Every time I make this Creamy Chicken Lasagna, it reminds me of those cozy Sunday dinners with family. There’s something magical about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and enjoying a home-cooked meal. The smell of bubbling cheese and fragrant herbs fills the house, making the atmosphere feel warm and inviting. I’ve made this dish countless times over the years, and each time brings back lovely memories of family togetherness, comfort, and love. I know once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort in your heart!
Now, let’s dive into how to make this delightful Creamy Chicken Lasagna that will surely become a beloved recipe in your home. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and I promise your family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: This is the star of our lasagna! I love using leftover chicken from the night before; it makes everything so much easier.
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Lasagna noodles: These are the foundation of our dish. You can use either traditional or no-boil noodles. If you choose no-boil, make sure to add a little extra sauce.
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2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps sauté our vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
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1 onion, chopped: Onions bring sweetness and depth to the dish. They’re essential for a good base.
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2 cloves garlic, minced: Oh, the smell of fresh garlic! It makes everything taste better. If you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add a little more.
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2 cups spinach, chopped: Adding spinach not only makes the dish more colorful but also packs it with nutrients. Plus, it cooks down so it doesn’t overwhelm the lasagna.
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2 cups ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds that beautiful layer of richness we all adore.
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1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a delicious nutty flavor.
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2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: It wouldn’t be lasagna without this gooey cheese melting on top!
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3 cups white sauce: This is the secret to a creamy comfort. You can make your own or buy it pre-made, depending on how much time you have.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking!
I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra layer of flavor. These herbs make the chicken smell and taste amazing!
Cooking Steps:
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Preheat the oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this is key for getting that crispy, bubbly top!
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Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll want to go ahead and dig in!
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Add the spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it has wilted. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and believe me, this combination of flavors is going to be fantastic!
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Mix the cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is going to add such a welcome richness.
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Start layering the lasagna: Grab your baking dish and spread a layer of white sauce on the bottom. This will help keep the noodles from sticking.
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First layer of noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Don’t worry if they overlap a little; that’s what makes it rustic!
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Add the chicken and sautéed vegetables: Now, layer your shredded chicken over the noodles, followed by the sautéed spinach and onion mixture.
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Spread the cheese mixture: Scoop the ricotta mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
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Repeat the layers: Repeat this process by adding more noodles, followed by chicken, veggies, and cheese until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Top with white sauce: Pour any remaining white sauce over the top layer of noodles. This step is crucial for keeping everything moist and creamy.
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Cover with foil: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese (because we want it to melt beautifully).
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Bake: Place your lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. If you want a perfectly golden top, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. You’ll want to keep an eye on it during this time!
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Let it rest: After removing it from the oven, let your lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This step helps everything set up nicely so that it holds its shape.
Why I Love Making This Dish:
There’s just something so comforting about lasagna. It reminds me of family gatherings, holidays, and even those quiet, rainy days when all I want is something hearty to eat. When I serve this Creamy Chicken Lasagna, everyone gathers around, and I can hear the happy chatter and laughter—just like it used to be when I was a little girl. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring everyone together.
What You’ll Need:
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Just a good sharp knife, a cutting board, a large skillet, and a baking dish. I recommend using a glass baking dish so you can easily see how golden and bubbly that glorious cheese is getting!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal. It adds great flavor and saves time!
- If you can, prepare it a day in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
- If you want to make it even creamier, add a layer of cottage cheese to the middle!
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
I love serving my Creamy Chicken Lasagna with a simple side salad. Just some greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette work beautifully. You could also make some garlic bread to soak up that creamy goodness or a vegetable medley for a little color on your plate. It’s all about balancing those flavors!
Leftovers:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors just get better the next day! I often find I can’t wait to have them again for lunch!
FAQs:
Can I use boneless chicken?
You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and the bone-in is always juicier!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken for some lovely roasted vegetables or even mushrooms. Just keep everything else the same for that creamy goodness.
What type of noodles should I use?
You can use traditional lasagna noodles or no-boil noodles! They both work wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you’re using no-boil.
Is it okay to freeze lasagna?
Definitely! Just assemble it and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before popping it in the oven.
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. It’s one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out and brings joy to the dinner table. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Happy cooking!