Indulge in this irresistible lasagne, where tender chicken and creamy ricotta meet the vibrant flavours of pesto. Each layer is a symphony of taste, with the fresh basil in the pesto adding a delightful aromatic touch. It's so delicious, you'll want to make it again and again!
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas 4). Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the chicken breast into small pieces. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside.
In a blender, combine the ricotta cheese, whole milk, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Spread a thin layer of the white ricotta sauce on the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Top with a layer of the cooked chicken filling and a few generous spoonfuls of pesto. Place two lasagne sheets over the pesto and chicken. Repeat the layers: white ricotta sauce, chicken filling, pesto, and lasagne sheets. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is lasagne sheets.
Spread a final layer of white ricotta sauce over the top lasagne sheets. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Add a few more dollops of pesto and scatter the pine nuts over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminium foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Let the lasagne rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
For an extra flavour boost, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan before scattering them over the lasagne.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
To make ahead, assemble the lasagne and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.