Chicken Cheese Lasagna
Creamy chicken and cheese lasagna layered with spinach and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in butter until tender.
- Stir in flour and salt; cook until bubbly.
- Gradually stir in broth and milk.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Stir in 2 cups mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, basil, oregano, and white pepper; set aside.
- Cook lasagna noodles, drain, and rinse.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, minced parsley, and half of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, chicken mixture, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as needed, finishing with cheese sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese and a whole grain lasagna noodle. If you're out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be a great substitute. Fresh spinach can replace frozen, but be sure to sauté it first to remove excess moisture. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture can enhance flavor, reminiscent of classic Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Cheese Lasagna with a fresh side salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing its Italian flavors. You can also offer steamed vegetables for a colorful, nutritious addition. Consider pairing it with a glass of white wine for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, or microwave portions until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheese Lasagna contains roughly 1916 calories, with 42g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1903mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Cheese Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for a unique flavor. Just ensure that you have enough mozzarella to maintain that gooey, cheesy texture that makes lasagna so delicious.
What can I do with leftover chicken for this recipe?
Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, saving you time on preparation. You can also use cooked turkey or any other cooked poultry you have on hand, making this a versatile dish for using up leftovers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).