Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your dinner table! Our Chicken Mushroom Spinach Lasagna is not just another pasta dish; it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, a savory ground chicken filling, and a creamy ricotta blend, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners to gourmet status—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground chicken over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the chicken and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and additional Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles as the first layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the chicken-mushroom-spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the layer. Pour some marinara sauce evenly.
- Repeat the layering process with the next three noodles, remaining ricotta, chicken mixture, and another third of mozzarella.
- Top with the final three lasagna noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and last third of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken and mushroom filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the lasagna.
- No-Boil Noodles: If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. They save you the hassle of pre-cooking and still yield delicious results.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Try adding ricotta with herbs or using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a unique twist.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, sneak in more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers into the chicken mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the dish's health quotient.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after baking! Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish: Elevate your lasagna presentation by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley before serving. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can also add a delightful finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 115mg
