Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a perfectly layered lasagna, without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker chicken spinach lasagna is your ticket to a hassle-free, mouth-watering meal that combines the classic Italian comfort food with the convenience of modern cooking. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves delicious food without the stress, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, 2 cups of chopped spinach, 3 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- In the slow cooker, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. You may need to break them to fit, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup), and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add another 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another cup of marinara sauce, and another cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring the noodles are well covered to prevent them from drying out.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this will release heat and increase cooking time.
- After 4 hours, check the lasagna for doneness. The noodles should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
- Slice the lasagna into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker chicken spinach lasagna!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cook your chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking. Rotisserie chicken works great as a quick alternative.
- Noodle Hack: Use regular lasagna noodles - no need to pre-cook them! The slow cooker's moisture will soften them perfectly.
- Cheese Matters: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Prevent Sticking: Always start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Don't Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking. Each time you do, you'll add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Freeze-Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and save a meal for later!
- Customize: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or swap chicken for ground turkey for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
