Lasagna is a classic comfort food, and this Easy White Chicken Lasagna offers a creamy and delicious twist on the traditional recipe. Featuring tender chicken, creamy white sauce, and layers of pasta, cheese, and spinach, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love Easy White Chicken Lasagna
This lasagna is a perfect blend of creamy textures and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy. Here’s why it stands out:
- Made with tender cooked chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Creamy white sauce replaces traditional tomato sauce for a rich flavor.
- Packed with spinach for added nutrition and vibrant color.
- Easy to prepare in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Great for meal prepping and reheating for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the baking dish.
- Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the noodles.
- Pour one-third of the white sauce over the chicken layer.
- Repeat layers two more times.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Easy White Chicken Lasagna
Easy White Chicken Lasagna is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic bread or warm baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a refreshing touch and added color.
- A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers complements the creamy creamy layers.
- Serve in generous portions to guests at family gatherings or casual dinner parties — it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone.
For inspiration, don’t miss our Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna for a vegetarian twist, or try easy protein-packed recipes like our Easy Chicken Quesadillas.
How to Store Easy White Chicken Lasagna
Proper storage of your Easy White Chicken Lasagna will help maintain its flavor and texture for future meals:
- Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to avoid drying out and remove foil in the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheese topping.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or sauce to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Easy White Chicken Lasagna
To ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Don’t overboil the noodles; they should be firm to hold the layers without falling apart.
- Make a smooth white sauce by whisking continuously and avoiding lumps.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the white sauce to enhance its flavor subtly.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese—both mozzarella and Parmesan add essential creaminess and flavor.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking for at least 10 minutes to set and make slicing easier.
- Customize by adding mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or other vegetables for extra dimension.
Variations of Easy White Chicken Lasagna
This versatile dish can be adapted in many delicious ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegetable-loaded: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne into the white sauce for a gentle heat kick.
- Cheese swap: Use ricotta cheese in the layers for a creamier texture.
- Gluten-free: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta.
- Low-carb: Replace noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant slices.
- For another delicious lasagna recipe with a veggie focus, be sure to check out our Vegetable Lasagna.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the entire lasagna a day ahead. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A2: Frozen spinach works well. Make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding.
Q3: Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?
A3: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Q4: How do I prevent the lasagna from being soggy?
A4: Don’t add too much sauce between layers and ensure noodles are cooked al dente. Also, letting it rest after baking helps excess moisture absorb evenly.
Final Thoughts
Easy White Chicken Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing comfort meal that combines creamy, cheesy layers with tender chicken and fresh spinach. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant for entertaining. Its flexibility with ingredients and variations makes it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy making it your own and sharing the joy of a warm lasagna meal.
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Print
Easy White Chicken Lasagna
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Easy White Chicken Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy twist on classic lasagna with tender chicken and fresh spinach, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the baking dish.
9. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
10. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the noodles.
11. Pour one-third of the white sauce over the chicken layer.
12. Repeat layers two more times.
13. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
14. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
16. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Use frozen spinach thawed and drained as a substitute for fresh spinach.
Let the baked lasagna rest to make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg