Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food that has graced dining tables around the world for generations. With its rich layers of pasta, savory sauces, and gooey cheese, it offers a warm, satisfying meal that appeals to both the young and the young at heart. This timeless dish allows for endless variations, each one offering a unique twist that can elevate the dining experience. Among these creative combinations, Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna stands out, bringing together diverse flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This delightful lasagna marries tender, shredded chicken with the earthy freshness of spinach and the subtle tanginess of artichokes. The creamy cheese mixture adds an indulgent touch, while marinara sauce brings a zesty kick to every layer. This recipe not only ensures a comforting meal but also incorporates nutritious ingredients, making it a hearty option for any day of the week. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Creating a mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna begins with gathering the right ingredients. Below is a list of both the main and optional ingredients you’ll need for this delicious recipe.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken.
- Fresh spinach: about 3 cups, washed and roughly chopped.
- Artichoke hearts: 1 can or jar, drained and chopped.
- Cheese mixture: 15 ounces ricotta, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Lasagna noodles: No-boil lasagna noodles (around 9-12 sheets).
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups, for layering and topping.
Optional Ingredients
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch, to enhance the flavors of the cheese.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for sautéing with the spinach.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Cooking Tools Needed
- Baking dish (9×13 inches is ideal).
- Mixing bowls for preparing the filling.
- Cooking pot (for boiling noodles if not using no-boil).
- Whisk for blending the cheese mixture.
Directions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna. This section breaks down every essential part from preparation to baking, ensuring you create a delicious dish with minimal hassle.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your lasagna. This step is crucial as it guarantees an even cooking temperature throughout.
- Cook the chicken and prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the chopped spinach and artichokes, cooking until the spinach wilts (approximately 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: In your baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, add a layer of the chicken, spinach, and artichoke mixture. Repeat the layering process: another layer of marinara, noodles, and filling, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal like Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, it’s helpful to understand the nutritional benefits each ingredient brings to the table. A typical serving of this lasagna is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Protein: Around 30 grams, largely from the chicken and cheese, making it a great option for muscle recovery.
- Fat: Approximately 20 grams, primarily from the cheese, providing a source of energy and keeping the dish satisfying.
- Carbohydrates: About 40 grams, mainly from the lasagna noodles and marinara sauce, offering a source of energy.
In addition to the above macronutrient breakdown, the main ingredients provide various health benefits. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A and C, while artichokes are high in fiber and antioxidants, making them excellent for digestive health.
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, there are several crucial tips to keep in mind that can elevate your dish even further.
- Allow the lasagna to rest: After baking, let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making serving and cutting easier.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to alter the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences. For instance, you can swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein or use vegetable broth instead of marinara sauce for a lighter version.
- Storage options: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the quality, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Variations on the Recipe
While the Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna is delightful as is, consider trying out these variations to keep your meals exciting.
- Vegetarian Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna: Omit the chicken and add additional layers of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to keep it nutritious and flavorful.
- Cheesy Chicken Lasagna with Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers before layering adds depth and a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices, or use gluten-free lasagna sheets.
Serving Suggestions
To complement your Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, consider serving the following:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread can be the perfect side to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.
- Fresh Salad: A side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the meal.
- Recommended Wine Pairing: For a delightful pairing, consider a glass of Chardonnay. Its crispness and subtle oak notes enhance the rich flavors of the lasagna.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna:
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Can I freeze cheesy chicken, spinach, and artichoke lasagna? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to three months.
- What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese? You can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta alternative if preferred!
- How long does it take to cook from frozen? If baking from frozen, increase the cooking time to approximately 60-75 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through the center.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna is an enticing dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, bringing a wealth of flavors and textures to the table. Its versatility allows you to accommodate various dietary needs while remaining comforting and indulgent.
We invite you to try this recipe, explore its variations, and perhaps even share your own experiences and modifications for others to enjoy. Bon appétit!
Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 medium skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 cooking spray or oil for greasing
Ingredients
- 9 pieces lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, chopped artichokes, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Grease the baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Start layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, lay down 3 lasagna noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, add half of the chicken and spinach mixture on top of the ricotta, and drizzle a quarter of the marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Add another layer of noodles and repeat with the remaining ricotta mixture, chicken mixture, and another quarter of marinara sauce. Top with the final layer of noodles.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of noodles and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
