Mary Berry’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne is a delightful twist on the classic lasagne. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy béchamel sauce layered between sheets of lasagne pasta. The result is a lighter but equally satisfying alternative to traditional beef lasagne, perfect for a family dinner or gathering. This dish is flavorful, wholesome, and takes about an hour to prepare and cook.
What is Mary Berry’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne?
Mary Berry’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne swaps the usual beef and tomato-based sauce for a creamy chicken and spinach filling. The layers of lasagne sheets, rich béchamel, and shredded chicken create a delicious combination that’s comforting without being too heavy. The addition of spinach gives the dish a fresh, nutritious boost, making it an ideal recipe for a balanced meal.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne
- For the Filling:
- 500g cooked chicken (shredded)
- 300g fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100ml chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 600ml milk
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Lasagne Layers:
- 9-12 lasagne sheets (pre-cooked or no-cook depending on the type)
- 100g grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (or if using frozen spinach, cook until heated through). Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the shredded chicken and chicken stock. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
- Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce. Next, spread a portion of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of lasagne sheets and a generous topping of béchamel sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagne. This will create a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagne
- Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagne is bubbling around the edges. If needed, you can place the dish under the grill for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden cheese topping.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a fresh green salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken: This saves time and makes the recipe quicker to assemble.
- Drain the spinach well: If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture making the lasagne soggy.
- Season the béchamel well: Proper seasoning is key to ensuring the creamy sauce enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
- Let the lasagne rest before slicing: Allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes after baking so it sets, making it easier to slice and serve.
How Do I Store and Reheat Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne?
- Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I freeze Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne?
Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne. Assemble the lasagne but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in cling film and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per the recipe instructions.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this lasagne?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach in this lasagne. Simply wilt it in a pan for a few minutes until softened, then drain any excess moisture before adding it to the recipe.
How long does chicken and spinach lasagne last in the fridge?
Chicken and spinach lasagne can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
What can I serve with chicken and spinach lasagne?
Chicken and spinach lasagne pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light side dish balances the richness of the lasagne.
Final Words
This Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of a traditional lasagne with the fresh, healthy addition of spinach. It’s a great family meal that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table! Enjoy!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-British
Description
Mary Berry’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne swaps the usual beef and tomato-based sauce for a creamy chicken and spinach filling. The layers of lasagne sheets, rich béchamel, and shredded chicken create a delicious combination that’s comforting without being too heavy. The addition of spinach gives the dish a fresh, nutritious boost, making it an ideal recipe for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 500g cooked chicken (shredded)
- 300g fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100ml chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 600ml milk
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagne Layers:
- 9–12 lasagne sheets (pre-cooked or no-cook depending on the type)
- 100g grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (or if using frozen spinach, cook until heated through). Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the shredded chicken and chicken stock. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagne
Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagne sheets over the sauce. Next, spread a portion of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly over the lasagne sheets, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of lasagne sheets and a generous topping of béchamel sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagne. This will create a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagne
Place the lasagne in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagne is bubbling around the edges. If needed, you can place the dish under the grill for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden cheese topping.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, allow the lasagne to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a fresh green salad or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
