Lasagna lovers, this one’s for you! Chicken Spinach Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite, layering tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese for a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Chicken spinach lasagna
Why Chicken Spinach Lasagna?
While traditional lasagna is typically made with ground beef, this version with chicken and spinach offers a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative. The chicken adds a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers of ricotta and melted cheese, while the spinach provides a boost of nutrients and freshness. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and healthiness.
This lasagna is also incredibly versatile. You can easily make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, providing richness and enhancing the flavor of the onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Onion & garlic: The aromatic base for the dish, adding depth and savory flavor to the sauce and filling.
- White mushrooms: Add an earthy, umami flavor and texture to the lasagna, complementing the chicken and spinach.
- Dried basil & oregano: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the lasagna with warm, savory flavors.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor, while also contributing nutrients and color to the dish.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The main protein, providing tender, flavorful bites that pair well with the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- Chicken stock & milk: Create the base for the sauce, combining to form a rich, creamy, and flavorful layer for the lasagna.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy consistency that coats the lasagna noodles and filling.
- Parmesan & mozzarella cheese: Add richness, creaminess, and a gooey, melted texture to the lasagna. Parmesan contributes a nutty, salty flavor, while mozzarella provides a stretchy, cheesy layer.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the lasagna with a crisp green salad. A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette will complement the creamy texture of the lasagna beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: For an even more comforting meal, serve this lasagna alongside slices of warm, buttery garlic bread. The crunch of the bread pairs perfectly with the soft, cheesy layers of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a burst of color to your meal with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli are great options to serve alongside your lasagna.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Spinach Lasagna
- Cook the Spinach First: Cooking the spinach before layering it into the lasagna ensures that it blends perfectly with the other ingredients. It also prevents excess moisture from watering down your dish.
- Layer Generously: When layering your lasagna, be generous with both the cheese and sauce. The creamy, cheesy layers are what make lasagna so comforting, so don’t be shy!
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve clean, intact slices.
A Cozy Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea or a dish to serve at your next gathering, Chicken Spinach Lasagna is sure to hit the spot. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor — everything you want in a lasagna, with a bit of extra goodness from the chicken and spinach. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides, and get ready for rave reviews!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna lovers, this one’s for you! Chicken Spinach Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite, layering tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese for a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 8 oz. white mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt divided
- 1 6 oz. bag fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups milk I used whole milk
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In medium-high heat, heat a large sauté pan. Add the oil and the onions, garlic, mushrooms, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt when heated. Sauté for 5 mins or until the mushrooms are softened, stirring occasionally. Before continuing to step 3, make sure all the liquid has evaporated from the mushrooms.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until the spinach is wilt. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the cooked chicken. Put it aside.
- In a small saucepan, mix chicken broth, milk, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt remaining. Bring to a slow simmer over medium heat. As soon as the mixture begins to bubble up around the edges, gradually whisk in the flour and simmer until thickened, around 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.
- In the bottom of the 10X10 square baking dish, place 1/2 cup sauce, top with 2 noodles, 1 cup chicken mixture, 1 cup mozzarella sauce, and 1/4 cup mozzarella, making sure the noodles are sauce-coated. Also, you can gently press it down. Repeat with three more layers of noodles, chicken, cheese, and sauce. Then there will be a little more sauce in the last layer and the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for a further 15 min. If necessary, broil the golden brown top for 2-3 minutes. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Sauce: If the sauce does not thicken, boil for 3-4 more minutes. Just make sure to keep on whisking so that your saucepan does not get stuck to the bottom. To further thicken the sauce, you also can whisk in an extra 1 tablespoon of flour, but I tend to find that if you let the sauce cook a little longer, it thickens on its own. Also, please remember that it will thicken the sauce even more once you stir in the Parmesan.
- 9 X 13 Pan: You could even bake lasagna in a 9X13 pan if wanted, but I would recommend that you double the recipe, else it won't be as thick as lasagna. The time for baking will be around the same time.
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Chicken spinach lasagna