Smoky Mexican Chicken Pumpkin Lasagna
Indulge in a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna with our Smoky Mexican Chicken Pumpkin Lasagna. This dish combines layers of tender smoked chicken and rich pumpkin puree infused with vibrant Mexican spices, delivering a delightful fusion of flavors. The creamy ricotta cheese, combined with the melty jack cheese, adds a deliciously comforting texture, while the layers of lasagna noodles ensure a satisfying bite in every serving. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish is served best alongside a dollop of sour cream and zesty pickled jalapeños for a touch of authenticity.
6-8
Servings
525
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic
2 large cloves (minced)
Bell Pepper
1 (chopped (or substitute with mild green chiles))
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons
Pumpkin Puree
2-3 cups ((fresh or canned))
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Vegetable Bouillon Cube
1
Water
2-3 cups
Jack Cheese
2-3 cups (grated)
Smoked Chicken Breasts
3-4 (chopped)
Ricotta Cheese
2 cups
Fresh Parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Oregano
1/2 tablespoon
Eggs
2
Salsa
1 (12 ounce) jar
Lasagna Noodles
8-12 (dry)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the pumpkin puree and crumble in the vegetable bouillon cube, then mix well to combine. Gradually add 2-3 cups of water to achieve a sauce-like consistency, stirring to dissolve the bouillon. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
3
While the sauce simmers, grate the jack cheese and chop the smoked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, oregano, and eggs. If the mixture is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk until spreadable.
4
To assemble, pour a thin layer of the pumpkin sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the dry lasagna noodles on top, followed by a generous smear of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle the chopped smoked chicken over the ricotta and then add a layer of grated jack cheese. Spoon half of the salsa over this layer, followed by more pumpkin sauce.
5
Repeat the layering process, using the remaining ingredients: noodles, ricotta, chicken, cheese, salsa, and finally pumpkin sauce on top. Ensure that the topmost layer is covered with pumpkin sauce and sprinkle with the remaining jack cheese.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese has melted. If necessary, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top. Keep an eye on the lasagna to prevent any overflow; placing a baking sheet underneath can help catch any spills.
7
Once baked, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, complemented by sour cream and pickled jalapeños for a zesty finish.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
26.25g
Protein
225mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Mexican Chicken Pumpkin Lasagna?
It is a flavorful fusion dish featuring layers of tender smoked chicken, rich pumpkin puree, Mexican spices, lasagna noodles, ricotta, and jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this lasagna?
Key ingredients include lasagna noodles, smoked chicken breasts, pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, jack cheese, salsa, onion, bell pepper, and various Mexican spices.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 525 calories per serving.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 3-4 smoked chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned pumpkin puree.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles before assembly?
No, the recipe uses dry lasagna noodles which cook in the pumpkin sauce during the baking process.
What can I substitute for bell pepper?
You can substitute the bell pepper with mild green chiles.
What types of cheese are used in this lasagna?
The recipe uses ricotta cheese and grated jack cheese.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 26.25g of protein.
Is this lasagna spicy?
It contains chili powder, cumin, and salsa, providing a smoky Mexican spice profile, though the heat level can be adjusted with your choice of salsa.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best served with a dollop of sour cream and zesty pickled jalapeños.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There is 27.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 40g of carbohydrates.
What is the sodium content for this dish?
There is 225mg of sodium per serving.
How long should the lasagna rest after baking?
It should sit for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
What herbs are mixed into the ricotta?
Fresh chopped parsley and oregano are mixed into the ricotta cheese.
How do I ensure the pumpkin sauce reaches the right consistency?
Gradually add 2-3 cups of water to the pumpkin puree and spices, stirring to achieve a sauce-like consistency.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the lasagna from overflowing in the oven?
You can place a baking sheet underneath the baking dish to catch any potential spills.
Why is a vegetable bouillon cube used?
The bouillon cube is added to the pumpkin sauce to enhance the savory flavor profile.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The two large garlic cloves should be minced.
How many eggs are needed for the ricotta mixture?
The recipe requires 2 eggs to be mixed with the ricotta.
What should I do if the ricotta mixture is too thick?
You can thin the mixture with a splash of milk until it becomes spreadable.
How should the onion and pepper be cooked initially?
They should be sautéed in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
What is the first layer of the lasagna?
The assembly begins with a thin layer of the pumpkin sauce at the bottom of the dish.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking, removing it in the last 10-15 minutes if you want to brown the top.
How many lasagna noodles are used?
The recipe calls for 8-12 dry lasagna noodles depending on your layering preference.