Name: Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces (1 pound) lasagna noodles, cooked al dente; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1½ tsp garlic, minced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups (735g) whole milk; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups (420g) shredded rotisserie chicken; ½ pound frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid; 1 can (15 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 1 container (15 ounces) whole milk ricotta cheese; 4 cups (452g) shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese

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There’s something magical about lasagna—it’s the ultimate comfort food, layering all the best ingredients into one perfect dish. But what if we took it a step further? Meet the Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, a flavorful twist on a beloved classic. It’s rich, creamy, packed with savory goodness, and destined to become your new favorite recipe.

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making this indulgent dish, with tips and tricks to ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we get into the details, let me tell you why this lasagna stands out. It combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy artichokes with a luscious cheese sauce. Every bite is a creamy, cheesy dream come true! It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something special.

Step 1: Prepping for Perfection

To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. You want to ensure every cheesy layer releases effortlessly when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Crafting the Cheese Sauce

Now, onto the star of the show: the cheese sauce. Here’s how to make it silky smooth and utterly delicious:

Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The aroma of butter sizzling is already a great start, right?
Add Garlic: Stir in 1½ teaspoons of minced garlic, letting it sauté for about a minute. That fragrant, garlicky goodness is going to take this sauce to the next level.
Whisk in the Flour: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for a minute. This step is crucial for getting rid of any raw flour taste.
Incorporate the Milk: Slowly pour in 3 cups of whole milk, whisking as you go to keep things lump-free. The sauce will thicken in 2-4 minutes, coating the back of your spoon perfectly.
Season to Taste: Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy base.

Step 3: Building the Filling

While the sauce simmers, it’s time to prepare the filling. Combine shredded rotisserie chicken, thawed and drained spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts in a mixing bowl. Toss these ingredients together gently, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Then, pour your cheese sauce over the mix, stirring to coat every piece in creamy perfection.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna Layers

Here comes the fun part—assembling your lasagna! Start by spreading a thin layer of the chicken mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. This step keeps the noodles from sticking and adds flavor to every bite.

First Noodle Layer: Lay down your cooked lasagna noodles. Make sure they slightly overlap for a sturdy base.
Ricotta Bliss: Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the hearty filling.
Add the Chicken Mixture: Spoon another layer of the cheesy chicken, spinach, and artichoke filling on top.
Mozzarella Heaven: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling. The more, the merrier!
Repeat: Keep layering noodles, ricotta, chicken mixture, and mozzarella until your dish is full, ending with a top layer of mozzarella for that golden, bubbly finish.

Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna – Finishing Touches and Pro Tips

Now that we’ve prepped and layered our Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, it’s time to bring it all together with some oven magic. In this section, I’ll guide you through the baking process, share helpful tips to elevate your lasagna game, and even sprinkle in a few fun variations for added creativity. Let’s keep going!

Step 5: Baking Your Masterpiece

The oven is preheated, your lasagna is beautifully layered, and now it’s time to bake this dreamy dish to perfection. Here’s what to do:

Cover and Bake: To ensure your lasagna stays moist and the flavors meld together, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Golden Finish: After the initial bake, remove the foil to let the top layer of mozzarella cheese work its magic. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra touch of crispy, cheesy goodness, broil the lasagna on high for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt cheese!
Resting Time: Once baked, let your lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve clean, beautiful portions.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

Achieving lasagna perfection isn’t difficult when you know the tricks of the trade. Here are my top tips:

Cook Noodles Al Dente: Slightly undercooked noodles will absorb the sauce as they bake, preventing a soggy final dish.
Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Giving your lasagna time to cool slightly after baking helps the layers hold together when serving.
Customize the Layers: Feel free to adjust the ratios of noodles, filling, and cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Variations to Try

Want to add your own spin to this recipe? Here are a few ideas to switch things up while keeping the core deliciousness intact:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy layers.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Extra Herbs: Mix fresh basil or oregano into the ricotta cheese for an herby flavor boost.
White Wine Addition: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the milk to the cheese sauce for a subtle, sophisticated depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Once your lasagna is baked and rested, it’s time to serve it up! Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna – FAQs and Final Thoughts

You’re almost ready to enjoy your Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna! In this final section, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about this recipe and leave you with some encouraging words to inspire your next culinary adventure.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes! This lasagna is freezer-friendly. Assemble the layers in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

3. What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand, cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs work perfectly. Grilled or poached chicken also adds great flavor and texture to this dish.

4. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Of course! If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in a skillet until wilted, then squeeze out any excess liquid before mixing it into the filling.

5. How do I avoid watery lasagna?
Watery lasagna can happen if the spinach or artichokes retain too much liquid. Be sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out moisture from these ingredients. Cooking the cheese sauce to the right thickness also helps maintain the lasagna’s structure.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover your lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.

7. Can I substitute other cheeses?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Gruyere, Fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add new flavor dimensions. Just make sure the cheese you use melts well.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Sharing

There you have it—Cheesy Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna, a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. With simple variations, you can make it your own and create a meal that fits your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. So, don’t be afraid to get creative!

I’d love to hear how your lasagna turns out. Did you try any of the variations or create your own twist? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know what you think. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pass it along to friends and family. After all, great food is meant to be shared.