White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

If you have been searching for a comforting, cheesy dinner packed with tender chicken and vibrant greens, then this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe is destined to become your next favorite. It brings together layers of creamy white sauce, succulent shredded chicken, and spinach for a luscious twist on the classic lasagna. Each bite bursts with warmth and richness, making every meal feel like a special occasion without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction that’s both elegant and homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe lies in how straightforward yet purposeful the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheeses that give it luscious texture to the spinach that adds color and nutrients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

• 9 lasagna noodles: Pre-cooked and drained, they form the perfect tender layers to hold all the goodness together.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the base of the filling with rich flavor.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that awakens the palate.
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein star that makes this lasagna filling satisfying and wholesome.
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Offers a tender, earthy contrast and beautiful green bursts inside.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping everything balanced and tasty.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that ties the chicken and sauce together.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base of the silky white sauce, enriching it to creamy perfection.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to hold those layers beautifully.
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the white sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness, making it decadently smooth.
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Dolloped between layers for a tender, fluffy texture.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts and stretches, giving that classic lasagna cheesiness.
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty undertones that brighten the flavors.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Tossed in for freshness and a pop of vibrant color.

How to Make White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Spinach Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stirring it in quickly for 30 seconds to release its fragrance. Now add the shredded chicken along with the thawed, well-drained spinach, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld perfectly, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 2: Make the Creamy White Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it constantly for about a minute to form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency, around 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in one cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, making your sauce velvety and rich.

Step 3: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the white cheese sauce on the bottom. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, creating the first layer. Spoon half the chicken and spinach mixture over the noodles, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Pour more white sauce on top to coat evenly. Repeat the layers — noodles, chicken mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce — finishing with the final noodles, the remaining white sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to achieve a golden crust during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the assembled dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps it set and makes slicing easier while allowing the flavors to deepen elegantly.

How to Serve White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over each serving adds a lively pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. For an extra flourish, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan just before serving can elevate the cheesy goodness even more.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich lasagna with crisp, refreshing sides to balance the meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest and garlic keep the plate fresh and exciting. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic but elegant presentation, serve the White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe straight from a cast-iron skillet or a charming ceramic baking dish. Consider portioning it into individual ramekins for dinner parties, where every guest gets their own personal pot of cheesy comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your lasagna, simply cover the remaining portion tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. Frozen, it will keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. If reheating individual slices, microwaving on medium power in short intervals with a loose cover works well too, keeping the layers moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, simply sauté it briefly until wilted and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to your chicken mixture. This prevents extra moisture from making the lasagna watery.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter or lower in fat?

You can reduce the fat by using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk only, and using less butter in the sauce. The flavor will still be delightful, just a bit lighter.

Can I prepare this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for the chicken if I want a different protein?

Cooked turkey works beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar texture and mild flavor. For a vegetarian version, you could replace the chicken with a medley of sautéed mushrooms and additional spinach or zucchini.

My sauce is too thick, how can I fix it?

If your white cheese sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up before assembling your lasagna. Adding the liquid gradually will help you achieve the perfect creamy consistency without thinning the sauce too much.

Final Thoughts

Making this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug on a plate, combining rich cheeses, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach in every forkful. It’s a comforting, impressive dish that’s truly easier to make than you might think, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table. I can’t wait for you to experience how this deliciously creamy, cheesy lasagna can brighten your kitchen and become a cherished staple in your meal repertoire.

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

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4.1 from 75 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and cheesy white chicken lasagna that combines tender shredded chicken, spinach, and a rich white sauce layered between lasagna noodles and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting American main course.

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Ingredients

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Lasagna and Cheese

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

White Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Sauté Aromatics: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook Chicken Mixture: Stir in the shredded chicken, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
3. Make the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the white cheese sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the chicken and spinach mixture. Add dollops of ricotta cheese, sprinkle with mozzarella, and spoon more sauce over the layers. Repeat the layering of noodles, chicken mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Finish with the last noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if preferred.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen by sautéing it first to remove excess moisture.
• For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the white sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American