Name: Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 onion, chopped; 1 garlic head (9-10 cloves), minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 1 lb. ground chicken; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 5 cups raw fresh spinach; Salt and pepper, to taste; 16 lasagna sheets; 15 oz marinara sauce (divided into 2 portions of 5 oz each plus a remaining amount); 16 oz mozzarella cheese, grated (divided: 1½ cups + 1½ cups + 1 cup)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 82 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a lasagna that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down, let me introduce you to the Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe. This dish masterfully balances tender, lean ground chicken with vibrant spinach, all enveloped in layers of gooey mozzarella and tender pasta. It’s hearty enough to satisfy those lasagna cravings yet surprisingly light, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings when you want something comforting without that heavy feeling. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for a weeknight feast that feels like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a square piece of lasagna on a white plate with a geometric pattern, showing multiple layers of yellow pasta sheets alternating with textures of melted cheese, red tomato sauce, cooked spinach, and mushrooms visible in the lower and middle layers. The top layer is covered with golden melted cheese and tomato sauce, garnished with small bits of green herbs. A dollop of white creamy sauce sits in the middle of the lasagna piece, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. In the background, there is a blurred fork and another plate. The surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating an unforgettable lasagna. Each component plays a vital role: olive oil adds richness, vegetables bring freshness and texture, and the combination of cheeses and pasta create that classic hearty lasagna feel.

5 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and layers richness into the dish.
1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
1 garlic head, minced (9-10 cloves): Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
1 bell pepper, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
2 cups baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Offer a meaty texture and earthiness that complements the chicken.
1 lb. ground chicken: A lean protein base that keeps the lasagna light but filling.
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Infuses a classic Mediterranean herb aroma, uniting all the flavors.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, enriching the sauce.
5 cups raw fresh spinach: Provides a fresh, nutritious green element that wilts perfectly.
16 oz mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts beautifully for that signature gooey, cheesy goodness.
15 oz marinara sauce (or a bit more): Adds tanginess and moisture to keep everything juicy.
16 lasagna sheets: The perfect canvas to hold the layers together.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.

How to Make Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the chopped onion until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic to release its warm, inviting aroma. Stir in chopped bell pepper and sliced mushrooms, cooking until they are tender and any moisture has evaporated. This step builds a rich foundation of flavors that make this lasagna so delicious.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken and Season

Next, introduce your ground chicken to the pan along with tomato paste, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook while stirring, breaking up the chicken, until it’s just about cooked through. The tomato paste boosts the depth of the sauce, while the herbs bring that classic Italian flair you expect from a great lasagna.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Once the chicken is nearly done, pile in the fresh spinach. It will look like a mountain at first, but spinach quickly shrinks down and mingles with the other ingredients. Cook until tender so every bite includes that pop of fresh, healthy green goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Sheets

Bring a large pot of salted, oiled water to a boil and gently cook the lasagna sheets according to package directions—usually between 7 to 9 minutes. When tender yet firm to bite, rinse them in cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This step ensures your layers won’t turn mushy in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with one tablespoon of olive oil, then place 5 to 6 lasagna sheets evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the chicken and spinach mixture over the pasta, followed by 5 ounces of marinara sauce, and 1½ cups of mozzarella. Repeat the layering process with another batch of sheets, chicken mixture, marinara, and cheese.

Step 6: Final Layer and Bake

Top with the final 6 sheets of pasta, spread the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle with the last cup of mozzarella. You can bake right away or refrigerate for up to 24 hours to deepen flavors. When ready, bake at 400°F for 30 minutes or until bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for the last few minutes, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Let it rest 15-20 minutes before slicing to hold its shape perfectly.

How to Serve Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe

The image shows many clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there is a large bowl filled with fresh, green spinach leaves, next to it a medium bowl with shredded white cheese. Below the cheese bowl is a bowl of raw ground chicken meat, pink in color. Next to the chicken is a bowl of bright red tomato sauce, and just below it a tiny bowl with a small amount of tomato paste, very red and thick. To the right of the tomato sauce is a bowl with white chopped onions, bright and fresh, and next to this one is a bowl with diced red bell peppers, vibrant and colorful. Below these two bowls is a bowl with sliced brown mushrooms. In the bottom right corner is a small glass bottle of golden olive oil. Toward the top right, there is a wooden board with stacked yellow lasagna sheets. On the top left corner, a red bell pepper and a small wooden salt and pepper container rest on the white marble surface. A wooden spoon with a golden handle is laying on a white cloth with blue checks on the left side of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a burst of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top can also enhance the richness without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

Pair this lasagna with a simple mixed green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Crusty garlic bread is always a winner to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in rustic ceramic dishes to keep them warm longer or let everyone build their own layered “lasagna bowls” by mixing leftover ingredients. For a party, cut into bite-sized squares and garnish with mini fresh herb sprigs to make elegant lasagna appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power to retain moisture without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella gives that classic stretchy texture, but mixing in some parmesan or provolone can add extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the right balance of creaminess.

Is it necessary to boil the pasta sheets first?

For this recipe, boiling the sheets ensures tender layers without any dryness. However, if using no-boil lasagna sheets, you can skip this step but may need to add a bit more sauce to keep it moist.

Can I substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or lean ground beef work fine too. Keep in mind ground chicken keeps the dish lighter and adds a subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with spinach.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply skip the ground chicken and add extra mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to maintain heartiness. Consider using a vegetable broth-based marinara for a fully vegetarian dish.

What can I do to make this lasagna lower in calories?

Use part-skim mozzarella or reduce the cheese a bit, and increase the spinach or other veggies. Using whole wheat lasagna noodles can also add fiber while keeping it satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna – Light & Hearty Recipe is truly a dish that brings joy and comfort without feeling overly heavy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a homemade Italian classic that’s bursting with fresh, wholesome flavors. Give it a try, and get ready for some well-deserved compliments!