Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagne

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagne: A Midweek Marvel

Fancy a bit of comfort food that's also secretly healthy? Honestly, who doesn't? This chicken and spinach lasagne is exactly what you need.

It's proper tasty, packed with goodness, and way easier to make than you might think. It's like a big hug in a dish!

What's the Craic with this Lasagne?

This chicken and spinach lasagne recipe isn't your nonna's traditional ragu. It’s inspired by Italian flavours but adapted for ease and accessibility in the modern kitchen.

We’re talking tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a super creamy béchamel sauce . Think of it as an Italian chicken and spinach lasagne , but made for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

It's a medium difficulty recipe and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish. This recipe will feed about 6-8 people.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Lasagne with Ricotta

One of the main benefits is that this creamy chicken lasagne recipe is packed with protein and sneaky greens perfect for getting the kids to eat their veggies.

It's also amazing for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a comforting meal on a chilly evening. What makes this easy chicken spinach lasagne special? The combination of the savory chicken, the mild spinach, and that dreamy béchamel sauce recipe .

You know? It just works.

Let's get the ingredients lined up!

Getting Your Gear Ready: Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Chicken and Spinach Lasagne

So, you want to make a chicken and spinach lasagne . Awesome! Before we dive into this creamy chicken lasagne recipe , let's make sure you have everything you need.

Honestly, you don't need fancy equipment, just the basics. Remember that time I tried making lasagna with a potato peeler instead of a knife? Disaster! Learn from my mistakes, people!

Main Ingredients for Chicken Spinach Lasagne

Alright, let's talk grub. Here's the lowdown on what you need for this Italian chicken and spinach lasagne :

• Olive Oil : 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ) This is for sauteeing our aromatics and browning the chicken.
• Onion : 1 large , finely chopped (approx. 150g ). Get a nice yellow one. They're sweeter.
• Garlic : 2 cloves , minced (approx. 6g ). Fresh is best, trust me.
• Chicken Breast : 1.5 lbs , boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces (approx. 680g ). Quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for organic or free range if you can.
• Dried Oregano : 1 tsp ( 5ml ). Oregano is the real MVP to make that amazing chicken and spinach lasagne recipe.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (optional) ( 2.5ml ). If you like a little kick.
• Salt and Pepper : To taste. Don't be shy!
• Spinach : 10 oz , fresh, washed, and roughly chopped (approx. 280g ). Make sure it's super clean or your chicken lasagne with ricotta will taste like dirt
• Ricotta Cheese : 8 oz (approx. 225g ). Full fat is where it's at! Seriously!
• Parmesan Cheese : ½ cup , grated (approx. 50g ). Freshly grated is always better.
• Egg : 1 large , lightly beaten. This helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Butter : 4 tbsp ( 56g ). Unsalted. For the béchamel sauce recipe .
• Flour : 4 tbsp ( 32g ). All-purpose.
• Milk : 4 cups ( 950ml ). Whole milk. Gives you that super creamy sauce!
• Ground Nutmeg : ½ tsp ( 2.5ml ). A pinch adds magic to the béchamel.
• White Pepper : To taste.
• Lasagne Noodles : 12-15 , no-boil (or equivalent in fresh pasta sheets). No-boil noodles are a lifesaver!
• Mozzarella Cheese : 1 cup , shredded (approx. 100g ). Low-moisture mozzarella melts best.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!

Oregano, salt, and pepper are your base. Nutmeg elevates the béchamel sauce recipe . Red pepper flakes? Only if you’re feeling brave! Swap oregano with Italian herbs for extra zing!

Essential Equipment for Easy Chicken Spinach Lasagne

You don’t need a kitchen the size of Wembley stadium to make this chicken and spinach lasagne . You do need:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

No whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. No baking dish? A deep casserole dish works too. Easy peasy!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Lasagne : Your Weeknight Winner

Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're about to dive headfirst into making a chicken and spinach lasagne that'll knock your socks off.

Seriously, forget that ready meal rubbish. This is proper comfort food, but surprisingly easy! A creamy chicken lasagne recipe is a hug in a dish.

I can remember the first time I had a chicken and spinach lasagne , it was pure heaven, a symphony of textures and flavors!

Prep Like a Pro: The "Mise en Place" Magic

• First things first: chop your onion (1 large), mince the garlic (2 cloves), and dice the chicken (1.5 lbs).
• Wash and roughly chop your spinach (10 oz). Honestly, you can even use the pre-washed stuff, no shame in that.
• Get all your ingredients measured out.
• Safety first! Wash your hands and keep raw chicken away from everything else.

From Pan to Plate: Your step-by-step Guide

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil (1 tbsp) until softened. It should only take 5 minutes .
2. Add chicken, oregano (1 tsp), red pepper flakes (0.5 tsp, if you're feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
3. Throw in the spinach. Cook until it wilts down. Drain any extra liquid.
4. Mix ricotta (8 oz), Parmesan (0.5 cup), and egg (1 large) in a bowl. Season it, too.
5. Make your béchamel sauce recipe : melt butter (4 tbsp), whisk in flour (4 tbsp), then slowly add milk (4 cups) while whisking. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thick. Season with nutmeg (0.5 tsp), salt, and white pepper.
6. Assemble! Spread a thin layer of béchamel, then noodles (12-15), chicken mixture, ricotta mix, more béchamel. Repeat.
7. Top with mozzarella (1 cup). Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Important : the residual heat will finish cooking the lasagne.

Pro Tips and Sneaky Shortcuts

• For an easy chicken spinach lasagne , don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is a crime against humanity.
• A good quality béchamel sauce recipe is key. Don't skimp.
• Want spinach lasagne variations ? Add mushrooms!
• Avoid watery lasagne by draining the spinach well. Squeeze the excess moisture before adding it to the chicken and spinach mixture, it really stops you getting a soggy bottom.
• Common mistake? Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.

There you have it! You've conquered the italian chicken and spinach lasagne mountain. Go forth and impress!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Chicken Lasagne Recipe

Alright, you've got the creamy chicken lasagne recipe . Let's make sure it turns out top-notch! Honestly, even the best italian chicken and spinach lasagne recipe needs a little tweaking sometimes, right?

Here are my extra thoughts and helpful suggestions for an easy chicken and spinach lasagne that'll knock your socks off!

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Think about your presentation. A simple sprig of basil on top works wonders! I like serving this chicken lasagne with ricotta alongside a vibrant green salad.

The slight bitterness cuts through the richness perfectly. You could also pop some crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up all that delicious sauce.

I've even been known to crack open a bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio. That stuff is great.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Who are you and how did that happen? Jokes aside, let the chicken and spinach lasagne cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or popping it into an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . You can also freeze it. Just wrap it well in cling film, then foil.

It's good in the freezer for up to 3 months . When reheating, bake it covered at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, then remove the foil to let the top get golden brown.

This is a great way to ensure a delicious and easy chicken spinach lasagne every time!

Variations: Spice It Up!

Fancy a change? Want some delicious spinach lasagne variations ? For a gluten-free chicken lasagne , simply use gluten-free lasagne sheets.

Honestly, no one will even notice the difference! If you're watching the calories, you could swap the full fat ricotta for a lighter version.

Or, for a bit of kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the béchamel sauce recipe . You could try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the chicken and spinach mixture.

It makes a delicious vegetarian or one-pan chicken spinach lasagne.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness

This chicken and spinach lasagne isn't just tasty; it's got some good stuff in it too! You're getting a decent dose of protein from the chicken and ricotta.

The spinach adds vitamins and minerals. Let's face it though, it's still lasagne! It is a comfort food, so everything in moderation, as they say.

I hope this helps you create the perfect chicken and spinach lasagne recipe ! Honestly, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time, keep trying.

Cooking should be fun. Embrace the mistakes, and enjoy the process! And don't forget to send a picture to your mate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken and spinach lasagne ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! Assembling the lasagne ahead of time is a great idea. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge think of it as a bit of 'slow cooking' magic!

My chicken and spinach lasagne always seems a bit watery. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded watery lasagne! The main culprit is usually excess moisture from the spinach or chicken. Make sure you really squeeze out any excess water from the spinach after wilting it. Also, don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this can cause it to steam rather than brown, releasing more liquid.

A soggy bottom is the pits!

Any tips for making a super creamy béchamel sauce? Mine always ends up lumpy like wallpaper paste!

A smooth béchamel is key! The secret is all in the roux that's the butter and flour mixture. Cook the roux for a minute or two over medium heat before adding the milk. This gets rid of the floury taste.

Then, whisk the milk in gradually, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Low and slow is the name of the game.

Can I freeze leftover chicken and spinach lasagne? I always make too much!

Good news! Chicken and spinach lasagne freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in cling film, then foil, or place them in freezer safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven until piping hot.

I'm not a fan of ricotta. What else can I use in my chicken and spinach lasagne?

No worries, there are plenty of substitutes. Cottage cheese (drained really well) works a treat, or even a thick Greek yogurt for a tangier flavour. You could also try a creamy mascarpone for extra indulgence. The best option depends on your personal taste, so feel free to experiment!

Is chicken and spinach lasagne healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, but this looks so good!

While lasagne is undeniably comforting, you can certainly make it healthier! Using lean chicken breast, plenty of spinach, and a lower fat cheese like part skim mozzarella will help. You could also reduce the amount of cheese overall and load up on the veggies.

And portion control, as always, is key maybe skip the garlic bread and have a side salad instead.