How to Make a Simple Chicken and Spinach Lasagna for Dinner

How to Make a Simple Chicken and Spinach Lasagna for Dinner

Who doesn’t love a good lasagna? It’s one of those cozy, comfort foods that bring people together around the dinner table. If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual beef lasagna, why not try a chicken and spinach version? This recipe is not only delicious but also adds a good dose of greens into your meal. Plus, it’s simpler than you might think! Here’s how you can make a simple yet delightful chicken and spinach lasagna for dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Lasagna noodles: You’ll need about 9-12 noodles depending on the size of your baking dish. Pre-cooked or no-boil noodles are great time-savers!
• Chicken breast: 2 large breasts, cooked and shredded. For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken.
• Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach. Frozen spinach works too, just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained.
• Ricotta cheese: About 15 ounces. This adds creaminess to your lasagna.
• Mozzarella cheese: You’ll need about 2 cups, shredded. This cheese melts beautifully, giving you that perfect cheese pull.
• Parmesan cheese: Half a cup for that sharp, salty flavor.
• One egg: This will help bind the ricotta mixture.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. This adds a nice aroma and flavor.
• Jar of your favorite pasta sauce: Approximately 24 ounces. Choose a good quality sauce for the best taste.
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions if you’re not using no-boil noodles. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or sauté them. Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks or your hands.

4. If using fresh spinach, give it a quick sauté in a pan with a bit of olive oil and the minced garlic until just wilted. Set aside.

5. Mix the Cheeses:

6. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the egg, and parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will add creaminess and richness to your lasagna.

7. Layering the Lasagna:

8. Start by spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
9. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
10. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken, and then half of the spinach.
11. Repeat the layers: Sauce, noodles, ricotta, chicken, and spinach.

12. Top off with a final layer of noodles, the remaining pasta sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese across the top.

13. Bake Your Lasagna:

14. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
15. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to cut.

Handy Tips for an Amazing Lasagna:

• Spreading Even Layers: Make sure to spread each component (sauce, ricotta mixture, chicken, and spinach) evenly across the layers for a uniform taste in every bite.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like fontina or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it rest makes it better.

Wrapping Up:

This simple chicken and spinach lasagna is not just a meal; it’s a delicious experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It has the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors complimented by the freshness of spinach. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, this lasagna will not disappoint. So, preheat your oven and get ready to impress your family or friends with this delightful dish. Bon appétit!