White chicken lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish that reimagines the classic lasagna with a creamy white sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with layers of spinach, noodles, and cheese, makes it a standout dish that your family and friends will love.
Why Choose White Chicken Lasagna?
While traditional lasagna with marinara sauce is a beloved classic, white chicken lasagna offers a unique and lighter alternative. The creamy white sauce, also known as béchamel, gives the dish a luxurious texture and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses.
Top Reasons to Love White Chicken Lasagna:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The béchamel sauce and cheese create a decadent experience in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this dish suits every event.
Learn more about béchamel sauce in this guide to classic white sauces.
Ingredients for White Chicken Lasagna
The magic of white chicken lasagna lies in its layers of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Core Ingredients:
- Lasagna Noodles (12 sheets): Use oven-ready noodles for convenience or boil regular noodles.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups): Shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast works perfectly.
- Béchamel Sauce: A creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
- Ingredients for Béchamel: Butter, all-purpose flour, garlic, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Ricotta Cheese (1½ cups): Adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Shredded for melty goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick.
- Spinach (2 cups): Fresh spinach or frozen spinach (thawed and drained).
- Onion (1): Finely chopped for added flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Minced to enhance the béchamel sauce.
- Butter (4 tbsp): For the sauce and sautéing vegetables.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Optional Additions:
- Artichoke Hearts (1 cup): For a Mediterranean twist.
- Mushrooms (1 cup): Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate white chicken lasagna:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.
- Shred the Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts, shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Spinach: Heat butter in a skillet and sauté spinach until wilted. Set aside.
2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Season: Add minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
Pro Tip: For an extra creamy béchamel, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by chicken, spinach, ricotta, and a drizzle of béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Lasagna
- Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients evenly across each layer to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting and texture.
- Season Each Layer: Lightly season each layer of chicken, spinach, and béchamel for enhanced flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly after baking to set the layers.
For more tips on making perfect lasagna, check out this guide on lasagna-making secrets.
Variations of White Chicken Lasagna
Make your white chicken lasagna unique with these creative variations:
Protein Alternatives:
- Seafood Lasagna: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood-inspired dish.
- Turkey Lasagna: Use turkey breast or ground turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version:
- Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
Gluten-Free Option:
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
Add More Veggies:
- Include roasted red peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
What to Serve with White Chicken Lasagna
Complete your meal with these complementary sides and beverages:
Side Dish Ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy béchamel sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A Caesar salad or mixed greens balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
Beverage Pairings:
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- For non-alcoholic options, serve sparkling water with lemon or iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is lasagna white sauce made of?
Lasagna white sauce, or béchamel, is made from butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Parmesan cheese is often added for extra flavor.
What goes with white lasagna?
White lasagna pairs well with garlic bread, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and a crisp white wine.
Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?
Ricotta is creamier and more traditional for lasagna, while cottage cheese offers a lighter, tangier alternative.
What can I add to my lasagna to make it taste better?
Enhance your lasagna with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a sprinkle of nutmeg in the béchamel sauce, or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate nutritional values for one serving of white chicken lasagna:
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 22g
Adjust portion sizes or substitute ingredients to meet specific dietary needs.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
White chicken lasagna is an excellent dish for meal prep. Here’s how to make it ahead or store leftovers:
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Assemble the lasagna in a baking dish, but don’t bake it yet.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
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