Creamy White Chicken Lasagna: A Comforting Family Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The combination of milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats every layer.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The addition of Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and fresh basil brings a burst of savory flavor with every bite.
Family-Friendly: With tender poached chicken and spinach, it’s a comforting, hearty dish that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This lasagna can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

3 chicken breasts, poached and shredded
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

½ cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
2 packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 egg (for ricotta mixture)

Directions

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Poach chicken breasts in seasoned water until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Shred the chicken and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
Gradually add milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, fresh basil, egg, and seasonings. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded chicken, spinach, and mozzarella.
Repeat the layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, spinach, and mozzarella.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Final Bake

After 45 minutes, uncover the lasagna and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Add More Veggies: You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts to the filling for an extra veggie boost.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on top before baking for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the lasagna to cool completely before refrigerating. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. Double wrap it in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna.

2. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor. You can also use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.

4. How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is thickened. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out hot.

5. Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the seasonings to your taste. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This creamy white chicken lasagna is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. The rich, cheesy sauce combined with poached chicken, spinach, and the perfect balance of seasonings will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or as leftovers, it’s sure to impress every time.

Creamy White Chicken Lasagna: A Comforting Family Favorite