Jodie's and Carla's Crockpot Spinach and Chicken Lasagna
This is my all-time favorite crockpot recipe.
This is my all-time favorite crockpot recipe.
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach thawed, drained
- 3 cups chicken breast cooked, chopped
- 2 cups matchstick carrots optional (i don't like)
- 2 (10 oz) package alfredo sauce
- 1 (10 3/4) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 4 cups italian cheese blend shredded
- 9 lasagna noodles uncooked
- 1/4 cups basil
- Carbohydrate 38.6592695258448 g
- Cholesterol 199.0985 mg
- Fat 36.384118887352 g
- Fiber 2.54776236574402 g
- Protein 72.5968741824616 g
- Saturated Fat 19.490362345223 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (744g)
- Sodium 2558.28504700865 mg
- Sugar 36.1115071601008 g
- Trans Fat 5.34027322801431 g
- Calories 768 calories
Step-by-step
- Stir spinach, chicken, and next 5 ingredients (if you include carrots), and 3 cups of italian cheese in large bowl.
- Spoon 1/4 of chicken mixture into lightly greased slow cooker.
- Arrange 3 noodles over mixture, break to fit if needed.
- Repeat layers twice.
- Top with remaining chicken mixture and 1 cup cheese.
- Cover and cook on low 3-1/2 hours until noodles done, mixture is bubbly, and edges are golden brown.
- Uncover and cook on low additional 30 minutes.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
How does pasta cook thoroughly in a slow cooker without boiling first? Uncooked lasagna noodles absorb moisture directly from the surrounding sauces and broth during the three-and-a-half-hour low heat cycle, relying on the liquid ratio to soften the starch properly. The final uncovered thirty-minute phase allows excess moisture to evaporate so the edges achieve a golden-brown finish.
Accompaniments for Rich Pasta Dishes
Pairing heavy, cream-based casseroles requires contrasting elements to balance the palate. A crisp, acidic green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the density of the alfredo sauce and Italian cheese blend. Alternatively, roasted bitter greens like rapini dressed with lemon juice provide a necessary counterweight to the rich dairy content. crusty bread is redundant here because the dish already supplies ample carbohydrates through the nine lasagna noodles.
Adjusting Yields in Ceramic Inserts
Scaling this formulation requires respecting the thermal capacity of standard six-quart slow cookers. Halving the ingredients works well in a smaller three-quart appliance, but stacking fewer layers in a large basin risks overcooking the edges before the center noodles hydrate. Maintain the three-layer structural ratio whenever possible to ensure even moisture distribution throughout the cooking window.
