If you’re searching for a dish that’s the definition of creamy comfort food, you’ll absolutely fall in love with White Chicken Lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, juicy chicken, velvety white sauce, and a trio of cheeses, this lasagna isn’t just cozy—it’s irresistibly decadent. Every bite offers a perfect blend of savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, making it a standout star at both family dinners and special gatherings. Whether you’re new to lasagna or a lifelong fan, this version is bound to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
White Chicken Lasagna is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that truly shine when layered together. Each component—from the cheeses to the aromatic garlic and spinach—builds hearty flavor and creamy goodness that you’ll crave again and again.
- Lasagna noodles (9 sheets): These create those signature layers, providing delicious texture and structure in every slice.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A touch of this gives your onions and garlic a fragrant, savory base.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken filling.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For a punch of warm, aromatic flavor you’ll notice with every bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): The heart of this dish—use rotisserie for convenience or homemade for extra love.
- Baby spinach (2 cups, optional): Sneaks in veggies with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): The start of that dreamy, silky white sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): This thickens your sauce to creamy perfection.
- Whole milk (2 1/2 cups): For a rich, luscious texture that clings to every noodle.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A basic flavor booster—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For gentle warmth and balance.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all those classic herbs together in every forkful.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): The secret ingredient—just a hint brings harmony to the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and the ultimate flavor-enhancer for the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): For that gooey, melty topping everyone loves.
- Ricotta cheese (1 1/2 cups): Dollops between the layers make every bite extra creamy.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions—they should be just tender, not mushy. Once cooked, drain them and carefully lay each noodle flat on a baking sheet to keep them from sticking together as you prep everything else.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic for a quick 30-second sizzle—your kitchen will smell amazing! Toss in the shredded chicken and, if you’re adding baby spinach, let it wilt for 2–3 minutes. Once the spinach is tender, take the pan off the heat and set this hearty filling aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux that cooks for about 1 minute (this helps avoid any floury taste). Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go to keep things lump-free. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a hint of nutmeg. Keep whisking and let the sauce thicken up, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese—it’ll melt right in and make the sauce silky and rich.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps keep the bottom noodles tender. Lay down three noodles, then add one-third of the chicken mixture over them. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta across the layer, sprinkle on some mozzarella, and pour over more white sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous blanket of mozzarella and plenty of sauce on top. This layering is where your White Chicken Lasagna gets its amazing creamy texture!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes so everything heats through and gets cozy. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes—this is what gives the top that beautiful golden color and irresistible bubbly cheese. Let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together and every slice looks picture-perfect.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna
Garnishes
Just before serving, try topping your White Chicken Lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or even a dash of crushed red pepper for a kick. A handful of fresh basil leaves also adds a pop of color and a whisper of herbal aroma that beautifully complements the creamy layers.
Side Dishes
Pair White Chicken Lasagna with a crisp green salad—think arugula or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette—or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce. Each side brings balance to the meal and lets the lasagna take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins make for adorable single-servings, perfect for dinner parties or family-style entertaining with a twist. For a standout buffet dish, cut the lasagna into squares and serve on a platter with little picks. You can even roll up the layers for White Chicken Lasagna roll-ups—they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your White Chicken Lasagna has cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days—making leftovers a delicious lunchtime treat you’ll eagerly look forward to.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it; wrap it tightly (double wrap if you’re feeling extra cautious) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 10–15 minutes of extra bake time if it’s still a bit chilled in the center.
Reheating
To reheat your White Chicken Lasagna, bake covered in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through—this keeps it from drying out. For individual portions, a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick, just sprinkle a little water on top to refresh the cheese and keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works beautifully here, bringing similar creaminess without changing the classic character of the White Chicken Lasagna.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed and flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken (even grilled!) works just as well. Just make sure it’s shredded so every bite is juicy and tender.
How do I prevent runny lasagna?
Letting the White Chicken Lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing makes a world of difference—this allows the sauce to set, keeping your layers tidy and the texture perfectly creamy.
Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap traditional lasagna noodles and flour for gluten-free versions. Gluten-free noodles and an all-purpose flour substitute will work just as well, so everyone at the table can enjoy.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, White Chicken Lasagna is perfect for sneaking in extras! Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini—just make sure to cook off any excess moisture so your lasagna stays luscious and not watery.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried White Chicken Lasagna before, you’re in for an absolute treat. There’s something magical about those layers of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and oozy cheese that simply brings people together. I hope you give this recipe a spot at your next gathering or just a cozy weeknight dinner—it’s bound to earn rave reviews!
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White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Chicken Lasagna with layers of tender noodles, savory chicken, and a luscious white sauce. This comforting Italian-American dish is perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 9 lasagna noodles
White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Filling:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add chicken and spinach.
- Prepare white sauce: Make a white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
- Assemble: Layer noodles, chicken mixture, cheeses, and white sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove foil and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
