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Sunday, June 3, 2012

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

There are a few things I've figured out thus far in my life:

1) Peeps need to eat,
2) Pees love to eat homemade meals they don't have to cook, 
3) Peeps love lasagna, it's a classic, 
4) And, most people don't say peeps, but I'm not one of them (obviously).

I've figured out how to cook with a one month old in tow. This basically means cooking one handed or putting him in his vibrating chair and talking to him while he watches me cook. Let me say this again, he has a vibrating chair. Need I say more? How could he not be happy? I don't have a vibrating chair and I'm his MOTHER!

His vibrating chair is exactly how I was able to make this delicious Chicken and Spinach Lasagna my honey to show my gratitude for all his middle of the night diaper changes, water fetching, and general great daddy-liciousness. 


This recipe encompasses easy and delicious. I got the first half done while my little home sliver was napping and finished it after he was done nursing while he sat vibrating. 

This lasagna is a little different because I used chicken instead of the most commonly used beef and I didn't use ricotta and instead combined mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to make that ooey gooey cheesey layer. 

I also only used two layers of lasagna noodles making this less carbohydrate focused and more filled with more 'good stuff'.


What came out of the oven was shear bliss. It had delicious flavors of creamy cheese, moist chicken,rich oregano notes and a slight sweetness from the tomatoes. 

What I'm saying is that this meal was perfect. The great thing is that we got to eat it twice. Two meals for the price of one! Now that's what I'm talking about when I say easy recipes for busy people and especially new moms. 


Not to mention it's nutritional and also loaded with lean protein and fiber! Great for the whole family!

Now on with the recipe!

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna

5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
5 Cloves Garlic; Minced
1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano
1 (28 Ounce) Can Crushed Tomatoes
1 Large Jar of Pasta Sauce (approx 3 Cups)
1/2 lb. Mozzarella Cheese; Shredded
1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 Box Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
4 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach
Basil for garnish (optional)
1. Make sure all the fat has been removed from the chicken breasts. Then place them in a food processor and process for about 20 seconds or until the chicken is broken into small pieces.
2. Heat a skillet with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and the chicken and oregano. Saute over medium-high heat stirring constantly until the chicken is cooked through. It will take about 4-5 minutes.
3. Combine the tomatoes and the pasta sauce in a large bowl and stir with a spatula. Set aside.
4. Shred the mozzarella cheese and combine with the Parmesan cheese in another large bowl and set aside.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
6. Grease a 9 X 12 baking dish with cooking spray. Place 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan then add 5 of the lasagna noodles covering the entire bottom. Layer the cooked chicken breast on top of the un cooked pasta. Then add the pasta sauce on top of the chicken, then half the spinach and a third of the cheese. Then top with pasta sauce. Add another layer of chicken, using it all. And top with the remaining spinach and another third of the pasta sauce and cheese.
8. Top with another 5 pasta noodles covering the entire top of the lasagna. Top with the remaining pasta sauce and cheese. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until it bubbles all over! Serve with a nice salad with balsamic dressing and you have a great meal ready to go whenever you need it!

Servings: 10


Nutritional Skinny:


288 calories / 8.4 g fat / 28 g carbohydrates / 5.4 g fiber / 24.4 g protein

Mental Health Tid Bit: Casseroles and lasagnas rank right up there with crock pot dinners in terms of ease of delivery. It involves loading lots of delicious ingredients into one dish and cooking. It doesn't get easier than that. This lasagna can also be made and baked ahead of time, frozen for up to three weeks, and baked in a 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes. Perfect prep for a busy week ahead or a nice gesture for a busy family! Now eat on!







 

25 comments:

  1. "putting him in his vibrating chair"
    Oohw! I wish I had a vibrating chair.

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  2. These lasagna looks so good :)
    I completely understand the whole cooking with one hand thing. People don't realize how much they use both of their hands for everything.Will totally make this probably with beef though - the boys in my house LOVE meat and if I can hide spinach in something with meat I am golden. I love spinach. Someday I won't have to keep hiding it in their food :) Kudos :)

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  3. Reminds me of the marinated chicken at the spa in Italy, only in lasagne form. I will try this on Saturday, thanks for the idea.

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  4. I love how this recipe is both easy and nutritious! The chicken and spinach combo is perfect for a healthy lasagna. Can't wait to try it! Restaurant Franchise Pulse Jet Bag filter manufacturers

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  5. Love the idea of using whole wheat noodles for a healthier lasagna! This is going to be a hit with the whole family. Warehouse Rack in Noida Centralized Dust Collector Delhi

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  6. This recipe sounds like the perfect comfort food with a healthy spin! I'm excited to give it a try this weekend. Cyclone Dust Collector Delhi Cartridge type bag filter manufacturer

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  7. I love how easy this recipe is to prepare while multitasking with a baby. Great meal for new moms! Axial Flow Fans manufacturers Steel Mezzanine Floor in Delhi

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  8. I never thought of making lasagna with chicken and spinach—what a great combination! This recipe is definitely a keeper. Warehouse Racking System in delhi Filing Compactor in Delhi

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  9. This looks like the perfect way to use up some fresh spinach! Plus, it’s so healthy and hearty. Can’t wait to try it! Prefabricated storage sheds delhi Mezzanine Floor Manufacturer Mumbai

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  10. This chicken and spinach lasagna is perfect for a family meal. The mozzarella and Parmesan combo is such a tasty idea! File Storage Compactor Delhi Fabric roll racks manufacturer

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  11. I absolutely love that this lasagna is a lighter version with whole wheat noodles! Perfect for a healthier take on a classic dish. Fifo Flow Rack Manufacturer Pallet racks faridabad

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  12. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids while keeping it delicious. I’ll be trying it soon! Perforated cable tray manufacturer Pallet rack in noida

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  13. I love how healthy this recipe is with all the lean chicken and spinach. It looks so flavorful and comforting. Cantilever rack faridabad Cantilever rack rudrapur

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  14. This lasagna looks amazing! I’ve been looking for a healthier lasagna recipe and this one is perfect. Office chair in gurgaon Franchise Event

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  15. I love the fact that this lasagna has so much protein thanks to the chicken. Definitely going to try this soon! Best Business opportunities Cookies Distributorship

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  16. Chicken and spinach in lasagna is such a great idea! This looks like an easy meal to prepare on a busy day. Automatic web Sealer Restaurant Franchise

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  17. This lasagna recipe looks so creamy and comforting! I love the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan. Pulse Jet Bag filter manufacturers Slotted Angle rack in India

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  18. This recipe is perfect for busy moms! The fact that it’s easy to make and can be frozen for later is such a win. Centralized Dust Collector Delhi Cyclone Dust Collector Delhi

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  19. I love that this lasagna is lighter but still full of flavor. The chicken and spinach make it so nutritious! Cartridge type bag filter manufacturer Axial Flow Fans manufacturers

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  20. I can’t believe how simple and healthy this lasagna is. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the guilt! Steel Mezzanine Floor in Delhi Warehouse Racking System in delhi

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  21. This lasagna is genius! I love that it’s healthier with whole wheat noodles and lean chicken. Filing Compactor in Delhi Prefabricated storage sheds delhi

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  22. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves lasagna but wants a healthier version. The chicken and spinach are a great touch! Mezzanine Floor Manufacturer Mumbai File Storage Compactor Delhi

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  23. So glad I found this recipe! I can’t wait to make it for my family tonight. It’s the perfect mix of healthy and comforting. Pallet rack in delhi Perforated cable tray manufacturer

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  24. This lasagna is a perfect meal for the whole family, and I love that it’s full of protein and fiber. Pallet racks faridabad Warehouse storage rack manufacturer

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  25. I love that you used chicken instead of beef. This sounds so delicious and filling! Can’t wait to try it. Fabric roll racks manufacturer Fifo Flow Rack Manufacturer

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