Chicken-Cheese Lasagne
Creamy and flavorful Chicken-Cheese Lasagne combines tender chicken, spinach, and rich cheese sauce layered with noodles for a comforting, cheesy dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its hearty flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- uncooked lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 cups creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter over low heat in a 2-quart saucepan. Add crushed garlic and stir.
- Stir in flour and salt, cook until bubbly, then remove from heat.
- Stir in milk and chicken broth.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute, then add shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts.
- Spread 1/4 of the cheese sauce (about 1 1/2 cups) in an ungreased 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with 3 or 4 uncooked lasagne noodles, overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the creamed cottage cheese over the noodles.
- Repeat with another 1/4 of the sauce, 3 or 4 noodles, and remaining cottage cheese.
- Top with cooked chicken, thawed and drained chopped spinach, remaining 1/4 of the cheese sauce, and another layer of noodles.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese over all.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. To save on calories, opt for low-fat cheeses or substitute the creamed cottage cheese with ricotta. This dish is versatile; you can also incorporate vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Cheese Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a light Italian soup, like My Grandmother's Easter Soup(Traditional Sicilian), can also complement the rich flavors. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagne with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Cheese Lasagne contains roughly 718 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1012mg per serving (44% 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 use other types of cheese in this lasagne?
Absolutely! While Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Fontina or Gouda for a unique flavor. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the taste and create a deliciously creamy texture.
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's taken directly from the fridge. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken-Cheese Lasagne?
Yes, this lasagne freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding time as needed. This is a great option for meal prep.
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).