Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

Chicken & Spinach Lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional dish that combines the rich, comforting layers we love with the added goodness of chicken and fresh spinach. This delicious recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavors and textures, making it a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a friendly gathering. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and your taste buds will thank you for the flavorful experience.

Why Make This Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

This Chicken & Spinach Lasagna is not just your average comfort food; it’s a hearty meal packed with protein and nutrients. The combination of shredded chicken and fresh spinach provides a delicious way to sneak some greens into your diet, especially if you have picky eaters at home. Additionally, the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create a rich, gooey texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a lasagna aficionado or a novice, this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and sure to impress.

How to Make Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

Making Chicken & Spinach Lasagna is straightforward and enjoyable! You’ll layer all your delicious ingredients into a baking dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the oven. This recipe not only saves you time but also delivers a meal that’s ideal for leftovers, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles
• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Fresh spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic and onion until softened.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chicken, sautéed spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
6. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta-chicken-spinach mixture, a layer of mozzarella cheese, and more marinara sauce.
7. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara and mozzarella.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately one slice):

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 28g

How to Serve Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

This dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot out of the oven with a simple green salad to complement the flavors. A glass of your favorite red wine pairs beautifully with the richness of the lasagna. For a cozy dinner, consider adding garlic bread on the side for soaking up the extra sauce!

How to Store Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and flavor that frozen spinach can’t match.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the shredded chicken with additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables such as zucchini in place of noodles.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it and shred it before adding it to the ricotta mixture.

2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese can be a great alternative if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. You can also blend silken tofu for a dairy-free version.

3. How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding herbs like fresh basil or oregano to the layers. A sprinkle of nutmeg in the cheese mixture can also elevate the flavors.

4. Can I prepare this dish without marinara sauce?
Absolutely! A white sauce or Alfredo works well as a delicious alternative for a creamy twist.

5. How long does it take to thaw a frozen lasagna?
Typically, it takes about 8 hours to thaw in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing, leave it at room temperature for about an hour.

6. How can I avoid soggy lasagna?
Make sure to drain excess moisture from ingredients like cooked spinach and be sure not to over-sauce your layers.

7. Is it necessary to cover the lasagna while baking?
Covering helps the top not to burn while allowing the cheese to melt. Just remember to remove the foil towards the end for a bubbly, golden top.

8. Can I add cheese to the layers other than mozzarella?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like gouda, fontina, or even provolone for added flavor.

9. How do I make sure my lasagna cuts nicely when served?
Let it cool for a few minutes after baking before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes servings cleaner.

10. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This lasagna is perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out accordingly after cooking, and enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion

Chicken & Spinach Lasagna is a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners. We encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you! Share your experience in the comments, and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful dish!

Chicken & Spinach Lasagna

A delightful twist on the traditional lasagna, combining rich layers with shredded chicken and fresh spinach, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Lasagna Assembly

• 12 oz Lasagna noodles Regular or gluten-free noodles.
• 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• 4 cups Fresh spinach Washed and chopped.
• 15 oz Ricotta cheese Could substitute with cottage cheese for lower fat.
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded For layering and topping.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For topping.
• 28 oz Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.

Sauté Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced Adds flavor.
• 1 medium Onion, chopped For depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
• 1 tsp Black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning For added herb flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic and onion until softened.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Assembly

1. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread a layer of the ricotta-chicken-spinach mixture over the noodles.
4. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and then another layer of marinara sauce.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara and mozzarella.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
3. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a green salad and pair with a glass of red wine. For meal prep, portion accordingly after cooking and store for the week. Can freeze for up to 3 months.