Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe (with Spinach and Ricotta)

Hey there! You know what I love? A warm, cheesy plate of chicken lasagna. It’s like a hug on a plate, right?

I used to think lasagna was super hard to make. But guess what? This chicken lasagna recipe is so easy — and oh, so yummy!

It’s packed with gooey cheese, tender chicken, and creamy sauce. My family always asks for seconds. And now, I’m so excited to share it with you!

So, wanna make the best chicken lasagna ever? Let me show you how. You’re gonna love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Comforting: Every bite is layered with rich sauces, tender chicken, and gooey cheese.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: You can assemble this lasagna ahead of time and bake when ready.
• Family-Friendly: A great way to get even picky eaters to enjoy spinach.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Makes enough for a gathering or multiple meals—perfect for meal prepping.
• Balanced Flavors: The creamy spinach sauce and ricotta layer balance beautifully with the savory chicken and cheese.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings:

• Makes 8 generous portions — great for a family meal with leftovers.

Difficulty:

• Easy to moderate—perfect for home cooks comfortable with assembling layered dishes.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this creamy chicken lasagna, gather these kitchen essentials:

• Large Pot: For boiling lasagna noodles.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To prepare the spinach cream sauce.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the ricotta cheese mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: To layer and bake the lasagna.
• Whisk: To smoothly blend the cream sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To chop onions, spinach, and garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring sauces without damaging pans.

Ingredients for Chicken Lasagna

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need (exact measurements will be in the recipe card at the end).

Lasagna Layers:

• Lasagna noodles – Cooked al dente, these form the base for your layers.
• Rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast – Shredded, juicy chicken makes this lasagna hearty and flavorful.

Spinach Cream Sauce:

• Olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the onions.
• Onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – For the roux that thickens the sauce.
• All-purpose flour – Helps create a creamy, velvety texture.
• Chicken broth – Adds savory depth to the cream sauce.
• Half and half (or heavy cream and milk) – For a rich, creamy consistency.
• Fresh spinach – Chopped, adding freshness and color.
• Sea salt & black pepper – To season the sauce perfectly.
• Garlic – Minced for aromatic flavor.

Ricotta Cheese Layer:

• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and soft, forming a perfect middle layer.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Parsley – Chopped for fresh herbal notes.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, savory depth.

Cheese Topping:

• Mozzarella cheese – Shredded for melty, gooey layers of cheese throughout and on top.

Variations for Chicken Lasagna

• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Use shredded turkey if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for extra umami and texture.
• Use Different Greens: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a subtle kick.
• Lighten It Up: Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella, and swap half and half for milk to make a lighter version.
• Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or basil can be added to the spinach sauce for extra flavor.

How to Make Chicken Lasagna

Step-by-step instructions for making the perfect creamy chicken lasagna.

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook 9 lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Spinach Cream Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Use for This Step:

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Half and half (or heavy cream and milk)
• Fresh spinach
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux (Butter + Flour):
   • Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.
   • Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a paste and remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Liquids and Thicken:
   • Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups half and half (or a combo of heavy cream and milk), making sure no lumps form.
   • Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Spinach and Season:
   • Stir in 5 ounces fresh spinach, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
   • Cook until spinach wilts and blends into the sauce, about 2 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

Ingredients You’ll Use for This Step:

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
   • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
   • 1 large egg
   • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2. Stir until well blended and smooth.
3. Set aside for assembling the lasagna.

4. Shred the Chicken (if not using pre-shredded)

• If using rotisserie chicken, shred 4 cups of the meat into bite-sized pieces.
• If cooking chicken breast, boil or bake until cooked through, then shred with forks.

How to Assemble and Bake Chicken Lasagna

Once your sauces and ingredients are prepped, it’s time to layer everything together. Here’s how to assemble this creamy, cheesy dish for baking:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer the Lasagna

Step-by-Step Assembly:

First Layer (Base):

• Spread about 1/3 cup of spinach cream sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Second Layer:

• Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles horizontally over the sauce.
• Add 1/3 of the shredded chicken evenly over the noodles.
• Spoon and gently spread 1/3 of the spinach cream sauce over the chicken.
• Dollop and spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the sauce.
• Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Repeat Layers:

• Repeat this process two more times: noodles, chicken, cream sauce, ricotta, mozzarella.

Final Topping:

• After layering, finish with remaining mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup) to create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.

3. Bake the Lasagna

Baking Directions:

1. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil (spray the underside of the foil with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking:
   • Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
3. Rest Before Serving:
   • Remove lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Chicken Lasagna

This chicken lasagna is rich and satisfying, so you can pair it with simple sides to balance the meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds crunch and acidity.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread or breadsticks are great for soaking up extra sauce.
• Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair well for a nutritious side.
• Simple Tomato Salad: Sliced tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and basil add freshness to the plate.

Storing Chicken Lasagna

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezer:

• Chicken lasagna freezes beautifully.
• Wrap the entire lasagna tightly in foil and plastic wrap or portion into airtight containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles just until al dente, so they don’t get mushy after baking.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Ease: A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor.
• Season Each Layer: Lightly season the chicken or ricotta if needed to keep flavors balanced throughout.
• Let It Rest Before Slicing: Resting the lasagna helps it firm up, making it easier to cut neat slices.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds better flavor and texture than frozen.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	460 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	650 mg
Calcium	420 mg

Chicken Lasagna FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the lasagna.

What’s the best cheese substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese (drained well) or mascarpone are good alternatives if you don’t have ricotta.

Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap flour for a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.

What can I serve with chicken lasagna?

Simple salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Chicken Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta is the kind of meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. With creamy layers, hearty chicken, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or to share with family and friends. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy week or serving it fresh from the oven, this lasagna is sure to become a go-to favorite.