If you love chicken and spinach, you can easily make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna at home. This is a favorite dish of everyone, and you can enjoy it with ease, as this article provides a very easy, step-by-step recipe.
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna: Everyone’s Favorite Dish
- Lasagna is a favorite and is often made in most American homes, but you can make it in a delicious way with this beef and tomato-based recipe. When you’re craving something creamy, light, or fresh, this Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is the first thing you’ll make.
- In this recipe, tender chicken with fresh spinach is combined with creamy ricotta and a velvety white sauce, layered between a pasta dish and baked until golden.
- Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or welcoming guests, this recipe is perfect for everyone, as it’s nutritious and comforting in every bite.
Why I love this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna:
- This recipe is light and creamy because the white sauce base doesn’t make it too heavy and tastes amazing.
- This recipe is family-friendly, as even fussy eaters will love it.
- This recipe is easy to prepare in advance, as it can be prepped and then baked later.
- It’s packed with nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly, so you can cook it in batches and store it.
All Required Ingredients:
Chicken Filling Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized, finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked or chopped chicken breast
- 3 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 4 cups fresh pate, or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy White Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups warm milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cheese Mix Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Lasagna Ingredients:
- 9 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 10 to 12 lasagna noodles, oven-baked or regular
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna:
1. Preparing the Chicken and Spinach Filling
- Use a skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 to 35 seconds.
- Add the spinach and continue cooking until wilted. If using frozen spinach, check that the water is completely drained.
- Add the shredded chicken and stir. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper to taste. Serve.
Tips – If you prefer a more flavorful dish, consider using rotisserie chicken, as it’s very juicy and comes pre-marinated.
2. Making the Creamy White Sauce
- Use a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt.
- Add the flour to the pan and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add the hot milk, then the chicken broth, whisking well until smooth.
- Sprinkle with pepper, nutmeg, and salt, then add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce and until it becomes creamy.
- Remove the mixture from the heat.
Tips: If your sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little milk and whisk to thin it out.
3. Preparing the Cheese Mix
- Use a mixing bowl and add the ingredients as directed:
- Eggs, ricotta, pepper, and mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Tip: Add basil or fresh parsley for added flavor.
4. Baking the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom and arrange three or four lasagna noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the chicken and spinach filling over the noodles.
- Then, add a few drops of the ricotta mixture and spread it evenly over the dish.
- Drizzle the white sauce over the layer.
- Repeat the same process for the chicken, spinach, noodles, ricotta, and sauce.
- Garnish with the remaining white sauce, noodles, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella for a classic look.
Tips – Check that the noodles are completely covered with sauce so they don’t dry out or look dry.
5. Baking the Lasagna
- Lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil. This prevents sticking; be careful not to cover it completely.
- Continue baking for 22 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 22 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
- If you want finer slicing, let it rest for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips – If you let the mixture rest for a while, you can slice each layer evenly as it sets.
Serving Tips for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna:
- Serve with buttered breadsticks or garlic bread.
- For balance, serve with a garden salad or a fresh Caesar salad.
- For a classic twist, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Freezing:
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for three to four days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three months.
- Reheating: Reheat whole at 350°F for baking, or microwave in portions.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna:
- 420 calories
- 34 grams of carbohydrates
- 28 grams of protein
- 18 grams of fat
- 3 grams of fiber
- Values may vary depending on the ingredients used.
FAQ about Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna.
Q. Can frozen spinach be used?
Yes! To avoid watery lasagna, thaw thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water.
Q. How to prevent watery lasagna?
Drain your spinach thoroughly.
Then thicken the white sauce and simmer over low heat.
Be sure to cool the lasagna slightly after baking.
Q, Can I make Chicken and Spinach Lasagna in advance?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 20 to 24 hours before baking.
Q. Which chicken can I use?
You should always use shredded rotisserie chicken, or leftover baked chicken works great.
Q, Can I use ricotta cheese instead?
Yes! You can use creamy cheese or cottage cheese as an alternative.
Q. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles, then replace the rox in the white sauce with rice flour or cornstarch.
Q. Can I add vegetables to this creamy chicken and spinach lasagna?
Yes! Assemble everything first and refrigerate overnight to thaw, then bake according to the instructions.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is a delicious take on a traditional Italian classic, combining hearty spinach with creamy, cheesy, and tender chicken. It’s a dish that’s incredibly comforting yet refreshing.
If you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to win everyone at the table because it combines so many flavors.
When you’re craving lasagna, ditch the typical beef lasagna and try this light and satisfying Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a household favorite.
Make Chicken and Spinach Lasagna this weekend or right now and enjoy it with your family.