Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe with a Rich White Sauce

When you think of lasagna, your mind might automatically jump to the classic Italian dish loaded with layers of red sauce, ground beef, and mozzarella. But today, we’re taking a delicious detour with a recipe that brings a creamy twist to this beloved comfort food—Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce. This dish offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and fresh spinach, all nestled between layers of lasagna noodles and topped with a luscious, homemade white sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in, this lasagna is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this dish to life:

• 9 lasagna noodles: These form the backbone of the dish, providing structure and substance. You’ll want to cook them just right—al dente is the key.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast: This adds a lean, protein-packed element to the lasagna. For convenience, you can use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken.
• 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds a rich texture to the lasagna layers.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This is where the gooey goodness comes from, giving the lasagna that classic stretchy cheese pull.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a sharp, salty kick that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Spinach not only adds color but also a nutritious element, balancing out the richness of the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, adding depth and a subtle bite.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion adds a sweet, savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing, bringing a hint of fruitiness and aiding in the caramelization of the garlic and onion.
• 4 cups milk: This forms the base of the white sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Butter adds richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour is the thickening agent for the white sauce, ensuring it coats the lasagna layers beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet spice that complements the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings bring all the flavors together, enhancing every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Culinary Perfection

1. Preparing the Noodles

Start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. It’s crucial to cook them until they’re just al dente, meaning they should be firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy in the lasagna, so keep an eye on them. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside, ensuring they don’t stick together by laying them out flat or drizzling them lightly with olive oil.

2. Crafting the White Sauce

Next, it’s time to create the creamy white sauce that will envelop the lasagna. Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these aromatics until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent, releasing its sweet and savory flavors.

With the garlic and onion perfectly sautéed, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about a minute, allowing the flour to form a paste. This step is crucial as it helps to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually begin to whisk in the milk, ensuring you whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. To elevate the flavor, add the ground nutmeg along with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

3. Preparing the Chicken Mixture

While the white sauce is simmering, move on to preparing the chicken mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and the chopped spinach. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. The result should be a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture with vibrant green spinach evenly distributed throughout.

4. Assembling the Lasagna Layers

Now comes the fun part—assembling the lasagna. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your lasagna is assembled. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the white sauce across the bottom. This layer acts as a flavorful foundation that prevents the noodles from sticking.

Next, lay down three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the noodles, creating an even layer. Follow this with another layer of noodles and the remaining chicken mixture. Finally, add a third layer of noodles on top.

Pour the remaining white sauce over the final layer of noodles, ensuring it covers the entire surface. This sauce will seep down into the layers, infusing each bite with creamy goodness. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a cheesy crust that will become golden and bubbly in the oven.

5. Baking to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to trap in moisture and heat. Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese on top to become golden brown and bubbly, with just the right amount of crispiness.

6. Serving and Enjoying

Once your lasagna is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness.

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is best served hot and can be paired with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just indulging in some comfort food, this lasagna is sure to impress.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Every Time

• Customize the filling: Feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap the spinach for kale.
• Make it ahead: This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing: Lasagna freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply assemble, freeze before baking, and when ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

With these tips and this mouthwatering recipe, you’re all set to create a lasagna that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Enjoy!