Introduction:
Elevate your comfort food game with Creamy Chicken Lasagna! This mouthwatering twist on the classic dish features layers of rich white sauce, baby spinach, and succulent chicken, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. Get ready to savor a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying experience with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 15 ounces ricotta
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, reserve 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ cups cooked diced chicken
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare White Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Whisk in flour, cooking the mixture for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream alternately. Simmer until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes). Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remove sauce from heat.
2. Cook Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
3. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
5. Assemble Lasagna:
- Spoon several tablespoons of white sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly.
- Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce over the noodles. Top with 1/2 of the diced chicken and 1/2 of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers: 4 more noodles, 1/3 of the sauce, remaining chicken, and remaining cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining noodles, remaining sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
6. Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Why Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Creamy Chicken Lasagna brings together the comforting elements of classic lasagna with the richness of a velvety white sauce. The layers of flavors, from the tender chicken to the creamy cheese mixture, create a symphony of taste that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Say goodbye to traditional red sauce and hello to a creamy, cheesy delight!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Ensure the lasagna noodles are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works well for a quicker preparation.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
A: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
A: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though it may affect the richness of the dish.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a culinary masterpiece that brings joy to your taste buds. With layers of creamy goodness and the comforting appeal of classic lasagna, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, layer them with love, and enjoy a delightful journey of flavors in every forkful!