Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or about 2 lbs cooked chicken breast)
For the Spinach Cream Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or equal parts of heavy cream and milk)
- 5 oz fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Ricotta Cheese Sauce:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz by weight, divided; reserve 1 cup for topping)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, cooking until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking your own chicken breast, season it with salt and pepper, then cook it until fully done (about 15-20 minutes), and shred the meat.
3. Make the Spinach Cream Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in butter, and once melted, add the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce is thick and creamy.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the spinach cream sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken.
- Spoon a layer of spinach cream sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, the remaining chicken, more spinach cream sauce, and another sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- For the final layer, add the last 3 lasagna noodles and top with the remaining spinach cream sauce and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it to allow the layers to set.
7. Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley or grated parmesan if desired.
Q & A:
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid extra moisture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can omit the chicken and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You could also add some ricotta and mozzarella to the filling for added richness.
Benefits:
- Packed with Protein: The shredded chicken and ricotta cheese provide a healthy dose of protein.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of spinach and creamy sauces makes this lasagna rich and satisfying.
- Great for Meal Prep: This lasagna stores well and can be reheated for easy meals throughout the week.
- Comforting and Delicious: A classic twist on traditional lasagna that is sure to please any crowd!
This Chicken Lasagna is the ultimate comfort meal with creamy spinach sauce, tender chicken, and a gooey cheesy topping. It’s perfect for any occasion! 🍝