Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of perfectly layered cheeses, the hearty goodness of tender chicken, and the earthy notes of mushrooms and spinach - all wrapped in classic Italian lasagne magic. This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Lasagne is about to become your new go-to comfort food masterpiece.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagne sheets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
- Begin layering the lasagne by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place the first layer of lasagne sheets, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish. Ensure the entire surface is covered.
- Spread a portion of the ricotta cheese mixture over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of the chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle a portion of mozzarella cheese over the vegetable layer, then add another layer of marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layering process: lasagne sheets, ricotta, chicken mixture, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Aim for 3 complete layers.
- For the final top layer, cover with lasagne sheets, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. This prevents the top from burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagne rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Cut into 6 equal portions and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties. The texture and taste are significantly better.
- Let the lasagne rest after baking - this crucial 10-15 minute cooling period helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Don't skip the foil cover during initial baking - this prevents the top from burning and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish can elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
