Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is a creamy and comforting dish, perfect for when you crave a delicious and hearty meal. Layers of tender pasta, savory chicken, fresh spinach, and a smooth, cheesy sauce come together in this satisfying lasagna. With a hint of Italian herbs and a golden, bubbly top, this lasagna will surely be a family favorite. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and sneak in some veggies!
Ingredients
For 4 servings
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (such as McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Italian Seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened to room temperature
Lasagna:
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
- 8 dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions and cut in half
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups sautéed baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Make the sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until it slightly darkens.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 6 minutes.
- Remove from heat, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, ground white pepper, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Spoon about ¼ cup of the sauce into the baking dish. Layer with 3 lasagna noodle halves, ¼ cup ricotta mixture, ⅔ cup chicken, ⅔ cup mozzarella, ⅔ cup sautéed spinach, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, ½ cup sauce, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Repeat the layers twice more. On the final layer, pour the remaining sauce, then top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Bake the lasagna:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set for easier slicing.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of a homemade white sauce with layers of chicken and fresh spinach. It’s a wonderful dish to enjoy with family or friends, and any leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Enjoy each rich, cheesy bite of this classic with a modern twist!