Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Spinach Lasagne is a lighter, more flavorful take on the traditional lasagna. Instead of using beef or pork, he goes for chicken, paired with spinach, creamy white sauce and a lovely, golden cheese topping. This dish combines comfort with freshness, where each layer bursts with savory goodness and vibrant flavors. The use of chicken makes it leaner and the spinach adds a nutritious punch, making it feel just a little bit healthier without sacrificing that indulgent lasagna experience.
This recipe is perfect if you want to give a classic Italian comfort food a twist. It’s hearty but not heavy and the creamy béchamel sauce holds everything together in a satisfying way. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens for anyone who’s a bit picky with their veggies.
Jamie Oliver Chicken And Spinach Lasagne Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For Jamie’s version, you won’t need any weird or hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s the basic list:
- Chicken – You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner but thighs give the dish a bit more flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach works best but frozen will do too. Make sure to cook it down and drain any excess water.
- Lasagna Sheets – Fresh or dried, depending on what you prefer. The fresh sheets tend to cook faster but dried is totally fine.
- Cheese – A blend of Mozzarella and Parmesan gives the lasagna a great gooey texture and rich flavor.
- Butter & Flour – For making the béchamel sauce. This is your classic roux-based white sauce and it’s what brings that creamy element to the dish.
- Milk – Full-fat or semi-skimmed works best for a rich sauce.
- Nutmeg – A pinch goes into the béchamel for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves, finely chopped, to give a kick to the sauce.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing your chicken and garlic, adding a little richness.
- Seasoning – Salt, pepper and a bit of dried oregano or basil, if you like.
You won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients but these staples bring the dish to life in the most delicious way.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy, just the basics you’d use for most lasagnas:
- Large Pot – For boiling your lasagna sheets and making the white sauce.
- Frying Pan – To cook the chicken and garlic.
- Ovenproof Dish – A large baking dish to assemble the layers. A 9×13 inch one is ideal.
- Whisk – For stirring your béchamel sauce to avoid lumps.
- Sharp Knife – For chopping the chicken, spinach and garlic.
- Grater – To grate the cheese. Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan melt better and have a richer flavor.
- Wooden Spoon – A nice sturdy spoon to stir everything around in the pan.
Not too much, just the essentials to make it all come together.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne
- Cook the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing the chicken until golden and cooked through. After that, chop it into small pieces. If you’re feeling lazy, you can shred it instead but chopping gives a nice texture to the final dish.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, toss in your garlic and let it soften and become fragrant. Add in the spinach (a few handfuls at a time) until it wilts down. Squeeze out any excess water if you’re using frozen spinach.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a large pot, melt butter and stir in the flour to create a roux. Whisk in the milk slowly, making sure to keep it smooth. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper, then let it cook until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Layer the Lasagne: Start with a spoonful of béchamel sauce at the bottom of your dish, then layer on your lasagna sheets, followed by the chicken-spinach mixture and more sauce. Repeat the process until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
- Top It Off: Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top. This helps get that nice, crispy, cheesy top you crave.
- Bake: Pop the lasagne into the oven and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
What I Learnt
Making this lasagna really opened my eyes to how flexible and easy it can be to make a healthier version of a comfort food. I always thought lasagna had to be heavy with meat or be loaded with cheese to be satisfying. But with the chicken and spinach combo, you get a lighter but still indulgent dish. The key thing I learned is how much flavor can come from simple, fresh ingredients. The béchamel sauce is surprisingly easy to make and it brings everything together so beautifully.
Also, I was reminded of how much I love layering. There’s something so satisfying about assembling the different components into this beautiful, hearty dish. The act of building the lasagna is almost as enjoyable as eating it!
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne
Jamie Oliver’s chicken and spinach lasagne is already a winner but you can easily tweak it to make it your own. Start with the basics-tender chicken, creamy white sauce and layers of spinach. but there’s plenty of room for customization.
1. Chicken Variety: You don’t have to stick with chicken breast. You could swap in chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful version. If you’re feeling adventurous, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too, cutting down on prep time. For a twist, you can even try turkey instead of chicken if you’re after something leaner.
2. Spinach Alternatives: While spinach gives the dish that classic richness, you could use kale or Swiss chard instead. They’ll add a different texture and flavor, making the lasagne feel fresher and a little more hearty. If you love a good mushroom, toss in some sautéed mushrooms alongside the spinach for an earthy boost.
3. Sauce Upgrades: The white sauce (béchamel) is where a lot of magic happens but it’s also where you can get creative. A touch of Dijon mustard in the sauce will add a zesty bite or you could mix in a bit of grated nutmeg for that classic lasagne flavor. Want to kick it up? Add some crumbled blue cheese for an unexpected depth of flavor.
4. Spice It Up: To give the dish a little heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or, mix in a chopped fresh chili for a stronger punch. For those who love herbs, adding fresh basil or thyme to the chicken layer will make the flavor profile pop. A few sprigs of rosemary in the sauce would also pair wonderfully with the chicken.
5. Layer It Differently: You can play around with the structure, too. For extra gooeyness, try adding ricotta or mascarpone between the layers of pasta. Or, if you’re aiming for a more robust dish, swap in some whole wheat or spinach pasta sheets for added texture and nutrition.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Lasagne is one of those dishes that actually gets better the next day, so if you’ve got leftovers, you’re in for a treat. Here’s how to store it properly so it lasts:
1. Fridge Storage: Let the lasagne cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation which can make the dish soggy. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
2. Freezing Leftovers: If you’re thinking long-term, lasagne freezes like a champ. First, let it cool completely, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. The individual portions will defrost more evenly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
3. Reheating: To keep the lasagne from drying out when you reheat it, cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a rush, you can reheat in the microwave but the oven will preserve the cheesy, bubbly texture much better.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne?
Lasagne is a pretty filling dish on its own but there’s no reason you can’t amp it up with some sides. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
1. Fresh Salad: A bright, refreshing salad is the perfect contrast to the richness of the lasagne. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders. Try arugula, baby spinach and some cherry tomatoes, topped with a balsamic glaze or lemon dressing. If you want to go a bit fancier, you can throw in some roasted beets or toasted nuts for texture.
2. Garlic Bread: A classic for a reason. Crispy, buttery garlic bread will give you that perfect crunch to balance the soft layers of the lasagne. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mix for a more aromatic experience. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle parmesan on the bread before baking.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting some vegetables on the side complements the lasagne beautifully. You could go with a mix of zucchini, bell peppers or carrots. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper and any herbs you like and roast at 400°F (200°C) until they’re golden and tender. The sweetness from the roasted veggies adds a nice contrast to the savory lasagne.
4. A Glass of White Wine: If you enjoy wine with dinner, a crisp, refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs nicely with chicken and spinach lasagne. The acidity in the wine will cut through the creaminess of the dish, balancing out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I Use Store-bought Lasagne Sheets For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought lasagne sheets to save time. Just make sure they’re suitable for layering without pre-cooking.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne Gluten-free?
You can substitute regular lasagne sheets with gluten-free ones. Make sure the rest of your ingredients, like the béchamel sauce, are also gluten-free.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Spinach Lasagne?
Yes, it freezes really well! Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. You can bake it straight from frozen or let it thaw first.
