There’s something incredibly comforting about lasagna, especially on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the smell of melting cheese and bubbling sauce filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. This Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta has become a staple in our home. It’s not just about the delicious layers of flavors but also about the time we get to spend together while it cooks. You can prepare it early in the day, and by dinner, you’ll be greeted with a warm, hearty dish. This recipe is special because it combines the ease of a slow cooker with nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome meal for busy weeknights.
Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to put together. You can toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic without hovering over the stove. Moreover, it’s a nutritious option packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the fresh spinach. This dish is perfect for families, gatherings, or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Add half of the chicken and spinach mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella and some more marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining chicken and spinach mixture, more marinara, and mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, marinara sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Serve your lasagna warm, straight from the crockpot. It pairs nicely with a side salad and garlic bread. You can also garnish each plate with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and use it within 3 months for the best quality.
Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water.
- Feel free to mix up the cheeses! You can add ricotta or cottage cheese for a different taste.
- If you prefer a crunchy topping, you could add breadcrumbs mixed with some melted butter on top for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variation
For a meatless option, you can replace the chicken with chopped mushrooms or more veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. This would keep it delicious and still hearty!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat noodles?
Yes, whole wheat lasagna noodles work perfectly here. Just follow the same layering method.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the layers in advance, store them in the fridge, and cook them in the slow cooker when you’re ready.
What can I serve with this lasagna?
A fresh garden salad and a loaf of garlic bread are great options to complete your meal. You can also enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
PrintCrockpot Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
A comforting and nutritious Slow Cooker lasagna loaded with chicken, spinach, and three types of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the shredded chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Add half of the chicken and spinach mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella and some more marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining chicken and spinach mixture, more marinara, and mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, marinara sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 180 to 240 minutes, or until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
Notes
Feel free to use fresh or frozen spinach; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water. You can vary the cheeses for different tastes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



