Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna with Two Cheeses
Try this Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna recipe with two cheeses, baby spinach, and crispy bacon.
Try this Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna recipe with two cheeses, baby spinach, and crispy bacon.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 4 cloves garlic pressed through garlic press
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked
- creamy garlic sauce (recipe below)
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (about 8-10 tenderloins) cooked and diced
- 3 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 cups ( 1/2 gallon) 1% low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons natural chicken base (i use “better than bouillonâ€
- 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) butter
- 4 ounces flour (about 12 tablespoons)
- pinch or two salt
- 1 (6 oz) bag baby spinach raw
- 12 strips bacon cooked crispy
- Carbohydrate 2.91516177218127 g
- Cholesterol 58.388333365022 mg
- Fat 17.4913719871795 g
- Fiber 0.0666343754455387 g
- Protein 25.4373751162668 g
- Saturated Fat 11.0910293384081 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (173g)
- Sodium 875.615458653065 mg
- Sugar 2.84852739673573 g
- Trans Fat 0.661391948336085 g
- Calories 273 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 12 x 9 x 2 ½ inch baking dish.
- Add a thin layer of Creamy Sauce to the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then add another generous layer of sauce.
- Sprinkle over about half the diced chicken, 1 cup of shredded parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Sprinkle over about half the bag of baby spinach and about 1/3 of the chopped bacon.
- Repeat with another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, more sauce, the rest of the chicken, another cup of parmesan and mozzarella cheese, the remaining spinach, and another 1/3 of the chopped bacon; cover with the last layer of four lasagna noodles.
- Top with sauce, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with the remaining bacon and chopped parsley, and serve.
- In a saucepan, combine milk and chicken base, whisk, and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat.
- In another saucepan, melt butter with garlic over medium heat. Stir until garlic softens.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the butter/garlic/flour mixture, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Keep warm or refrigerate for later use.
Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless piles of laundry, finding time for a home-cooked meal feels like a luxury. But I refuse to let my family eat takeout every night! That's where this Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna comes in. It's a complete game-changer, a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to assemble, even on the busiest of weekdays. I’ve tweaked this classic lasagna recipe to be quicker and more efficient, while still delivering that rich, comforting flavor that my family craves.
The secret is in the creamy garlic sauce. I make a large batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge. It’s the perfect base for numerous recipes, not just this lasagna. This saves me a ton of time during the week. Instead of fussing with individual béchamel layers, I use this simplified sauce, making the whole lasagna assembly a breeze. Another time-saving tip: I always cook a large batch of chicken breasts on Sunday. I shred them and use them for salads, soups, tacos – you name it! For this recipe, I simply dice the pre-cooked chicken, adding a flavor boost without spending extra time cooking.
This lasagna isn't just quick; it's also incredibly flavorful. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and two kinds of cheese (mozzarella and parmesan) creates a symphony of textures and tastes. The crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce and the creaminess of the cheeses. It’s a dish that truly satisfies, leaving everyone feeling happy and full. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don't have baby spinach? Use regular spinach or even kale. Out of mozzarella? Use provolone or another melting cheese. The most important thing is to create a meal that you and your family will enjoy. And this lasagna certainly fits the bill!
Beyond the Weeknight: While this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, it also makes a stunning dish for a weekend gathering. Imagine impressing your friends with this flavorful lasagna, knowing it took you less time to assemble than to order takeout! I’ve found this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, regardless of the occasion. And the leftovers? They’re even better the next day!
So, if you’re a busy mom, like me, looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t take up your entire evening, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular staple in your weekly rotation. Its simplicity belies the depth of flavor. Prepare for compliments!
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses, such as ricotta or fontina.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or lentils.
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that delicious, home-cooked meals are achievable even amidst the chaos of everyday life. It's a reminder to take a moment, savor the flavors, and enjoy the company of those you love. And trust me, this lasagna is worth every minute!
