In the bustling kitchen of Natasha from NatashasKitchen.com, a culinary adventure unfolds, one that promises to revolutionize your lasagna game.
The star of the show? A creamy, white sauce chicken lasagna, oozing with cheese and layered with tender noodles.
This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures, made effortlessly with a rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 5 oz baby spinach (or carrots, broccoli, zucchini)
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 9 lasagna noodles (optional: extra in case some break)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups half-and-half cream
- 2 tsp sea salt, 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
The process begins with the chicken, the cornerstone of this dish. Natasha opts for a rotisserie chicken, a clever shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
The chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces, ready to meld seamlessly with the other ingredients.
For those who prefer, cooking two pounds of chicken breast is also an option.
This flexibility in preparation underscores the recipe’s adaptability to different tastes and time constraints.
Next, Natasha introduces a vibrant twist to the classic lasagna – spinach.
A generous five-ounce package of baby spinach leaves is prepared, destined to wilt into the sauce and infuse the dish with a subtle, earthy flavor.
This addition not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a delightful texture contrast.
The versatility of the recipe is further highlighted as Natasha suggests adding other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini, catering to a range of palates and preferences.
The foundation of any lasagna, the noodles, are cooked al dente – firm to the bite.
Natasha shares a pro tip to prevent the noodles from sticking: a quick rinse in cold water post-drainage.
This simple step ensures each noodle remains distinct and ready to soak up the flavors of the sauces.
The heart of this lasagna lies in its creamy spinach sauce, also known as bechamel.
A roux of flour and butter thickens the mixture of chicken broth and half-and-half, seasoned with salt and pepper.
The sauce is simmered to a light gravy consistency, then enriched with garlic and the prepared spinach.
The result is a velvety sauce that promises to envelop each layer of the lasagna in creamy goodness.
In a medium bowl, a ricotta cheese sauce comes to life, blending ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, an egg, and fresh parsley.
This cheese sauce, requiring no cooking, is a testament to the recipe’s simplicity and ease of preparation.
The assembly of the lasagna is a testament to the harmony of its components.
A layer of spinach sauce at the bottom of the dish prevents sticking, followed by layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, shredded chicken, and more spinach sauce.
This process is repeated, building up layers of flavor and texture that promise to delight with every bite.
As the lasagna bakes, the anticipation builds.
The final touch, a sprinkle of mozzarella on top, creates a golden, bubbly crust under the broiler.
The aroma of melting cheese and simmering sauce fills the kitchen, signaling a culinary masterpiece is nearly ready.
The first cut into the lasagna reveals its layered beauty – tender noodles, creamy sauces, and succulent chicken, all coming together in a harmonious blend.
The taste test confirms what the aromas suggested: this is not just a dish, but an experience.
The chicken, tender and flavorful, complements the rich, cheesy layers, while the spinach adds a fresh dimension.
Natasha’s chicken lasagna is more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of cooking.
It’s a dish that promises to be a hit with family and friends, a comforting yet sophisticated take on a classic.
As Natasha concludes her video, it’s clear that this lasagna isn’t just food; it’s a story of culinary creativity and the sharing of a meal that brings people together.
Click the video below for the whole recipe!
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