonnest.com

A savory twist on the classic Italian favorite, this lasagna layers tender chicken, creamy béchamel, mozzarella, and fresh rosemary for a comforting, fragrant meal.

I first made rosemary chicken lasagna for a chilly weekend gathering, and it quickly disappeared from the table. The savory, aromatic layers were a true hit with everyone.

Ingredients

  • Chicken and Seasonings: 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Sauce: 3 cups (700 ml) whole milk, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta and Assembly: 12 no-boil lasagna noodles, 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Optional: 1 cup (100 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions

Prep The Oven And Chicken:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and rosemary, sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, remove from heat.
Make The Béchamel Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, 5–7 minutes. Season with nutmeg and stir in Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
Combine With Spinach (Optional):
If using, stir chopped spinach into the chicken mixture.
Layer The Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with 1/3 of the chicken mixture, 1/4 of béchamel, and 1/4 of mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times. Finish with final noodles, remaining béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Rest And Serve:
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pin
| cinnamonnest.com

This rosemary chicken lasagna is a favorite when we gather around the table for Sunday dinner. The creamy layers and herb aroma always remind me of family comfort and warmth.

Required Tools

Skillet, saucepan, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, whisk, knife and cutting board, foil

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 470, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 33 g

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a simple green salad on the side.

A close-up shot of steaming Rosemary Chicken Lasagna with layers of cheese and pasta. Pin
A close-up shot of steaming Rosemary Chicken Lasagna with layers of cheese and pasta. | cinnamonnest.com

This recipe gives you a truly comforting lasagna with gentle rosemary fragrance. Enjoy every cheesy layer!

Recipe FAQ

How do I keep the chicken moist in the layers?

Using shredded cooked chicken tossed with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary helps lock in moisture and enhances flavor in each layer.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure a golden crust and melty cheese.

What can I substitute for fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary can be used but reduce quantity to avoid overpowering the dish. Fresh is preferred for its bright aroma.

Is it necessary to use no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles simplify preparation by softening during baking, but regular noodles can be used if precooked according to package instructions.

How can I add extra vegetables to this meal?

Incorporate chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the chicken mixture before layering to boost flavor and nutrition.

Rosemary Chicken Comfort Layers

Tender chicken and fresh rosemary layered with creamy sauce and melted mozzarella bring comfort and flavor.

Prep duration
30 min
Cooking duration
45 min
Total duration
75 min

Category Comfort Baking

Difficulty Medium

Origin Italian

Yield 6 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

01 3 cups whole milk
02 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Assembly

01 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
02 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
03 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Optional

01 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 02

Prepare chicken mixture: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat; add garlic and rosemary, sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, salt, and pepper; toss to combine and remove from heat.

Step 03

Make béchamel sauce: Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, approximately 5–7 minutes. Season with nutmeg and stir in Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Incorporate spinach: If using, fold chopped spinach into the chicken mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 05

Assemble layers: Spread thin layer of béchamel sauce in 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over sauce. Layer one-third of chicken mixture, one-quarter béchamel, and one-quarter mozzarella. Repeat layers twice more. Top with remaining noodles, béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 06

Bake covered: Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 07

Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 08

Rest before serving: Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Necessary tools

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Foil

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), and possible egg if using egg-based noodles.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbs: 36 g
  • Protein: 33 g