Description
A delicious creamy chicken lasagna layered with fresh spinach and cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles (Consider whole-wheat for a healthier twist.)
- 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time.)
- 6 cups Fresh Spinach (If using frozen, drain well.)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Swap with olive oil for a lighter touch.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic is ideal for robust flavor.)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch works as a gluten-free alternative.)
- 2 cups Milk (Opt for whole or plant-based to suit preference.)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or use half-and-half for a lighter creaminess.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Optional for warmth and earthiness.)
- 2 cups Ricotta or Cottage Cheese (Cream cheese is a suitable substitute.)
- 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Try provolone for a unique twist.)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can be a vegan option.)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley (Optional for garnish.)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, followed by heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Add a few tablespoons of the creamy sauce to this mixture, stirring gently until everything is well-coated and flavorful.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, then lay down three lasagna noodles. Top with half of the chicken and spinach mixture, dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese, a layer of mozzarella, and more sauce.
- Repeat these layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- You can customize the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg