Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken, Mushroom, Spinach Lasagna is a comforting twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Instead of a red sauce, this version uses a creamy white sauce layered with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all baked between sheets of lasagna pasta. The result is a rich and satisfying casserole that feels both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this lasagna offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce in every bite. The mushrooms provide depth and umami, while the spinach brings freshness that lightens the dish. With bubbling cheese on top and layers of tender pasta, it is a recipe that pleases both adults and children alike. If you are looking for a versatile baked pasta dish that goes beyond the usual tomato-based lasagna, this Chicken, Mushroom, Spinach Lasagna will quickly become a new favorite.
Chicken, Mushroom, Spinach Lasagna Recipe: Creamy & Comforting
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy and comforting chicken lasagna layered with tender mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich white sauce, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until sauce thickens, 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble lasagna: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of baking dish. Layer noodles, chicken, mushroom-spinach mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe to save time.
- Can substitute ricotta cheese in layers for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lasagna noodles create the structure of the dish, holding layers of sauce, chicken, and vegetables.
Chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
Mushrooms add earthy flavor and a meaty texture that complements the chicken.
Spinach brings freshness, color, and extra nutrition, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding flavor and healthy fat.
Garlic adds bold aroma and depth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Onion provides sweetness and a savory foundation to the sauce.
Butter combines with flour to create a roux for the white sauce.
All-purpose flour thickens the sauce, ensuring a creamy and smooth consistency.
Milk forms the base of the béchamel, creating a luscious sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty flavor and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating gooey layers throughout the lasagna.
Ricotta cheese contributes a creamy, slightly tangy layer that makes the lasagna rich and smooth.
Salt and black pepper season the dish and balance flavors.
Nutmeg (optional) can be added to the white sauce for warmth and depth.
Directions
Start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened and fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
For the white sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
Assemble the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta, chicken, mushroom-spinach mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8 servings. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and baking requires 40 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes resting time. Total time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked lasagna in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Herbed ricotta
Mix fresh basil, parsley, or oregano into the ricotta layer for added flavor.
Gluten-free version
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and flour for the sauce.
Cheese blend
Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different cheesy profile.
Spicy twist
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy chicken sausage instead of plain chicken.
Vegetarian option
Omit chicken and add more mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
Whole wheat noodles
For extra fiber, use whole wheat lasagna sheets.
Pesto layer
Spread a thin layer of basil pesto between noodles for a fresh twist.
Low-carb option
Replace noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices.
Creamy mushroom sauce
Use a mushroom cream sauce instead of béchamel for a deeper flavor.
Extra crunch
Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a crisp golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Do I need to cook the spinach first?
Yes, sautéing spinach prevents excess liquid in the lasagna.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain cooked vegetables well and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.
Can I freeze unbaked lasagna?
Yes, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What mushrooms are best for this recipe?
Cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms all work well.
Do I need to use ricotta?
Ricotta can be swapped with cottage cheese or mascarpone.
How do I keep lasagna from sticking to the pan?
Grease the dish lightly or line with sauce before layering noodles.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat cheese and milk to reduce calories.
What should I serve with chicken, mushroom, spinach lasagna?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Chicken, Mushroom, Spinach Lasagna is a creamy, comforting dish that takes classic lasagna to a new level. With its combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and rich béchamel sauce, it offers layers of flavor and texture that feel indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs. The bubbling cheese topping and golden-baked finish make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you are a lasagna enthusiast or simply love hearty baked pasta, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.
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