Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish

JUMP TO RECIPE

There’s something undeniably comforting about lasagna. Whether it’s the thought of a warm, cheesy dish waiting for you after a long day or the sense of nostalgia it brings during family gatherings, lasagna has a special place in our hearts. But when you combine the creamy richness of chicken, the freshness of spinach, and layers of gooey cheese, you create a lasagna that’s even more satisfying. Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna is an ideal choice for those who crave comfort food with a twist.

If you’re tired of the traditional meat lasagna and are looking for something lighter yet just as hearty, this creamy chicken spinach lasagna recipe is for you. With a simple blend of ingredients like tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you want to serve up something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This article will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the steps are simple, and the result is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Hearty and Flavorful Ingredients

When you prepare Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna, you’re not just cooking a dish; you’re bringing a symphony of flavors together. The main ingredients come together harmoniously, each adding its unique touch to the overall taste. Here’s a closer look at what makes this lasagna so special:

• Olive Oil: It’s the base of your sautéing, providing both flavor and healthy fats.
• Onion & Garlic: These ingredients bring a warm, savory aroma and create a flavorful base for the dish.
• White Mushrooms: Mushrooms add an earthy depth to the recipe, balancing the richness of the sauce and chicken.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach not only adds vibrant color but also provides essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that’s the perfect addition to this creamy lasagna.
• Herbs and Spices (Basil, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes): These herbs elevate the flavor, giving the dish that extra depth of flavor that makes every bite delightful.

The creamy sauce is the real star of this dish. With a base of chicken stock, milk, and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is velvety and rich, perfectly complementing the layers of tender chicken and spinach. The slight nutmeg adds a touch of warmth, making it irresistible. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Creamy Sauce That Brings It All Together

The secret to the ultimate creamy lasagna lies in the sauce. The combination of whole milk, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s not only rich in flavor but also perfectly smooth and creamy. The subtle hint of nutmeg adds a unique twist that takes this lasagna from good to extraordinary.

The consistency of the sauce is crucial, and by using a slurry (a mix of flour and stock), you ensure that the sauce thickens just enough to coat the lasagna noodles without being overly runny.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this comforting dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 1/2 tablespoons
Chopped onion	1 cup
Minced garlic	2 tablespoons
White mushrooms (thinly sliced)	8 ounces
Dried basil	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes	1/2 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1 1/4 teaspoons, divided
Fresh baby spinach	1 (6 oz) bag
Shredded cooked chicken	2 cups
Low-sodium chicken stock	2 cups
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup
Whole milk	2 cups
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Shredded Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
No-boil lasagna noodles	8 pieces
Shredded mozzarella cheese	1 1/4 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Preparing the Filling

The first step in making your creamy chicken spinach lasagna is to create the flavorful filling. Here’s how to start:

1. Heat the olive oil: Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Then, add the sliced white mushrooms, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their moisture.
3. Add the spinach: Once the mushrooms have cooked down, stir in the fresh spinach. Continue cooking until it wilts and releases moisture, which should evaporate quickly.
4. Add the chicken: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Set this mixture aside.

Tip: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts in advance to save time.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Next, let’s create the luxurious creamy sauce that ties everything together:

1. Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of chicken stock and the flour. This slurry will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
2. Simmer the sauce: In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, milk, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to simmer, gradually whisk in the slurry.
3. Thicken the sauce: Keep simmering for 5-8 minutes while stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a smooth consistency.
4. Add Parmesan cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Tip: If you want an even richer sauce, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.

Assembling the Lasagna

Once you’ve prepared the filling and sauce, it’s time to layer your lasagna:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of the creamy sauce in the bottom of a 10×10-inch baking dish. Place 2 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Follow with 1 cup of the chicken-spinach mixture, then 1 cup of the creamy sauce, and finally, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Repeat the layering process: Continue layering the noodles, chicken mixture, sauce, and cheese until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Gently press down on the layers to make sure the noodles are fully covered with sauce.
4. Top it off: Finish with a final layer of sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover and bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake again: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to turn golden.
3. Broil for a golden finish: For that perfect golden top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Tip: Rest the lasagna for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Tips and Variations for Your Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Customizing the Recipe

This lasagna is incredibly versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shredded chicken with plant-based protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. If you’re looking for an even heartier texture, you could add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you need to make this dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure that your chicken stock is also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
• More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add ricotta, fontina, or provolone cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy this lasagna, here are some ways to prepare it in advance:

• Assemble and refrigerate: You can assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Freeze for later: This lasagna freezes well. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, cook from frozen for 50-60 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I make this creamy chicken spinach lasagna gluten-free?

To make this lasagna gluten-free, substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the chicken stock, are also gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred it and stir it into the filling mixture.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too runny?

Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking. This will help the sauce set and make it easier to slice. Be sure that the noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze it for later.

Conclusion: A Family Favorite to Enjoy Again and Again

This creamy chicken spinach lasagna is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich, creamy sauce, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this lasagna is sure to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a plate of this comforting lasagna with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family – they’ll love it!

Ready to cook? Try this recipe today, and let the creamy goodness of chicken, spinach, and cheese take center stage on your dinner table

Print