Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
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Craving a rich, comforting, and incredibly easy pasta dish that comes together with minimal effort? Look no further than this delightful Chicken and Spinach Lasagna with creamy Alfredo sauce. This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create an impressive and hearty meal. With just five core ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful lasagna that’s perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner with the family or a satisfying weeknight feast.
Forget the traditional red sauce and ricotta; this recipe offers a delicious twist with a luscious Alfredo base, tender shredded chicken, and healthy fresh spinach, all layered between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and melted mozzarella cheese. Its simplicity makes it a fantastic option for busy cooks, while its robust flavor ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Get ready to add this quick, easy, and incredibly tasty chicken and spinach lasagna to your regular meal rotation!
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its simplicity. With just five primary ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor you can achieve. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for the perfect lasagna:
- Jarred Alfredo Sauce (22 oz): This is your shortcut to creamy, rich flavor without the fuss of making it from scratch. A good quality jarred Alfredo sauce will provide the perfect base. While homemade Alfredo is always an option if you have the time and ingredients, a store-bought jar makes this truly a 5-ingredient recipe. Look for a brand with a smooth consistency and rich dairy notes to ensure the best flavor.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Pre-cooked chicken is another time-saver that makes this recipe incredibly fast. You can easily use a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store – simply shred the meat from the bones. Alternatively, boil a couple of chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them using two forks or even a stand mixer for quick results. This adds a substantial protein element to your lasagna and ensures every bite is satisfying.
- Lasagna Noodles (6 noodles): The foundation of any lasagna! You have a choice here: traditional lasagna noodles that require pre-boiling or the increasingly popular oven-ready (no-boil) noodles. Oven-ready noodles are fantastic for cutting down prep time, as they cook directly in the sauce in the oven. If using regular noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente before layering to prevent them from becoming mushy during the baking process.
- Fresh Chopped Spinach (1 cup): Not only does spinach add a vibrant color and fresh taste, but it also provides a healthy boost to your dish. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the lasagna, adding a subtle earthy flavor that complements the richness of the Alfredo and chicken. Make sure to chop it roughly so it distributes evenly throughout the layers, adding freshness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The quintessential lasagna topping! Mozzarella provides that irresistible gooey, stretchy, and browned crust that makes lasagna so comforting. Shredded mozzarella works perfectly and melts evenly, creating a delicious golden top. If you want to elevate the dish further, you could use a combination of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory flavor and sharper bite.
These five ingredients are the stars, forming the core of this simple yet satisfying dish. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce if you desire an extra flavor kick, but even without them, this lasagna is wonderfully delicious and balanced.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Making this lasagna is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to assemble a masterpiece that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, without all the fuss.
1. Prepare Your Noodles (If Not Using Oven-Ready)
If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until they are al dente – slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften in the oven. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly. A handy over-the-sink strainer can make this step even easier. Lay the strained noodles flat on parchment paper or a clean surface to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the other components. If you’re using oven-ready (no-boil) noodles, you can skip this boiling step entirely and proceed directly to layering!
2. Prepare Your Baking Dish and First Layer Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents the lasagna from sticking to the bottom of the pan and makes for easier serving and cleanup. Pour about 1/4 cup of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. This initial layer of sauce is essential as it provides moisture for the bottom noodles to cook (especially if using oven-ready varieties) and prevents them from drying out or sticking to the pan.
3. Begin Layering Your Lasagna Components
Now, it’s time for the fun part – layering! Carefully place three of your prepared lasagna noodles over the Alfredo sauce. You may need to break or trim the noodles to fit them snugly into the 8×8 inch pan; don’t worry, it won’t affect the taste or structural integrity of the final dish. Next, spread half of your cooked shredded chicken evenly over the noodles, ensuring good distribution for flavor in every bite. Follow this with half of the fresh chopped spinach. Drizzle about half of the remaining Alfredo sauce from the jar over the chicken and spinach, ensuring good coverage. Finally, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over this layer, ready for melting.
4. Create the Second Layer and Begin Baking
Repeat the entire layering process once more to create your second, delicious layer: add three more noodles, the remaining half of the shredded chicken, the remaining half of the spinach, the rest of the Alfredo sauce, and finally, top generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Make sure the top layer of cheese covers the lasagna completely to create that beautiful golden-brown crust. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes if you used pre-boiled noodles. If you opted for oven-ready (no-boil) noodles, increase the covered baking time to about 55 minutes, as they need more time to absorb moisture and cook through. The foil helps to steam the lasagna, ensuring the noodles cook evenly and the sauce stays moist without drying out.
5. Finish Baking, Rest, and Serve
After the initial covered baking period, carefully remove and discard the foil. Return the lasagna to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully browned, bubbly, and melted to perfection. You want those irresistible golden-brown edges and a creamy, hot interior! Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven. It’s crucial to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the layers to set and the cheese to firm up slightly, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it. Serve your delicious Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Lasagna hot and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
To ensure your Chicken and Spinach Lasagna turns out perfectly every time, and to make your cooking experience even smoother, consider these helpful recipe notes:
- Embrace Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: This is truly one of the best kitchen hacks for lasagna. Eliminating the need to boil noodles saves a significant amount of time and effort, making this dish even quicker to prepare. Remember, if using oven-ready noodles, you’ll need to add about 20-30 minutes to the total baking time under foil, allowing them to fully absorb the liquid and cook through.
- Scaling Up for a Crowd: This recipe, as written, is perfect for 4 generous servings in an 8×8 inch pan. If you’re feeding a larger family or planning for leftovers, easily double the recipe! You can bake it in a larger 9×13 inch baking dish. Just be sure to evenly distribute the ingredients and consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through, typically around 40-45 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.
- The Gift of Lasagna: Lasagna makes an excellent meal to share with friends, new parents, or someone in need of a comforting dish. For easy gifting, bake the lasagna in a disposable aluminum baking tin. This thoughtfulness means your friend doesn’t have to worry about returning a dish, making it a truly stress-free gift. You can even assemble it in advance and have them bake it fresh when they’re ready!
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover lasagna stores beautifully. Allow the cooled lasagna to reach room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual servings, microwave until warm through, usually 2-3 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese.
- Freezing Instructions: This lasagna is also freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prepping!
- To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish (a disposable aluminum pan is highly recommended here). Cover tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure thorough cooking.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked lasagna to cool completely to room temperature. You can then cut it into individual portions or leave it whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual slices until fully reheated.
- Serving Suggestions: This rich and creamy lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic addition for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce and enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Customization Ideas: While this recipe champions simplicity, feel free to customize it to your taste! Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a different protein like ground turkey or mild Italian sausage for varied flavors. You can also mix a bit of ricotta cheese with the spinach layer for a more traditional lasagna texture and added creaminess, though it would add an extra ingredient to the list.
Explore More Delicious Lasagna Creations
If you’ve enjoyed this easy chicken and spinach lasagna, you might be keen to try other variations of this beloved pasta dish. Here are a few more lasagna recipes from our collection to inspire your next meal, each offering a unique twist on the classic:
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna: A convenient and hearty meat-free option that cooks slowly to perfection, ideal for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal without constant supervision. This hands-off approach makes dinner incredibly easy.
One-Pot White Chicken Lasagna Soup: All the delicious flavors of white chicken lasagna transformed into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for a lighter take on the classic, this one-pot wonder minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it a weeknight favorite.
White Chicken Mushroom Spinach Lasagna: For those who love the creamy chicken and spinach combination but want to add an extra layer of savory depth with earthy mushrooms. This recipe elevates the classic white lasagna with an additional layer of umami.
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
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Ingredients
- 22 oz jar Alfredo sauce , (you can use homemade Alfredo sauce too)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 lasagna noodles , (or use oven-ready noodles to avoid boiling the noodles)
- 1 cup fresh chopped spinach
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Skip this step if you use oven-ready (no-boil) noodles.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Pour 1/4 cup of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the pan and spread it out evenly.
- Lay 3 of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the pan (breaking or cutting them to fit as needed). Evenly place half of the cooked shredded chicken over the noodles, then add half of the fresh chopped spinach. Drizzle half of the remaining Alfredo sauce over the spinach and chicken, and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process for a second layer, ending with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes if using pre-boiled noodles. If using oven-ready noodles, bake for approximately 55 minutes. After this initial baking, remove and discard the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.