Creamy Chicken Or Turkey Lasagna
Creamy Chicken or Turkey Lasagna features layers of tender noodles, savory diced chicken, spinach, and rich cheeses combined with a creamy mushroom soup base. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it offers a flavorful, hearty dish that balances cheesy goodness with nutritious greens, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Reserve 2/3 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese for the top layer.
- Combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and ground red pepper in a bowl; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the thawed and drained chopped spinach, egg, and Ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the soup mixture at the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the soup mixture.
- Top with 1/3 of the soup mixture, 1/2 of the spinach mixture, 1/2 of the reserved Mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 of the cooked chicken.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, soup mixture, spinach mixture, cheeses, and chicken, ending with noodles on top.
- Sprinkle the reserved 2/3 cup of Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the final layer.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until bubbling.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed garlic or onions with the spinach mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute part-skim Ricotta cheese and use whole wheat lasagna noodles. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy lasagna with a light side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider serving alongside Tomato Tortellini Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Or Turkey Lasagna contains roughly 881 calories, with 35g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone for a sharper flavor or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will slightly change based on your substitutions.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well! After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
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).