Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Crafting a delightful cheesy chicken, spinach, and artichoke lasagna can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Layers of rich flavors promise a comforting meal that surprises and satisfies.

Tender chicken nestles between pasta sheets with creamy spinach and artichoke goodness.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that makes each bite irresistible.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

Cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this recipe’s magical combination.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every delectable forkful.

Why Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna Is Packed With Flavor

  • Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills anyone can master.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Swap ingredients easily by substituting chicken with ground turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Designed to feed a crowd, this lasagna serves multiple people and works brilliantly for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dinner parties where everyone craves hearty, delicious food.
  • Nutrition Packed Performance: Combines protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach and artichokes, and calcium-loaded cheeses, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and delivers essential nutrients in every delectable bite.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that provides a hearty protein base for the lasagna.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and adds richness to the dish.
For the Dairy:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and luxurious base for the lasagna layers.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture in the cheese mixture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a melty, golden topping and add depth of flavor to the lasagna.
For the Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element and earthy flavor to the lasagna.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Brings a tangy and tender component to the dish.
  • Garlic: Offers a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken and overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking in the baking dish.
For the Base:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Provides the classic layered structure of the lasagna.
Additional:
  • Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the lasagna during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to create the perfect cooking environment. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into small, even cubes. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, making sure every piece gets some seasoning love.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sizzle the chicken in olive oil until it turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks through completely, which takes about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Prep the Veggie Friends

Get your garlic ready by mincing it finely. Chop spinach and artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces that will blend perfectly in the lasagna.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Beaten egg
  • Heavy cream

Whisk everything until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water following package instructions. Drain and give them a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process.

Step 7: Build the First Layer

Spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully place lasagna noodles on top.

Step 8: Add the First Filling

Evenly distribute:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Chopped spinach
  • Artichoke hearts

Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 9: Continue Layering

Repeat the layering process. Create delicious alternating layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, vegetables, and cheeses until you’ve used all ingredients.

Step 10: Create the Cheesy Topping

Finish with a lavish layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese to create a golden, crispy surface.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden brown.

Step 12: Let It Rest

After removing from the oven, let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.

Tips For Perfect Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

  • Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Chop chicken, spinach, and artichoke hearts in advance to streamline cooking and reduce stress during meal preparation.
  • Ensure Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform cubes for consistent browning and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Layer with Precision: Spread each ingredient evenly to guarantee balanced flavors in every bite, creating a harmonious texture throughout the lasagna.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
  • Moisture Control: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent excessive drying and maintain the lasagna's creamy consistency.

Tasty Changes For Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Spinach Artichoke Lasagna: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Mediterranean Lasagna: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the same layering technique and flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Use thin slices of roasted eggplant or cauliflower sheets instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
  • Greek-Inspired Variation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean-style transformation of the classic lasagna.

Great Pairings For Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy, rich lasagna with its bright acidity and light, refreshing profile that cuts through the heavy cheese and balances the dish's richness.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Companion: Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and oregano vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy lasagna and add nutritional balance.
  • Serve Herbed Garlic Bread: Craft crusty garlic bread with fresh parsley and thyme to offer a crunchy texture that matches the lasagna's softness and provides an additional aromatic element to enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container. Frozen lasagna stays fresh for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking temperature midway.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove lasagna from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs About Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna

  • How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cut a piece in half to verify there’s no pink in the center and juices run clear.

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, squeezing out excess moisture to prevent watery lasagna. Pat dry with paper towels before adding to the recipe.

  • What if I don't have ricotta cheese?

Substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of sour cream can also work as a replacement, maintaining a similar creamy texture.

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Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, And Artichoke Lasagna Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 70-75 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Culinary magic unfolds in this cheesy chicken, spinach, and artichoke lasagna, blending Mediterranean flavors with comforting American style. Layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and earthy vegetables create a memorable dining experience that will delight your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 can artichoke hearts
  • 12 lasagna noodles

Cheese Components:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Dice the chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes and season with salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  4. Mince the garlic and chop the spinach and artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside for layering.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking.
  7. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on the bottom, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles.
  8. Distribute the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and artichoke hearts evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  9. Repeat the layering process, alternating noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, vegetables, and cheeses until all ingredients are used.
  10. Top the final layer with a generous amount of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy surface.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  12. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken seasoning by using a blend of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for deeper flavor profile.
  • Keep chicken pieces uniform to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the lasagna.
  • Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for brighter color and crisper texture, but squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery layers.
  • Consider low-fat ricotta and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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