Embrace the comfort of classic Italian flavors with a twist in Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Lasagne. This hearty and satisfying dish brings together tender chicken, earthy Swiss brown mushrooms, and vibrant baby spinach in a symphony of flavors. Layered between sheets of fresh lasagne and crowned with a luscious ricotta topping, this lasagne is a celebration of rich textures and harmonious tastes. Whether shared with a gathering of friends or savored during a cozy evening in, this recipe promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights. Let’s embark on a culinary journey that fuses tradition and innovation, resulting in a dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS:
Lasagne Filling:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small onion (80 g), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 kg chicken mince
- 200 g Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp. plain flour
- 300 ml cooking cream
- 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- 375 g packet fresh lasagne sheets
- 120 g baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
Ricotta Topping:
- 500 g Perfect Italiano™ Ricotta
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup (125 ml) milk
- 450 g Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lasagne Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Lightly grease an 8-cup (2 litre) ovenproof lasagne dish.
- For the filling, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and crushed garlic. Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens.
- Introduce chicken mince to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking up the mince until it turns browned. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the plain flour and cook for another 1 minute. Add cooking cream and Dijon mustard, mixing thoroughly. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered on low for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then set aside.
Ricotta Topping:
- Combine Perfect Italiano™ Ricotta, lightly beaten egg, and milk in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in ½ cup of Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese. Refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to use, reserving the remaining cheese.
To Assemble Lasagne:
- Spread ⅓ cup of the ricotta topping over the base of the prepared dish. Arrange the fresh lasagne sheets over the ricotta layer, trimming them to fit the size of the dish if needed.
- Stir the roughly chopped baby spinach through the remaining ricotta topping mixture, and then divide it into three portions.
- Begin layering the lasagne by topping the lasagne sheets with one third of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle a handful of Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese over the chicken, and then cover it with another layer of lasagne sheets. Repeat this layering process with chicken mixture, Perfect Bakes cheese, and a layer of the ricotta and spinach sauce. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with a final layer of lasagne sheets.
- Spread the reserved ricotta and spinach sauce over the top layer and sprinkle it with the remaining Perfect Bakes cheese. Bake the lasagne uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and the lasagne sheets are cooked through.
- Allow the lasagne to stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Lasagne with a fresh green salad, allowing the flavors to shine in every mouthful.
SAVOR AND SHARE:
- Delight in the symphony of flavors that is Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Lasagne, where layers of savory goodness and creamy textures intertwine to create a masterpiece on your plate. As you savor each forkful, share the joy of this delectable creation with friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion centerpiece, this dish encapsulates the essence of heartwarming Italian cuisine. Gather around the table, relish the laughter and conversations, and celebrate the art of cooking with a dish that’s destined to become a treasured favorite.
