Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Creamy, Comforting, and Perfectly Layered

A Comfort Classic Reimagined with Creamy Chicken and Spinach

If comfort food had a soul, it would taste like Chicken Spinach Lasagna. A luscious, creamy blend of tender shredded chicken, wilted spinach, velvety béchamel sauce, and bubbling cheese, this lasagna is what cozy nights dream of. Every layer tells a story — one of warmth, family, and indulgence.

Forget red sauce lasagna for a moment; this white sauce version brings something different to the table — luxurious creaminess without heaviness. The combination of fresh spinach and juicy chicken offers a balance between rich and wholesome, while a trio of cheeses creates that irresistible stretch and melt we all crave.

In this long-form guide, we’ll walk you through not only how to make this from scratch, but how to perfect it like an Italian nonna would, and adapt it for your lifestyle — whether that’s meal prepping for busy weeks or hosting a dinner party where you need the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spinach Lasagna

• Ultimate Comfort Dish: Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
• Crowd Favorite: Even picky eaters fall in love with this one.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully — great for leftovers.
• Balanced Indulgence: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach.
• Customizable: Swap the chicken for turkey, add mushrooms, or use gluten-free noodles!

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Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but amazing)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Noodles:
   Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Cream Sauce (Béchamel):
   In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, then cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Add the Chicken and Spinach:
   Stir the shredded chicken and spinach into the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
5. Assemble the Layers:
   Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add 3 noodles, followed by more sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Rest and Serve:
   Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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The Story Behind Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna dates back to ancient Greece and later evolved in Italy, where layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese became a celebration of abundance and family. This chicken and spinach version draws from Northern Italian influences, where white sauces and creamy elements reign supreme. The addition of spinach represents freshness and the love of balance Italians hold dear in their cuisine.

In American kitchens, this dish has taken on new life — the perfect hybrid between comfort and elegance. It’s no longer just a Sunday dinner; it’s a weekday hero that makes you feel pampered.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Layers

1. Don’t Skip the Rest Time: It helps the lasagna set and slice beautifully.
2. Use a Mix of Cheeses: Combining mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan gives a layered flavor experience.
3. Dry the Spinach: Too much moisture can make your lasagna soggy.
4. Layer Thoughtfully: Start with sauce, not noodles — it prevents sticking.
5. Season Each Layer: Mild béchamel benefits from a light seasoning touch at every level.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this lasagna with:

• A crisp Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia
• A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling apple cider

For dessert, follow up with something light like Lemon Ricotta Cookies or a simple vanilla panna cotta.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the lasagna the night before and bake it fresh the next day for effortless entertaining.

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Variations to Try

• Mushroom Chicken Lasagna: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper or jalapeño into the sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini slices instead of noodles.
• Pesto Layer: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto between noodles for brightness.

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Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Spinach Lasagna is the perfect balance between cozy and classy. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, and it never fails to make your kitchen smell like home. Whether it’s for a potluck, Sunday dinner, or quiet night in, this lasagna proves that simple ingredients, when layered with care, can create extraordinary comfort.