Mediterranean Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
This Mediterranean Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna is a flavorful, hearty twist on a classic lasagna, combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutrient-rich spinach in a creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling. Layered with pasta sheets and a light, herb-infused tomato sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of comforting and wholesome. It’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, offering Mediterranean-inspired flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Mixture:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup white mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup water
For Assembly:
9-12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked according to package instructions)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in spinach, garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook until spinach is wilted.
Add shredded chicken, mix well, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
3. Layer the Lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Top with 1/3 of the chicken-spinach-mushroom mixture.
Add a layer of marinara sauce.
Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, chicken-spinach-mushroom, sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce.
4. Top and Bake:
Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings:
Serves 6-8 people.
Notes and Tips:
Make It Ahead:
Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Customize Vegetables:
Add Mediterranean-inspired vegetables like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use Rotisserie Chicken:
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Cooking Noodles:
If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them until al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
Cheese Variations:
Try substituting mozzarella with fontina or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Info(Per Serving):
Approximate values based on 8 servings:
Calories: ~380
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~650mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute for ricotta.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add more spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Make sure to cook down the spinach and mushrooms to release excess moisture, and don’t overuse marinara sauce.
This Mediterranean Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna is a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite
This Mediterranean-inspired lasagna uses Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, making it a healthier and lighter option. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and lemon juice gives the dish a bright and flavorful taste.