Description
Homemade lasagna celebrates classic Mediterranean comfort with layered pasta, rich meats, and creamy cheeses. Savory ingredients merge into a hearty meal that welcomes friends and family around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
- 6 links Italian sausage (cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb (454 g) pasta (penne, macaroni, shells, or preferred variety)
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (Hunt’s recommended)
- 1 package pizza cheese blend (including mozzarella, cheddar, and assorted cheeses)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green; cut into chunks)
Instructions
- Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and warm to 325°F (160°C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Protein Preparation: Sear chicken breasts and Italian sausage in a skillet until thoroughly cooked, then slice into uniform bite-sized pieces after cooling briefly.
- Vegetable Breakdown: Dice onions and bell peppers into consistent, small chunks to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor profile.
- Pasta Handling: Boil pasta in a large pot until achieving perfect al dente texture, then drain completely and set aside for assembly.
- Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced meats, chopped vegetables, and spaghetti sauce, gently folding to create a harmonious mixture that ensures every bite contains a balanced combination of ingredients.
- Baking Configuration: Transfer the mixed ingredients into a deep 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading contents evenly and creating a smooth surface for cheese coverage.
- Cheese Topping and Baking: Liberally sprinkle pizza cheese blend across the entire surface, then bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust with crispy, appetizing edges.
Notes
- Chicken Doneness Check: Ensure chicken is completely white without any pink to prevent potential foodborne illnesses and guarantee safe consumption.
- Pasta Texture Tip: Cook pasta precisely to al dente stage for optimal texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy consistency.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Spread cheese evenly and allow it to create a golden, slightly crispy edge for maximum flavor and appetizing presentation.
- Uniform Cutting Strategy: Cut all ingredients into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in every serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg