Chicken Lasagna with Spinach: A Warm Hug in a Baking Dish
Picture this: a chilly evening, the light from the kitchen window spills onto the patio as the sun sets. The aroma of garlic mingles with fresh herbs, curling through the air and beckoning loved ones to gather around the table. This isn’t just any meal; it’s Chicken Lasagna with Spinach, a comforting recipe that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. With each layer of rich, cheesy goodness, my heart sings; this is a dish that has graced many family dinners and cozy gatherings over the years.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dust off that lasagna pan and embark on this delicious journey? Here are just a few reasons:
- Quick Prep: Prepping this dish can be done in 30 minutes, making it a simple dinner option for busy weeknights.
- Cozy Flavors: The combination of creamy cheeses, seasoned chicken, and vibrant spinach envelops you in comforting flavor with every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner with friends, this dish is always a hit.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe using what you have on hand, making it a perfect way to clean out the fridge.
- Make Ahead: This lasagna can be assembled a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create your masterpiece of Chicken Lasagna with Spinach, gather the following ingredients:
- Lasagna Noodles: Use standard or no-boil noodles. If you want a gluten-free option, try zucchini slices instead.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced; use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken for convenience.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) works well. Spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy ingredient provides richness. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates that lovable gooeyness. You can substitute with part-skim for fewer calories.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if possible! It adds depth of flavor; however, shelf-stable works too.
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; look for a brand with no added sugars for healthier options.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced. Garlic awakens the senses with its savory aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil and oregano enhances that homemade goodness.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This easy meal is surprisingly quick and well worth your effort for that comforting, homemade vibe.
How to Make Chicken Lasagna with Spinach
Ready to dive in? Let’s assemble your Chicken Lasagna with Spinach step-by-step:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly baked lasagna.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Toss in your spinach, stirring until it wilts down. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the base. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the shredded chicken and half of the spinach mixture.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Spread half of the cheese mixture over the chicken and spinach, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat these layers until you have used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with tomato sauce and the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning), and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it Rest: Take your lasagna out and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers to hold together.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to sneak in other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara for an extra kick.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavors even more when sprinkled on before serving.
- Make it Cheesy: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy delight.
Serving Ideas
Pair your Chicken Lasagna with Spinach with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and some garlic bread. A lovely glass of white wine or a sparkling water with lemon will elevate your meal. Picture this: friends gathered around the table, laughter shared over delightful bites, and smiles all around.
Storing and Reheating
This lasagna is perfect for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you prefer, you can even freeze it! Just cover tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.
Pro Tips for Success
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Use a rotisserie chicken to save time!
- Oven to Table: Invest in a beautiful baking dish that can go from oven to table for an elegant presentation.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to your marinara sauce for depth.
- Layer Smart: Alternate cheese and meat layers for more balanced flavor in every bite.
FAQs
- Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! It freezes beautifully; just make sure to thaw properly before reheating.
- What’s the best substitute for ricotta cheese? You can use cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Just sauté them until tender before adding to the layers.
Conclusion
Chicken Lasagna with Spinach isn’t merely a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories around the dinner table, to gather those you love, and share stories over every delightful bite. This dish is a celebration of flavors, rich textures, and home-cooked love. Don’t just keep it to yourself—share this warm, comforting creation with your loved ones, knowing that each bite brings joy and connection. Happy cooking!
Contents
Chicken Lasagna with Spinach
Ingredients
Pasta and Main Ingredients
- 9 sheets Lasagna Noodles Use standard or no-boil noodles, or zucchini slices for a gluten-free option.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast Shredded or diced; leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken recommended.
- 2 cups Spinach Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) works well.
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Consider using Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded; part-skim for fewer calories.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated preferred.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade; look for low-sugar options.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced garlic awakens the senses.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning This enhances the homemade flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the spinach, stirring until it wilts down. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Assembly
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the base. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the shredded chicken and half of the spinach mixture.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the chicken and spinach, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with tomato sauce and the remaining mozzarella.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.