The “A Little Lighter Chicken Caesar Lasagna” is a creative twist on the classic Italian lasagna dish, incorporating flavors inspired by a Caesar salad. This fusion recipe combines the elements of a traditional chicken Caesar salad with the comforting layers of a lasagna. The result is a dish that offers a balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Caesar salad dressing. Mix until well combined.
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.
- Assemble the lasagna layers: Start by spreading a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread half of the chicken and tomato mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the wilted spinach.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach.
- Place three more lasagna noodles on top and repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: ricotta mixture, chicken and tomato mixture, spinach, and cheeses.
- For the final layer, place three lasagna noodles and top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
- After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Chicken Caesar Lasagna recipe is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Baking Time:
The baking time is around 35-45 minutes.
Total Time:
In total, you can expect to spend about 55-70 minutes from start to finish, including both preparation and baking time.
Enjoy your delicious and creative Chicken Caesar Lasagna that combines the flavors of a classic salad with the comforting layers of lasagna!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for “A Little Lighter Chicken Caesar Lasagna”:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming the lasagna is divided into 8 equal slices)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Total Fat: About 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 55mg
- Sodium: Around 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: About 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
Health Information:
- This Chicken Caesar Lasagna is relatively lower in calories compared to traditional lasagna recipes due to the use of lean chicken breast and reduced-fat ingredients.
- The dish provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, which helps in muscle repair and maintenance.
- The inclusion of baby spinach adds vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and folate, contributing to a nutrient-rich meal.
- The use of whole-grain or whole-wheat lasagna noodles could increase the fiber content of the dish, aiding in digestion and providing sustained energy.
- Be mindful of the sodium content, as Caesar salad dressing and cheeses can contribute to higher sodium levels. You can consider using low-sodium options or adjusting the amount of dressing used.
- While this recipe is a creative fusion, portion control is still important, as lasagna can be calorie-dense. Enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is recommended.
- To make it even healthier, you could incorporate additional vegetables or herbs, like roasted red peppers or fresh basil, to increase the nutrient variety.
Remember that these nutritional values are approximations and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions. It’s always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
