Creamy Chicken Lasagna

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, this Creamy Chicken Lasagna is the perfect recipe to try. It takes classic lasagna to the next level by replacing the traditional red sauce with a rich white cream sauce. Loaded with tender chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, this lasagna is a hearty dish that works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays. It’s easy to prepare, deliciously comforting, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 ½ cups cooked diced chicken
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream, alternating between the two. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add spinach, cook until wilted, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, 2 cups mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a few tablespoons of the white sauce on the bottom. Place 4 noodles overlapping slightly. Spread 1/3 of the sauce over the noodles, add half the chicken, and half the cheese mixture.
6. Repeat the layers: 4 noodles, 1/3 sauce, remaining chicken, and remaining cheese mixture.
7. Top with the last 4 noodles, the remaining sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving

Serving and Storage Tips

– Serve this lasagna hot with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
– Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
– For freezing, assemble the lasagna without baking, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for a hearty meat-free option.
2. Turkey Lasagna – Use shredded cooked turkey instead of chicken, perfect for holiday leftovers.
3. Four-Cheese Lasagna – Add provolone or fontina for an even cheesier bite.
4. Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce for extra heat.
5. Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap flour with cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
6. Low-Carb Option – Replace noodles with thin zucchini or eggplant slices for a lighter version.
7. Herb-Infused – Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the cream sauce for extra flavor depth.
8. Seafood Twist – Substitute chicken with shrimp or crab for a creamy seafood lasagna.
9. Spinach & Artichoke Style – Mix chopped artichokes with the spinach for a flavor reminiscent of the popular dip.
10. Extra Protein Boost – Add crumbled cooked bacon or sausage along with the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
2. Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it to the sauce?
   No, it cooks down quickly in the hot cream sauce and becomes tender.
3. Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
4. What’s the best way to freeze this dish?
   Assemble, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before cooking.
5. Can I use no-boil noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?
   Yes, but add a little extra sauce to keep them from drying out.
6. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
   Yes, cottage cheese works as a lighter substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
7. Can I make this lasagna without heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
8. How do I keep lasagna from falling apart when serving?
   Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set.
9. Can I make this dish in smaller portions?
   Yes, assemble in smaller baking dishes or ramekins for individual servings.
10. What wine pairs well with creamy chicken lasagna?
    A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Creamy Chicken Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture for a dish the whole family will love. It’s perfect for special occasions, cozy weeknights, or whenever you need a hearty meal. With its layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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