If you are craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying meal, this Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe might just become your new favorite. It combines tender shredded chicken with vibrant spinach and layers of luscious cheeses all enveloped in a velvety, homemade cream sauce that turns traditional lasagna into something truly spectacular. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers both elegance and homestyle comfort effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe plays a crucial role, from building the creamy sauce to lending texture and freshness to the filling. Gathering simple, quality ingredients makes for a dish that’s both approachable and impressive.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked al dente to provide tender yet firm layers that hold everything together perfectly.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient and flavorful, it adds juicy protein without extra fuss.
- Olive oil: Used to soften the onions for a sweet, mellow base.
- Onion: Finely chopped to infuse gentle aroma and natural sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich roux that thickens the cream sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent giving the sauce that luscious, velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the cream sauce.
- Half and half: Brings creaminess without overwhelming richness; can be substituted with heavy cream and milk.
- Fresh spinach: Coarsely chopped to add a burst of color and subtle earthiness.
- Sea salt: Enhances every element’s natural flavor.
- Black pepper: Provides just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- Garlic: Minced to impart a fragrant zing in the sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: Contributes a creamy, tangy filling that ties the layers together.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for a smooth texture.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for nutty, savory depth.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and divided to melt into gooey, golden goodness on top and between layers.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cooking the lasagna noodles until they are just al dente. Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. While the noodles cool, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces—this will give you tender, juicy chicken pieces ready to layer.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
In a large skillet, gently sauté the finely chopped onions in olive oil until translucent and soft. Then add the butter and whisk in the flour, cooking until it turns a gentle golden color to create a flavorful roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring steadily until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully smooth. At the last minute, stir in the minced garlic and fresh chopped spinach, allowing the greens to soften slightly without losing their vibrant color. Remove from heat to keep the flavors fresh.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, two cups of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. The egg works behind the scenes to make this mixture silky and cohesive, while the cheeses create layers of creamy richness that perfectly complement the chicken and spinach.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of the luscious spinach cream sauce across the bottom. Layer three noodles on top to create a sturdy foundation. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the shredded chicken, and another third of the spinach sauce. Repeat these layers for a hearty stack of flavor. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining cream sauce, and sprinkle with the last cup of mozzarella cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly topping once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil, using toothpicks to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese. Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt fully. In the last few minutes, remove the foil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown crust on top. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes—this step helps the lasagna set, making it easier to slice and absolutely scrumptious to eat.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Bring some extra freshness and visual appeal by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over each slice. A light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese on top right before serving adds a flavorful finishing touch that makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This creamy spin on lasagna pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides such as a bright mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also fantastic to sop up every last bit of that rich cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style presentation, serve the lasagna directly from the baking dish garnished artistically with fresh herbs. Alternatively, for a dinner party flair, plate individual servings with a drizzle of olive oil and a few cherry tomatoes on the side, adding a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful, making for easy next-day meals that taste just as good as fresh.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, until heated through—usually about 20-30 minutes. A quick broil afterward revives the cheesy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts by poaching or baking and then shred them for use in this recipe. Using rotisserie chicken simply saves time and adds some extra roasted flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe heavily depends on dairy for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, but you could experiment with plant-based cheeses and dairy-free milk alternatives. Keep in mind, the texture and taste will be quite different.
Can I prepare the lasagna completely ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, take it out of the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to baking time since it will be cold.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The lasagna is ready when the baking time has passed, the sauce is bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Letting it rest also helps everything set nicely.
Can I add other vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers would complement the creamy chicken and spinach beautifully. Just sauté them slightly before layering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any table. It’s an unbeatable combination of creamy comfort and wholesome ingredients, made simple but impressive enough to share with loved ones. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how effortlessly delicious homemade lasagna can be!
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Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Chicken Lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy ricotta mixture, fresh spinach in a velvety béchamel sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection and finished with a golden mozzarella topping, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Chicken
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (or equal parts heavy cream and milk)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly. Shred your rotisserie chicken finely.
- Make the Spinach Cream Sauce: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add butter and whisk in the flour, cooking until the mixture turns golden. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half until the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in minced garlic and chopped spinach, then remove from heat.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of spinach cream sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, half of the shredded chicken, and one-third of the spinach cream sauce. Repeat this layering sequence once more. Finish with the remaining noodles, remaining spinach sauce, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Cover the baking dish with foil, using toothpicks to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After baking, uncover the lasagna and broil it for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to keep the foil from sticking to the cheese while baking.
- Rinsing the noodles with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.
- Half and half can be substituted with equal parts heavy cream and milk for a richer sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
