Shredded Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Name: Shredded Chicken Spinach Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups fresh spinach; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Heartwarming Treats

I absolutely love making Shredded Chicken Spinach Lasagna for my family. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheese layered between pasta sheets creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone enjoys. It’s not only delicious but also a satisfying way to incorporate veggies into our meal. Whenever I prepare this lasagna, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment seeing my loved ones savoring each bite. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weekdays, allowing me to save time while still serving something special.

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:09:37.202Z

As I ventured into developing this Shredded Chicken Spinach Lasagna, I wanted to create a dish that would be both comforting and nutritious. I discovered that using shredded chicken not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the lasagna light. While I typically use store-bought marinara sauce, making my own with fresh tomatoes and herbs really enhances the overall taste.

One tip I learned over the years is to slightly undercook the noodles during assembly. This allows them to absorb some of the sauce while baking, resulting in the perfect tender texture. Each layer of cheese and spinach adds to the deliciousness, making it a truly memorable meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously balanced flavors with chicken and spinach
Creamy, cheesy goodness in every layer
Perfectly convenient for meal prep and leftovers

Understanding the Layers

The layering process is crucial for the success of your Shredded Chicken Spinach Lasagna. Each layer not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture. Make sure to spread out the fillings evenly between the noodles. This allows every bite to capture the wonderful blend of chicken, spinach, and cheese. If you find that your noodles are sticking together, a quick rinse in cold water after cooking can help separate them and make assembly easier.

When assembling, use a large spoon to distribute the marinara sauce evenly over the layers. This prevents the noodles from sticking together during baking and ensures a flavorful base. For even more flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between the cheese layers for a little kick. Visual cues like the bubbling cheese and golden edges will signal when your dish is done.

Make-Ahead Tips

This lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal option, which can save time on busy weekdays. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake according to the recipe, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to accommodate its cold temperature.

If you want to freeze leftovers, cut the lasagna into individual serving portions and store them in airtight containers. This makes reheating simple and portion control easy! Just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, adding about 15-20 minutes to the total cooking time until heated through.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your lasagna masterpiece!

Lasagna Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups fresh spinach
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are prepared and ready before you start assembling.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your lasagna layer by layer.

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your lasagna bakes evenly and thoroughly.

Cook the Noodles

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Layer three noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture, half of the shredded chicken, half of the spinach, and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers one more time.

Top and Bake

Place the final three noodles on top and spread the remaining marinara sauce over them. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape when serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mixing in a handful of fresh basil leaves with the spinach.

Ingredient Substitutions

The shredded chicken in this recipe can be swapped for cooked ground turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can opt for low-fat ricotta cheese without sacrificing much flavor. For a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, ensuring that you still get that creamy texture.

Different types of spinach can also enhance the dish; baby spinach is tender and melds beautifully, while Swiss chard can add a unique flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture, keeping the ratios similar to maintain the balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lasagna with a simple side salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors of the dish. The freshness of the salad complements the hearty lasagna, making for a well-rounded meal. You might also enjoy this dish alongside some crusty garlic bread to scoop up any remaining sauce on your plate.

For a cozy family dinner, consider serving individual portions in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an appealing presentation. A dash of chili flakes or Parmesan can also elevate the dish before serving, creating an inviting look and adding extra flavors that enhance the overall experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?

Yes, using store-bought shredded chicken can save time. Just ensure it's well-seasoned.

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese works as a great substitute for ricotta in lasagna.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.