Start by boiling 12 lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside. This step ensures that the noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to hold your layers of flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring that your lasagna doesn’t stick during baking.
In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This is where the delicious aroma begins to fill your kitchen!
Next, sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and stir it to create a paste. This roux will help thicken your sauce to perfection.
Whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 2½ cups heavy cream, along with 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
Stir in 1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this rich sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken and 2 cups chopped spinach to the sauce. Stir to combine and let the spinach wilt slightly, infusing the sauce with even more flavor. Set the finished sauce aside while you prepare the cheese mixture.
In a large bowl, combine 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined; this cheesy mixture will add creaminess between the layers.
To assemble your lasagna, start by spreading ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over this sauce, followed by ½ cup of the ricotta mixture. Add ¾ cup of the meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times. For the final layer, top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tight enough to keep the heat in.
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, creating a beautiful crust on top of your Marry Me Lasagna.
