Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite Recipe
Creamy, hearty, and packed with vibrant flavor, Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite is that classic comfort food you’ll want to pull from the oven on any cozy night. Picture golden, bubbling cheese nestled over tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all layered between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and a luxurious homemade sauce. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table (seconds, anyone?), and every bite is infused with the warm memories of dinners shared with those you love most.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this lasagna shine is its handful of wholesome, everyday ingredients—each thoughtfully chosen to build a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make every component count.
- Lasagna noodles: Choose classic or no-boil; both work beautifully for luscious layers.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base to sauté your veggies and coax out their natural sweetness.
- Onion: Adds essential depth and a savory, mellow backbone to the filling.
- Garlic: Brings unmistakable fragrance and subtle heat.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken makes life easier and tastier.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy richness gives the lasagna a meaty heartiness, even without beef.
- Fresh spinach: Adds brilliant color and an earthy, light contrast to the cheesy layers.
- All-purpose flour: Key for thickening the creamy sauce; don’t skip this step!
- Whole milk: Rich and comforting; it makes the sauce velvety smooth.
- Chicken broth: Lends a savory boost and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Dried thyme: Offers that woodsy, Italian-inspired flavor grounding the whole dish.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and complexity—your secret weapon in cream sauces.
- Salt and black pepper: Makes all the other flavors sing.
- Ricotta cheese: Soft and creamy, it’s the gentle binder for luscious, tender layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a big, savory punch and helps brown the top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden perfection for that unbeatable stretch on top.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color to finish.
How to Make Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to package instructions. They should be just al dente—the layers will finish cooking in the oven and you’ll want them to hold up. Drain well and set aside on a baking sheet, lightly slicked with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Chicken
In a large, deep skillet, start with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it turns beautifully translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and their liquid evaporates, which concentrates their flavor. Add fresh spinach last—it will wilt quickly and nestle right in—and gently toss in your shredded chicken. Remove this hearty mixture from the heat so you’re ready to assemble.
Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce
Grab a medium saucepan, melt your butter, and whisk in the flour. Let this bubble for a minute or two to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in your milk and broth, smoothing out any lumps as you go. Sprinkle in the thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and then keep whisking until the sauce turns silky and thickens enough to coat a spoon. This sauce is the secret to the creamy texture that makes Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite unforgettable!
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom—this helps prevent sticking and ensures every bite is moist. Add three noodles, then a third each of the ricotta, chicken-mushroom-spinach mix, more sauce, and finally, a sprinkling of Parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat twice more, finishing with a generous crown of cheese for the ultimate golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for 25 minutes to gently meld all the flavors and melt the cheeses together. Then, uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and gorgeously golden brown. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes—this helps the lasagna set so you can slice tidy, cheesy squares.
How to Serve Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley just before serving brightens up the casserole, adding a pop of color and a pleasant hint of freshness. You can also grate a final dusting of Parmesan over the top for an extra-savory finish.
Side Dishes
This luscious lasagna is a meal in itself, but it pairs deliciously with a big, crisp green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette. A basket of crusty garlic bread or warm rolls helps soak up any creamy sauce left on your plate—no bites wasted here!
Creative Ways to Present
To make dinner feel extra special, try serving Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite in individual ramekins, or bake it in mini loaf pans for personal servings. For a dramatic touch at gatherings, let guests help themselves from a cast-iron pan right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover lasagna tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and mature, making those next-day slices just as (if not more) irresistible!
Freezing
Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite freezes wonderfully. Simply assemble but don’t bake—wrap well and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot throughout. Individual portions can also be microwaved—just add a splash of milk if the sauce looks a bit thick, and heat gently until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey, leftover roast pork, or even a vegetarian substitute like white beans or shredded jackfruit work beautifully in Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite. Use what you have on hand!
How can I lighten up this recipe?
Try opting for part-skim ricotta, low-fat mozzarella, and using a bit less cheese overall. You can also swap in skim milk for whole milk, though your sauce will be slightly less rich (but still yummy).
Do I have to cook the noodles first?
Most lasagna noodles benefit from a quick boil, but you can use no-boil noodles if you have them. Just make sure you add a little extra sauce so they soften perfectly during baking.
Can I prepare the lasagna a day in advance?
Yes, in fact, Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite is ideal for preparing ahead. Simply assemble and refrigerate unbaked overnight, then bake fresh before serving.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Certainly! Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the roux in the white sauce. Your meal will be just as comforting, with all the same wonderful flavors.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes spark joy around the dinner table quite like Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite. With its creamy sauce, layers of cheese, and hearty filling, it’s pure comfort in casserole form. Gather your ingredients and treat your loved ones to a meal they’ll remember—this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your own home, too!
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Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of lasagna noodles, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious spinach are smothered in a creamy sauce and gooey cheese, creating a satisfying meal that will become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
9 lasagna noodles
Chicken Mixture:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, 2 cups mushrooms sliced, 4 cups fresh spinach
Sauce:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese:
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: Sauté onion in olive oil, add garlic, mushrooms, spinach, and chicken. Cook until tender.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, broth, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer noodles, ricotta, chicken mixture, sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Repeat twice. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this lasagna ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- For a lighter option, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
