👉White SauceCreamy Chicken Lasagna

Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce

Description:

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is a rich, comforting dish that layers tender lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach all enveloped in a velvety homemade white sauce (béchamel). It’s a delightful twist on the traditional red-sauce lasagna, offering a smoother, more indulgent flavor profile. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and the savory seasonings creates a deliciously satisfying meal for any occasion. Perfect for dinner with the family or for serving guests at a special gathering, this lasagna will definitely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups white sauce (béchamel sauce)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce) Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Lasagna Noodles:

Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside.

3. Prepare White Sauce (Béchamel):

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Set aside.

4. Prepare Chicken Mixture:

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Layer the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers (noodles, chicken mixture, white sauce, cheeses). Finish with a final layer of noodles, white sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish & Serve:

Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Add Bacon or Sausage: For an extra savory kick, you can add crumbled cooked bacon or Italian sausage to the chicken mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make sure your white sauce is thickened with a gluten-free flour substitute like cornstarch or rice flour.

Serving Tips:

Side Salad: Serve the lasagna with a simple green salad, like a Caesar or mixed greens salad, to balance out the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Pair with crispy, buttery garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

20 FAQs:

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option!
How do I store leftover lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Just bake it from frozen, adding extra time.
Can I make the white sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.
Is this lasagna spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. If you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes to the chicken mixture.
Do I need to cook the spinach?
No, fresh spinach will wilt in the layers of the lasagna as it bakes.
How can I make the lasagna less creamy?
Use less white sauce or substitute some of the cream with chicken broth.
Can I use pre-made white sauce?
Yes, store-bought béchamel sauce works, but homemade gives it an extra flavor boost.
What if my lasagna noodles break during cooking?
Try to handle the noodles gently and make sure they’re not overcooked, as this can cause breakage.
Can I make lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat ricotta, mozzarella, and a lighter version of the béchamel sauce made with skim milk.
Should I cover the lasagna while baking?
Yes, cover it with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent the cheese from burning.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Fontina, gouda, or even goat cheese would add a unique flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free noodles to make it gluten-free.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before cutting?
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Can I add a different protein?
Yes, turkey, ham, or even ground beef would be great substitutes.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
How can I make this recipe more cheesy?
You can add an extra layer of mozzarella cheese or sprinkle some cheese on top before baking.

20 Best Tips to Make This Recipe:

Don’t overcook your noodles: Lasagna noodles should be al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Prep ahead: You can make the chicken mixture and white sauce the day before to save time.
Layer your ingredients evenly: Make sure each layer has a balanced amount of filling for even cooking.
Use whole milk for the béchamel: For the creamiest texture, opt for whole milk.
Don’t skip resting time: Let the lasagna cool before cutting to ensure the layers set.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce: It adds a subtle depth of flavor to the béchamel.
Brown the chicken: If you have time, sauté the chicken in olive oil for added flavor.
Gently wilt spinach: If you prefer softer spinach, sauté it lightly before mixing into the filling.
Use a deep dish: A 9×13-inch pan allows for more layers and makes slicing easier.
Stir the béchamel constantly: To avoid lumps, whisk the sauce constantly while adding milk.
Make sure your oven is fully preheated: This ensures the lasagna cooks evenly from the start.
Use parchment paper: Place it over the lasagna before covering with foil to avoid cheese sticking.
Rotate the pan halfway through: For even browning, rotate the pan during baking.
Allow extra time if freezing: Frozen lasagna may need an additional 20-30 minutes to bake through.
Customize your seasoning: Adjust the garlic, onion, and Italian herbs to your taste.
Add a layer of cheese on top: For a golden, bubbly finish, sprinkle mozzarella over the top before the final bake.
Add fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh basil or parsley brings a bright contrast to the rich lasagna.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil: A little extra olive oil on top adds flavor and richness.
Pair with a good dessert: Finish off your meal with a light dessert like a lemon sorbet or tiramisu.

Enjoy your creamy, indulgent chicken lasagna with white sauce! Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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