If you’ve been searching for the perfect comfort food that brings savory layers of creamy delight and wholesome greens together, look no further than this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe. It’s a spectacularly cheesy, hearty dish combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious homemade white sauce all wrapped up in al dente lasagna noodles. This bake manages to feel both indulgent and nourishing, transforming a classic lasagna into an irresistible weeknight go-to that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your kitchen favorites for cozy gatherings or whenever you crave a soulful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe plays an important role, blending simple pantry staples and fresh flavors to build the layers you’ll fall in love with. From the tender spinach leaves adding vibrant color and nutrition to the melty layers of jack and mozzarella cheese creating that bubbly golden finish, let’s break down what you’ll need to make this incredible dish come alive.
- Lasagna noodles: Boiled until just tender, they provide the sturdy yet soft foundation for every delicious layer.
- Salted butter: Forms the base of the white sauce, lending richness and helping achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the noodles and filling.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the gentle spinach and chicken.
- Garlic powder: Imparts warm, subtle depth to the white sauce for a more layered taste experience.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic perfectly, boosting the overall savory profile.
- Whole milk: Creates the creamy base of the white sauce, ensuring it’s silky and smooth.
- Cream cheese: Introduces a tangy richness that elevates the sauce beyond the ordinary.
- Shredded jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, buttery flavor to the layers.
- Ricotta cheese: Blended with egg and parsley for a creamy, fluffy middle layer that adds moisture and balance.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melter that grants that irresistible stretchy, golden topping.
- Baby spinach leaves: Folded into the sauce, they add freshness, color, and a gentle earthiness.
- Cooked chicken: Tender and hearty, it layers protein into every comforting bite.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, helping the filling hold together beautifully.
- Dried or fresh parsley: Brings a hint of herbaceous brightness to brighten each spoonful.
How to Make Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente — these noodles need just enough tenderness to absorb the flavors without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set them aside, ready to build the layers of your bake.
Step 2: Make the Perfect White Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour along with black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook this roux until it bubbles and shows a golden tint, about a minute or two, then gradually whisk in whole milk. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a gloriously creamy consistency. Next, add sliced cream cheese and some shredded jack cheese until melted smooth. This white sauce is the glue that brings all the components of the Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe together, with wonderfully rich flavor and texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Spinach
Fold fresh baby spinach leaves gently into the warm white sauce, letting the gentle residual heat wilt them just enough to soften their bite while preserving their vibrant green color and nutrients. This step brightens the dish and adds a lovely layer of freshness to the creamy cheese base.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, a lightly beaten egg, dried or fresh parsley, and more shredded jack cheese until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This cheesy blend adds moisture, richness, and depth to the filling, providing the perfect contrast to the white sauce and chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down three lasagna noodles side by side, then spread half of your ricotta mixture across the noodles, followed by half the cooked chicken. Spoon a third of your white sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with a generous amount of mozzarella and jack cheese. Repeat the layering with noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, chicken, more white sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final noodle layer, cover with the remaining white sauce, and top it all off with the last portions of mozzarella and jack cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake It to Perfection
Place your assembled lasagna bake in the preheated oven and let it cook for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce bubbles happily around the edges, and the cheese topping melts to a bubbly, lightly browned perfection. Remove it from the oven and allow it to rest briefly before slicing, ensuring the layers settle beautifully without falling apart.
How to Serve Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe
Garnishes
While this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe is a showstopper on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley over the hot bake right out of the oven adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness that complements the rich, cheesy flavors stunningly.
Side Dishes
Lighten up the meal with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also excellent for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try assembling mini individual Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bakes in small ramekins for dinner parties, allowing guests to have their own personal portion. Alternatively, layer it in a deep casserole dish and let everyone scoop their own hearty helpings family-style for effortless comfort dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect leftover for a quick meal that still tastes fresh and delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, which is fantastic for prepping meals in advance. Freeze your unbaked or baked Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil to avoid drying out, and uncover in the last few minutes to refresh the golden cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before folding it into the sauce so your layers don’t get watery. It’s a convenient alternative if you don’t have fresh on hand.
What type of chicken works best for the Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe?
Cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs both work wonderfully. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach chicken breasts beforehand to keep things easy and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead and freezing?
Absolutely! This dish freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep or busy days when you want homemade comfort food with minimal effort.
Can I substitute any cheeses in the recipe?
While the combination of jack, mozzarella, and ricotta creates the perfect balance, you can swap jack for Monterey Jack or mild cheddar, and use part-skim ricotta if you prefer a lighter version. Just keep the mozzarella for that key melting quality.
How do I ensure my lasagna layers hold together when slicing?
Letting the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, so your slices come out neat and intact. Using the beaten egg in the ricotta mixture also helps bind the filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy slice of this Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe after a busy day. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh greens and tender chicken, wrapped in a creamy, dreamy sauce you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a prized staple in your kitchen – it’s that good!
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Chicken Spinach Lasagna Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious Chicken Lasagna Bake combines tender boiled lasagna noodles layered with a creamy, savory white sauce infused with spinach, ricotta, and multiple cheeses. Diced cooked chicken adds protein, while layers of mozzarella and jack cheese create a gooey, bubbly topping when baked to perfection in the oven. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups shredded jack cheese, divided into ½ cup, ½ cup, and three 1-cup portions
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, sliced
White Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4½ cups whole milk
Other Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon dried or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Roux: In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is browned and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce comes to a gentle boil and thickens significantly, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Jack Cheese: Stir in the sliced cream cheese and ½ cup shredded jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add Spinach: Fold the baby spinach leaves into the white sauce until evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, parsley, and ½ cup shredded jack cheese. Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Assemble Layer 1: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the white sauce to cover the bottom. Arrange three lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce.
- Layer Ricotta and Chicken: Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then distribute half of the cooked chicken on top. Spoon one-third of the white sauce over the chicken and ricotta. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup jack cheese.
- Layer 2: Add another layer of noodles. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture followed by the remaining chicken. Top with 1 cup each of mozzarella and jack cheese.
- Final Layer: Add the last three noodles as the final layer. Cover with the remaining white sauce and sprinkle the remaining portions of mozzarella and jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with additional parsley before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Boiling noodles until al dente prevents overcooking during baking.
- The white sauce (béchamel) can be whisked constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- If fresh spinach is used, it will wilt perfectly into the warm sauce without extra cooking.
- Using a combination of jack, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates layers of creamy texture and flavor.
- Leftover baked lasagna can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
