Hey there, fellow busy moms! If you’ve been on the lookout for the best slow cooker recipes to make your life a little easier, then you’re going to love this crock pot lasagna recipe. I’m all about easy crockpot dinners, especially when it comes to dishes that are both delicious and simple to make. This crockpot lasagna easy recipe is a game changer—it’s the perfect lazy crock pot lasagna for those days when you want a delicious lasagna without all the fuss.
This is one of those easy lasagna recipes that you’ll keep coming back to because it’s full of flavor and requires minimal effort. Whether you’re searching for crockpot lasagna ideas, crockpot slow cooker meals, or even easy crockpot lasagna recipe ideas, this lasagna recipe slow cooker is just what you need! Perfect for busy nights or when you want to make a comforting lasagne dinner, it’ll be a hit with your family. And the best part? You don’t have to spend all day cooking—it’s an easy crockpot lasagna recipe that practically makes itself! Trust me, this is one of those easy lasagne recipes simple enough for any night of the week, even if you’re juggling a busy schedule. So let’s dive in and get this tasty pot lasagna cooking!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I usually get frozen ones and just toss them in the crockpot frozen!)
- 1 cup of pesto (store-bought is fine, or homemade if you’ve got the time)
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (we love cheese, so I might add a little extra!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (I like to use a good quality one, but no judgment if you go for the jarred stuff)
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles (depending on your crockpot size)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
Throw the chicken in the crockpot:
Ok, here’s the easiest part. Put your chicken breasts right in the crockpot. It doesn’t matter if they’re frozen or thawed, just plop them in there. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top and pour about half of your pesto sauce over the chicken. I love using store-bought pesto because it’s so much faster, but homemade works too if you have some in the fridge! Set your crockpot to low and let the chicken cook for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it shreds easily with a fork.
Shred the chicken:
After the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it with two forks. It should just fall apart, no problem. Put it back in the crockpot and stir it around in the pesto sauce so that it gets all nice and coated. It smells SO good already!
Make the cheesy mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. Don’t forget to add a little salt and pepper! This mixture is going to make your lasagna creamy and dreamy, trust me.
Start layering:
Now for the fun part—layering everything up! Start by spreading a little marinara sauce on the bottom of your crockpot. Just enough to coat it lightly. Then, break up your lasagna noodles (don’t worry about them fitting perfectly!) and lay them over the sauce. Don’t stress if they overlap; they’ll cook just fine.
Add your chicken and cheese mixture:
Next, spoon a layer of the shredded chicken and pesto mix over the noodles. Then, spread some of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Keep layering until you run out of ingredients. I usually end with a nice layer of the cheese mixture on top—because, well, more cheese is always a good idea, right?
Let it cook:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours. By the time you check it, the lasagna should be all bubbly and delicious, and the noodles should be soft. If you’re unsure, just poke a fork into the center of it, and if the noodles feel tender, you’re golden!
Let it rest:
Once it’s done, don’t dive in just yet! Let it sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve and enjoy:
Now for the best part—eating! This goes great with a side salad, garlic bread, or just on its own if you’re feeling lazy (I get it, I’ve been there!). It’s perfect for feeding the family, and it’s so easy that I usually make enough to have leftovers for the next day, which is a total win in my book.
I honestly can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me from being stressed out at dinner time. It’s one of those meals that’s just so simple, but everyone goes crazy for it. And the best part? It makes enough to feed my three kiddos without them getting tired of it.
FAQs for Crockpot Pesto Chicken Lasagna
Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! If you prefer ground chicken or turkey, you can swap it in for the shredded chicken. Just cook it in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot with the pesto sauce.
Can I prepare this the night before and cook it the next day?
Yep! You can assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. The next day, just pop it into the crockpot and cook as usual. This is a great way to save time on busy days!
How do I know when my lasagna is done?
The lasagna is ready when the noodles are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you poke a fork into the center, it should go in easily and the noodles should feel tender. If it’s not quite there yet, just give it a little more time in the crockpot.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze it! To do so, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven or crockpot. It’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can make a similar version in an Instant Pot. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time (usually around 20 minutes) and make sure you use a trivet to keep the lasagna layers from touching the bottom of the pot.
Crockpot Pesto Chicken Lasagna
Crockpot Pesto Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts fresh or frozen
- 1 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper, and pour half of the pesto sauce over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it with the remaining pesto sauce in the crockpot.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Layer lasagna noodles, then add a layer of shredded chicken and pesto mixture, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the noodles are soft.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting into it to help set the layers. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Notes:
- If you prefer a meat-free version, you can omit the chicken and add extra cheese or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for later!
This crockpot lasagna easy recipe is truly one of the best slow cooker meals you can make for your family. Whether you’re new to crockpot dishes or a seasoned pro, this crockpot lasagna recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s the ultimate lazy crock pot lasagna, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a delicious lasagna without all the effort. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this is the kind of easy lasagna recipe that makes dinnertime a breeze.
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to make a lasagna dinner, this slow cooker lasagna is the answer! It’s one of the most easy crockpot dinners to put together, and you can always count on a flavorful, comforting meal at the end of the day. This recipe is also super versatile—whether you stick to the traditional version or experiment with different ingredients, you can’t go wrong. So, if you’re craving pot lasagna or just want an easy lasagne recipe simple to feed your crew, this lasagna recipe slow cooker will be your go-to!
The next time you’re looking for the best slow cooker meal, remember this crockpot lasagna. It’s the perfect solution for any busy family looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, and it’s bound to be a hit every time!
Leave a Reply