Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna -

Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach, wrapped in creamy ricotta and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is not only comforting but also allows you to prepare it ahead of time for maximum convenience. You can assemble it early in the day and pop it in the oven an hour before supper for a piping hot meal that everyone will love. Get ready for a scrumptious healthy supper that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna is set apart by its combination of flavors and textures. The shredded chicken provides a hearty base, the mushrooms add umami, and the spinach contributes freshness, while the ricotta brings creaminess that binds everything together. With no-boil lasagna sheets, the assembly process is quick and straightforward. Whether you have a busy schedule or are preparing for a family gathering, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna

1. Using Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ricotta cheese as it enhances the texture and flavor of your lasagna. Fresh spinach also adds a vibrant color and nutritional value.

2. Meal Prep: This lasagna can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving to keep it fresh.

3. Layering: Ensure even layering of ingredients to achieve balanced flavors in every bite. Follow the order of ingredients closely for optimal results.

4. Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set for easier slicing and serving.

5. Extra Cheese: Feel free to add more mozzarella or even a blend of cheeses for a cheesier experience. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds that final touch of flavor.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or roasted chicken works best)
12 instant no-cook lasagna sheets
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
3 cups ricotta cheese (preferably fresh)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (adds flavor without excess heat)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the White Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon freshly crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: To prepare the white sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour to create a roux. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste. This step is crucial to avoid lumps in your sauce.

Step 3: Gradually add the whole milk to the sautéed flour mixture while whisking constantly. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This will be the creamy base for your lasagna.

Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, add freshly crushed garlic, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and remove from heat.

Step 5: In a large pan, melt a little butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. After that, add crushed garlic to the pan and fry for another minute to infuse flavor. Lastly, add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, crushed chili flakes, and the sautéed mushroom-spinach mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 7: Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna! Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Lay down 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

Step 8: Spread a third of the chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture evenly over the noodles. Follow this with a third of the white sauce. Repeat this process two more times to build up layers, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce.

Step 9: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will ensure the noodles cook and absorb the flavors.

Step 10: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The lasagna should be hot throughout.

Step 11: Once baked, allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers to set, making serving much easier!

FAQs

Can I use any type of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or poach your chicken breasts for a leaner option.

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and focusing on the mushrooms and spinach. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for additional flavors.

Can I freeze Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna?

Yes, this lasagna freezes very well. Assemble it, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or adjust cooking time if baking straight from the freezer.

What cheese can I use besides ricotta?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or crumbled firm goat cheese if you prefer different textures and flavors.

Is there a gluten-free option for the lasagna sheets?

There are gluten-free no-cook lasagna sheets available in most grocery stores. You can also use thin slices of zucchini for a low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna is a perfect family meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that will delight everyone around the dinner table. With a creamy white sauce, layers of rich fillings, and customizable ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the warm comfort of homemade lasagna without the fuss!