Lazy Pesto Chicken Lasagna Bake
All the cozy, cheesy layers of lasagna with zero noodle-boiling — frozen ravioli, garlicky shredded chicken, basil pesto, and creamy Alfredo baked under a golden mozzarella crust.
In a nutshell: This authentic italian lazy pesto chicken lasagna bake comes together in just 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: Thawed ravioli turns gummy in the oven. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Frozen cheese ravioli layered with basil pesto, Alfredo sauce, and shredded chicken — all the comfort of lasagna with none of the fuss. Ready in 45 minutes.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Keep the ravioli frozen: Thawed ravioli turns gummy in the oven. Go straight from freezer to dish — the bake time already accounts for it.
- Dollop, don't spread the pesto: Thick spoonfuls create bright pockets of basil flavor throughout. Spreading it thin makes the whole bake taste muddy.
- Rest before slicing: Give the bake 10 minutes out of the oven so the layers set. Cut too soon and you get a cheesy landslide instead of clean lasagna-like squares.
Ingredients
8
servings
-
25 oz frozen cheese ravioli, about 1 large bag — do NOT thaw
-
3 cups cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken works perfectly
-
1 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade, divided
-
15 oz Alfredo sauce, 1 jar
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated melts best
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for gentle heat
-
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, for serving
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Oven & Prep the Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix the Chicken and Pesto
In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of the pesto until evenly coated.
Layer Like Lasagna
Spread 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce over the bottom of the dish. Arrange half the frozen ravioli in a single layer, then top with the pesto chicken, dollops of the remaining 1/2 cup pesto, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining ravioli and Alfredo, then finish with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella, the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 10–12 minutes more, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and lightly browned at the edges.
Rest and Serve
Let the bake rest for 10 minutes so the layers set. Scatter with fresh basil and serve warm.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Assemble the full bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time when baking straight from the fridge.
Absolutely. You'll need about 1 cup of pesto and 2 cups (16 oz) of Alfredo sauce. Homemade versions make it even better — just keep the quantities the same.
Yes. Assemble without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Rotisserie chicken is the fastest option and adds great flavor. You can also poach about 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts and shred them yourself.