There is something especially comforting about a creamy chicken lasagne layered with tender chicken, spinach, tomato sauce, and soft lasagne sheets. This Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne brings together the richness of crème fraîche and Cheddar with mushrooms, herbs, and spinach for a filling family dinner with a golden topping.
The Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe serves 6–8 people, making it suitable for sharing with family and friends. In the sections below, you’ll find the equipment and ingredients needed, the method for preparing and layering the lasagne, serving ideas, storage guidance, answers to common questions, and the available nutrition information.
Equipment
Equipments for Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe:
To prepare this recipe successfully, you will need a few simple kitchen tools to make the cooking and assembly process easier. Each item has an important role, from cooking the chicken and mushrooms to mixing the creamy filling, layering the lasagne sheets, and baking the dish evenly. A suitable shallow 1.8 litre ovenproof dish is especially useful for creating neat, even layers and allowing the cheese on top to become beautifully golden and bubbling. Having all the equipment ready before you begin will also help make the preparation process smoother and more organised.
- Shallow 1.8 litre ovenproof dish – used for assembling and baking the lasagne.
- Frying pan – useful for cooking the chicken and mushroom mixture.
- Small bowl – helps prepare and combine smaller ingredients or mixtures.
- Shallow dish – useful for soaking or preparing lasagne sheets.
- Oven – needed to bake the lasagne until golden and cooked through.
- Measuring spoon – helps measure ingredients accurately.
- Mixing bowl – useful for combining ingredients and preparing mixtures.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredients require for Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe:
This Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe uses simple ingredients to create a creamy and comforting family meal. The combination of chicken thighs, vegetables, fresh pasta, and rich sauces gives this lasagne a delicious flavour and satisfying texture. Use good-quality ingredients like fresh lasagne sheets, herbs, and cheese for the best results.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Fresh lasagne sheets | 6 sheets |
| Cheddar | 150g (5oz), grated |
| Chicken thighs | 500g (1lb 2oz) skinless and boneless |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Red chilli | 1/2, deseeded |
| Garlic cloves | 2 large cloves, crushed |
| Button mushrooms | 200g (7oz), sliced |
| Baby spinach | 200g (7oz) |
| Cornflour | 2 tsp |
| Crème fraîche | 200g (7oz) |
| Flatleaf parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Chopped tomatoes | 1 x 400g tin |
| Sun-dried tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Thyme leaves | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
How to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Prepare all ingredients before starting so the cooking process is smooth and organised.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until golden. Stir in the mushrooms, chilli, and garlic to create the chicken mushroom and spinach mixture.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth mixture, then add it to the pan to create a thickened sauce.
- Stir in the crème fraîche, herbs, and seasonings. Combine the chopped tomatoes with the sun-dried tomato paste and thyme leaves to make the tomato and herb sauce.
- Place the lasagne sheets in boiling water to soften them before layering. This helps create soft lasagne sheets that cook evenly.
- Assemble the lasagne in an ovenproof dish by adding layers of chicken mixture, tomato sauce, and lasagne sheets. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, creating three layers of chicken mixture, three layers of tomato sauce, and two layers of lasagne sheets.
- Sprinkle the grated Cheddar over the top and bake for 35–40 minutes. The lasagne should have a golden brown topping and be cooked through before serving.
Expert Tips Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne Recipe
With experience making creamy pasta dishes, I find that a few small steps make a big difference to the final result. Preparing the lasagne ahead, handling the pasta carefully, and balancing the sauces will help create a delicious dish with the perfect texture.
- Soak lasagne sheets before layering to prevent dry pasta and ensure a tender finish.
- Prepare and assemble the dish up to 6 hours ahead for an easier mealtime.
- Use fresh pasta where possible because it gives a softer texture and cooks evenly.
- Do not overcook the spinach, as it should remain tender and keep its flavour.
- Allow the lasagne to rest for a few minutes after baking so the layers hold together better.
- For a rich topping, make sure the cheese is spread evenly across the surface.
- The dish freezes well uncooked, making it useful for preparing meals in advance.
- Avoid adding too much sauce between layers, as it can make the lasagne watery.
- Check that the topping becomes golden brown before removing it from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
How to serve Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne:
This Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne is a comforting family dinner that pairs well with fresh sides and simple drinks. Serve this comfort meal with a light salad or green vegetables to balance the creamy layers. It is perfect for sharing with family, guests, or hungry teenagers.
- Serve with a fresh salad dressed with lemon or a light vinaigrette.
- Add green vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or steamed beans as a side dish.
- Pair with a refreshing fruit drink or sparkling water for a simple meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for extra colour and flavour.
- Enjoy as a weekend dinner recipe for family gatherings.
- Serve with garlic bread for a more filling meal.
- Finish with a light dessert such as fruit salad or yoghurt.
- This recipe is ideal for occasions where you need a dish that serves 6 – 8 servings.
Storage
How to store Mary Berry Chicken and Spinach Lasagne:
Room Temperature
- Allow the lasagne to cool before storing.
- Do not leave cooked chicken lasagne at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator
- Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cover well and keep chilled until ready to reheat.
- Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
Freezer
- This lasagne freezes well uncooked and can be prepared ahead.
- Assemble the dish, cool completely, wrap tightly, and place in the freezer.
- Frozen lasagne can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking when possible.
- The recipe can be made ahead and assembled up to 6 hours ahead before cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can lasagne be made ahead?
Yes, this lasagne can be assembled ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. It can be prepared up to 6 hours ahead before baking.
Q: Can chicken lasagne be frozen?
Yes, chicken lasagne can be frozen successfully. It is best to freeze it uncooked, wrapped tightly, and bake after thawing.
Q: How to soften lasagne sheets?
Place lasagne sheets in boiling water to soften them before layering. This helps create a smoother texture and prevents dry pasta.
Q: Why soak fresh lasagne sheets?
Soaking fresh lasagne sheets helps them become tender during baking. It also allows the layers to cook more evenly.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes around 6 – 8 servings. It is a good choice for a family meal or dinner gathering.
Q: How long to bake lasagne?
Bake the lasagne for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is cooked through. Allow it to rest briefly before serving.
Q: Can crème fraîche replace white sauce?
Yes, crème fraîche provides a creamy texture similar to a traditional white sauce. It helps create a rich and smooth lasagne filling.
Q: How to store chicken lasagne?
Store leftover chicken lasagne in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat until piping hot before serving.
Nutrition
The nutritional values for this chicken lasagne are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. This recipe contains protein from chicken thighs, carbohydrates from pasta, and richness from the creamy sauce and cheese.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 940 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Fat | 55g |
| Saturated Fat | 25g |
| Fibre | 6g |
| Sodium/Salt | 1.8g |