Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of White Chicken Lasagna! This comforting dish takes classic lasagna to the next level by swapping the traditional red sauce for a luscious, garlicky white sauce. Every bite is loaded with layers of tender shredded chicken, velvety ricotta, melted mozzarella, and perfectly baked lasagna noodles, making it the ultimate cozy meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, cheesy dinner, this White Chicken Lasagna is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy a stress-free homemade meal any time! Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the White Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (450g)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (100g)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 3 chicken breasts)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup water (divided)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Prepare the White Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute until well combined. Slowly whisk in half and half and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, spinach, heavy cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the baking dish and add ¼ cup water (if using oven-ready noodles).
- Layering:
- Add 3 lasagna noodles, then ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the shredded chicken, and ¼ of the white sauce.
- Repeat this process twice more, finishing with a final layer of noodles and the remaining white sauce.
- Pour the remaining ¼ cup of water around the edges of the dish. Cover tightly with greased foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Broil for 2 minutes if a golden crust is desired.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 12
Why White Chicken Lasagna is a Must-Try Dish
One of the main reasons White Chicken Lasagna is gaining popularity is its incredible flavor and texture. Unlike traditional lasagna that relies on tomato-based marinara sauce, this version is all about creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness. The white sauce, often made from a blend of butter, flour, half and half, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, creates a silky base that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and rich cheese layers.
Here’s why White Chicken Lasagna is a favorite:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of warm, gooey cheese and creamy sauce makes it the perfect dish for cozy meals.
- Mild Yet Flavorful: Unlike the tangy taste of a tomato-based sauce, this dish has a subtle, savory flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This lasagna can be assembled in advance, stored in the fridge or freezer, and baked when needed.
- Feeds a Crowd: With multiple layers and rich ingredients, this dish is perfect for serving large families or gatherings.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences by adjusting the cheese, sauce, or add-ins like vegetables and spices.
The Unique Elements of White Chicken Lasagna
1. The Creamy White Sauce
The white sauce (often referred to as béchamel or Alfredo-style sauce) is what sets this lasagna apart. Made with butter, flour, cream, and broth, this sauce is thickened to a smooth consistency and infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor. Unlike red sauce, which adds acidity to lasagna, the white sauce makes the dish buttery, rich, and silky smooth.
2. Juicy Shredded Chicken
Instead of ground beef or sausage, White Chicken Lasagna is made with shredded chicken. Using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken makes this recipe even easier. The chicken soaks up the creamy sauce, making each bite tender, flavorful, and satisfying.
3. Ricotta and Spinach Filling
A well-balanced filling is key to a good lasagna, and this recipe delivers with a rich blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach. The ricotta mixture adds a creamy contrast to the sauce, while the spinach brings a hint of freshness and color to the dish.
4. Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
Using oven-ready noodles makes this dish incredibly simple to prepare. Unlike traditional lasagna noodles that require boiling, these soak up the moisture from the sauce while baking, saving time and effort.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about White Chicken Lasagna is how versatile it is. You can tweak the recipe to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ways to customize this dish:
1. Swap the Chicken for Another Protein
- Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, shrimp, or even cooked bacon for a different take on this dish.
- For a vegetarian version, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant make excellent substitutes.
2. Make It Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative to make the white sauce.
3. Add More Vegetables
- If you want a nutrient-packed lasagna, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions between the layers.
4. Try a Different Cheese Blend
- While mozzarella and Parmesan are the go-to cheeses, you can experiment with Gouda, Gruyère, provolone, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.
5. Make It Spicy
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce or filling.
Storage and Reheating Tips
White Chicken Lasagna is perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well. Here’s how you can make the most of your leftovers:
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To prevent drying out, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezing for Later
- This lasagna freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you’ve already baked it, let it cool completely before freezing. Cut into portions for easy reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: For individual servings, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Oven: For larger portions, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the lasagna with foil, and bake for 15-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- From Frozen: If baking from frozen, cover and bake at 350°F for 60-75 minutes until fully heated.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with White Chicken Lasagna
Since White Chicken Lasagna is rich and creamy, pairing it with lighter, fresh sides helps balance the flavors. Here are a few perfect accompaniments:
- Garlic Bread or Baguette: Ideal for soaking up the creamy white sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a warm, nutritious side.
- Steamed Broccoli: A great way to add some green to your plate while keeping it light.
Conclusion:
White Chicken Lasagna is a delightful, creamy twist on a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or freezing it for later, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that delivers in both flavor and comfort.
Its rich white sauce, juicy chicken, cheesy layers, and perfectly baked pasta create a meal that is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly indulgent. Plus, with so many ways to customize the recipe, it’s easy to make it fit your preferences or dietary needs.
