Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Lasagna is a fun, easy, and delicious twist on traditional tacos. Layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, gooey cheese, and soft flour tortillas, this dish brings all the bold flavors of a taco in a baked, lasagna-style format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Chunky salsa
- Taco seasoning
- Flour tortillas (6-inch)
- Pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- Shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Tortilla chips
- Diced tomatoes
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread ½ cup of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Add 2 tortillas, then another layer of meat, half of the beans, and ½ cup of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Final Bake: Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and tortilla chips.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas or thin layers of zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
What kind of salsa should I use?
Chunky mild, medium, or hot salsa all work—choose based on your spice preference.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they may be a bit firmer after baking.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a layer of sour cream or a mix of cream cheese and salsa between layers.
Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Avocado slices, shredded lettuce, or olives make great additions.
What cheese works best?
A Mexican 4-cheese blend is great, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack also work well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
How do I prevent soggy tortillas?
Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
Can I use refried beans instead of whole beans?
Yes! Spread a thin layer of refried beans between the tortilla layers.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check your taco seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Conclusion
Taco Lasagna is a perfect fusion of Mexican flavors and classic lasagna layering, making it a comforting and easy meal for any night of the week. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try different toppings and variations to make it your own, and enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish!
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Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta with Parmesan Yum And Joy avatar link Yum And Joy Treat yourself to this creamy chicken pasta with ricotta and Parmesan! A velvety sauce, tender chicken, and optional spinach make this dish both satisfying and simple to make.
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Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta with Parmesan
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken ricotta pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, a velvety ricotta-Parmesan sauce, and a hint of garlic. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized with spinach or other vegetables for extra nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- Chicken breast (cubed)
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
- Add Cheese & Spinach: Mix in Parmesan cheese and optional spinach, letting it wilt. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked pasta, coating everything in the creamy sauce.
- Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon.
- Herb Boost: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Spicy Twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as ricotta-based sauces can change texture when frozen.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Mascarpone or cream cheese can be used for a similar creamy texture.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine also work great.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh.
How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
How can I make this dish richer?
Add an egg yolk to the sauce off the heat for extra creaminess.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Don’t overcook it—remove from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink inside.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken ricotta pasta with Parmesan is a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and customizable ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Try different variations, add your favorite veggies, and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home!
PrintCreamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta with Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this Creamy Chicken Ricotta Pasta with Parmesan, a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, velvety ricotta sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and can be customized with spinach for extra nutrition!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add ricotta, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Extras: If using, stir in fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a different variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian