Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce recipe. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy white sauce, savory chicken, spinach, and melted cheeses come together to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Follow this easy recipe to bring a taste of comfort to your table!

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups spinach, chopped
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for baking.
2. Prepare Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.
3. Make White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for another minute until slightly browned. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and remove from heat.
4. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, then spread 1/3 of the chicken mixture over the noodles. Top with another layer of white sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of noodles and the remaining white sauce on top.
6. Bake the Lasagna: Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8 servings

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.
2. Garnish Before Serving: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the lasagna just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
3. Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic breadsticks to complement the creamy richness of the lasagna.
4. Family Style: Bring the baking dish to the table and serve directly from it for a cozy, family-style dining experience.
5. Dinner Party Favorite: Impress guests by serving individual portions plated with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
2. Freezing: Lasagna freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Avoiding Soggy Leftovers: To maintain texture when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to the lasagna before heating. This helps prevent it from drying out.
4. Batch Cooking: Consider making a double batch and freezing one for later. It’s a convenient option for busy nights or unexpected guests.
5. Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

These tips ensure that your Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce remains deliciously fresh and flavorful, whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed as leftovers. Perfect for any occasion, this lasagna is a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare ahead and enjoy whenever hunger strikes!

Variations:

1. Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Mix sun-dried tomatoes into the ricotta cheese layer for a tangy and sweet contrast.
3. Spinach and Artichoke: Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts and a layer of creamed spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
4. Pesto Infusion: Swirl pesto sauce into the white sauce or spread it over the noodles before layering for a vibrant basil flavor.
5. Mexican Fusion: Replace ricotta with a blend of cream cheese and salsa verde. Use shredded Mexican cheese blend and add diced green chilies to the chicken mixture.
6. Buffalo Chicken Kick: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. Layer with mozzarella and ricotta, omitting Parmesan, for a spicy twist.
7. Seafood Surprise: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Enhance the white sauce with a touch of Old Bay seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice.
8. Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and bulk up with layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Add a layer of marinara sauce for extra flavor.
9. Greek Inspiration: Incorporate layers of feta cheese and Kalamata olives into the ricotta mixture. Season with Greek herbs like oregano and dill.
10. Tex-Mex Fiesta: Layer with black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Top with cheddar cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.

These variations offer diverse ways to customize your Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Experiment with these ideas to create a lasagna that’s uniquely yours and always delicious!

FAQs:

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well. Shred the chicken and incorporate it into the recipe as directed.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the chicken mixture to avoid excess moisture.
3. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese or a blend of cottage cheese and sour cream can be used as substitutes for ricotta cheese in this recipe.
4. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
5. How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together? After cooking the noodles, drain them and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper until ready to use. This prevents them from sticking together.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese for topping? Yes, you can customize the cheese topping. Try using provolone, Fontina, or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor profile.
7. What should I serve with creamy chicken lasagna? Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
8. How do I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Taste the white sauce before assembling the lasagna and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
9. Can I freeze leftover lasagna? Yes, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
10. What can I do with leftover lasagna noodles? Use leftover lasagna noodles in soups, cut them into strips for pasta salads, or make mini lasagna roll-ups with leftover filling and sauce.

These frequently asked questions provide practical tips and solutions to common queries about making, storing, and serving Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce. Enjoy preparing and savoring this comforting dish with confidence!