Creamy white chicken and spinach lasagna layered with tender shredded chicken, a creamy spinach alfredo white sauce, a ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey shredded mozzarella on top is the most comforting, creamiest, and cheesiest white lasagna ever. It’s super easy to prepare this delicious and flavourful chicken lasagna ahead of time, it freezes beautifully both before and after cooking, and reheats really well.
This creamy white chicken and spinach lasagna is a great alternative to a classic meat lasagna or a vegetarian lasagna, and so delicious in its own right. Every bite of this lasagna just hits the spot, it is so good. If you like this lasagna, then you will love our other Italian-inspired favorites like easy chicken parmesan, cheesy tortellini and sausage bake, and shrimp fettuccini alfredo pasta bake.
Table of Contents
In creamy chicken and spinach lasagna, what are the layers?
- Lasagna Layer:
Think soft lasagna noodles, boiled with a touch of olive oil and a pinch of salt for that perfect texture. - Creamy Spinach White Sauce Layer:
We’re talking about a luscious layer made with olive oil, onion, garlic, and a chicken broth magic (or a combo of chicken bouillon powder and water). Throw in some all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) to thicken things up, add a splash of heavy cream, and let fresh baby spinach work its wonders. - Chicken Layer:
This part is all about the chicken goodness. Imagine a generous 1 pound (or 3 cups) of shredded chicken. You can easily grab a rotisserie chicken from the store or whip up your own – roasted spatchcock chicken, Dutch oven whole roast chicken, or even a Greek lemon garlic whole roast chicken. And if you’re feeling fancy, a slow cooker whole chicken will do the trick too. - Cheese Layer:
Let the cheese party begin! It’s a blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, an egg to bind it all together, and a sprinkle of parsley for that fresh kick. - Shredded Cheese Layer on Top:
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the final touch. A layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top, creating that golden, gooey magic when it all comes together.
So, there you have it – your very own lasagna masterpiece, layer by delicious layer. Time to dive in.
Why We Love chicken and spinach lasagna
- Tailor this dish with your favorite herbs or adjust the quantities to match your taste.
- Crafted with straightforward ingredients available at any local grocery store.
- Ready in around an hour, making it an ideal, hearty weeknight meal for the entire family.
Tools for this recipe
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna recipe video
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna ingredients and instructions:
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or cooked breasts)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups creamy Alfredo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Noodles
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package specifications.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Mix Filling
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- Cover the bottom of a baking dish with a thin coating of Alfredo sauce.
- Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the chicken and spinach mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of Alfredo sauce.
Step 5: Repeat
- Place another layer of 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread the remaining chicken and spinach mixture over them.
- Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese and another drizzle of Alfredo sauce.
Step 6: Final Layer
- Top with the final three lasagna noodles.
- Over the noodles, drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce.
Step 7: Cheesy Finish
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 20 minutes with the baking dish covered with aluminum foil.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Enjoy
- Allow to cool somewhat before slicing and serving the lasagna.
- Each bite of this Creamy White Chicken and Spinach Lasagna offers a delightful combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the earthy freshness of spinach.
This Creamy White Chicken and Spinach Lasagna is a heartwarming dish that brings together comfort and elegance on a single plate. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family on cozy evenings or special occasions.
Chicken and spinach lasagna Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
| Calories | 400 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| – Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Vitamin A | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 15% |
| Calcium | 20% |
| Iron | 10% |
Chicken and spinach lasagna health benefits
- Rich in Protein: Shredded chicken provides a high amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium for Bone Health: The cheese and Alfredo sauce contribute to the calcium content, supporting bone strength.
- Vitamin A: Spinach and cheese provide a good amount of vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function.
- Iron: Spinach adds iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Heart Health: Olive oil used in the Alfredo sauce is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Antioxidants: Garlic and spinach are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage.
- Digestive Health: The fiber from spinach aids in digestion and maintains a healthy gut.
- Immune Support: Garlic has immune-boosting properties due to its antibacterial and antiviral compounds.
- Energy Boost: Carbohydrates from the lasagna noodles provide a quick source of energy.
- Balanced Meal: This lasagna combines protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Keep any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- · Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze it before baking or after it’s fully cooled.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Put a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate. Cover and heat on medium power for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.
Reuse Ideas:
- Lasagna Rolls: Take the lasagna noodles and roll them up with the chicken and spinach mixture inside. Place in a baking dish, cover with Alfredo sauce, and bake until heated through.
- Lasagna Soup: Cut the leftover lasagna into bite-sized pieces and add to a pot with chicken broth and extra spinach for a hearty soup.
- Lasagna Stuffed Peppers: Use the leftover lasagna filling to stuff bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Enjoy your creamy, delicious Chicken and Spinach Lasagna.
Substitutions and Variations
- Canned Chicken: If you have canned chicken on hand, feel free to use it in this recipe.
- Frozen Spinach: Substitute fresh spinach with a package of frozen spinach. Just thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the lasagna.
- Lean Ground Turkey: Prefer a lighter option? Use lean ground turkey or even leftover turkey from the holidays.
- Oven-Ready Lasagna: Save time by using oven-ready lasagna noodles. You can assemble the dish without pre-boiling the noodles.
FAQ’s
Q. What vegetables can I put in lasagna?
Lasagna is versatile and can be packed with a variety of vegetables while still tasting cheesy, creamy, and delicious! Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and even broccoli to keep the texture smooth and avoid lumpiness.
Q. How do I store lasagna?
This dish is perfect for meal prep! After allowing it to cool completely, store the lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, or in the microwave.
Q. Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. Once baked and cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven, covered with foil.
Q. What is the correct layering for lasagna?
1. Start with Sauce: Begin by spreading a thin layer of your chosen sauce (usually marinara or meat sauce) on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds flavor from the first bite.
2. First Layer of Noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. It’s okay if they overlap slightly, but try to cover the sauce completely.
3. Cheese Mixture: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg (to help bind it), grated Parmesan, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and parsley over the noodles. This adds a creamy, rich texture.
4. More Sauce: Add another layer of your sauce over the cheese mixture. Ensure its spread evenly.
5. Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This will melt beautifully and create that gooey, cheesy layer that makes lasagna so delightful.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process starting with another layer of noodles, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Typically, you’ll end up with three to four layers, depending on the depth of your dish.
7. Top Layer: Finish with a layer of noodles, a generous amount of sauce, and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This top layer will become beautifully browned and bubbly during baking.
8. Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake in a preheated oven. In the last 10-15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and get slightly crispy.
Following these steps ensures that your lasagna is evenly layered, well-cooked, and perfectly balanced in flavors and textures. Enjoy your delicious, homemade lasagna.
Q. How do you make lasagna not crispy?
To keep your lasagna delightfully moist and tender instead of crispy, try these tips:
1. Saucy Layers: Ensure each layer of your lasagna is generously coated with sauce. This helps keep the noodles moist during baking, preventing them from drying out and becoming crispy.
2. Proper Noodle Preparation: Cook your lasagna noodles until they are just al dente, meaning they’re cooked but still have a slight firmness to them. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy, while undercooked ones can absorb too much moisture from the sauce, leading to crispy edges.
3. Sauce on Top: Before covering your lasagna with cheese for baking, spread an extra layer of sauce on top of the noodles. This additional moisture helps create a barrier that prevents the cheese from crisping to much during baking.
4. Cover with Foil: While baking, cover your lasagna with aluminum foil for the majority of the cooking time. This traps steam and moisture inside, keeping the noodles soft and preventing excessive crispiness. Remove the foil towards the end of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
5. Rest Before Serving: Let your lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to settle and the excess moisture to redistribute, resulting in a more cohesive and less crispy texture when sliced and served.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your lasagna turns out perfectly tender, moist, and utterly delicious, with no crispy surprises.
