White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

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White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Are you searching for the perfect dish to serve at your next family gathering? After a long day at work, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to the rich, creamy aroma of a homemade White Cheese Chicken Lasagna baking in the oven. This isn’t just any pasta dish – it’s layers of tender lasagna noodles embraced by a velvety white sauce, succulent pieces of chicken, and a harmonious blend of cheeses that melt together into pure comfort food bliss.

What makes this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna truly special is how it combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The creamy sauce coats each bite with rich flavor while the spinach adds beautiful color and a nutritional boost. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or gourmet food lovers, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated taste and familiar comfort.

Why You’ll Love This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Ingredients for White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

For this delicious White Cheese Chicken Lasagna with Alfredo sauce, you’ll need:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

  • For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses
  • Create a creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna with spinach using fresh spinach (about 1 pound) instead of frozen
  • For a gluten-free White Cheese Chicken Lasagna, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce

How to Make White Cheese Chicken Lasagna â€“ Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  3. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  4. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk to prevent lumps.
  6. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, drained spinach, and cooked chicken.
  2. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Spread ¼ of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange 3 noodles over the sauce.
  3. Spread â…“ of the ricotta-chicken-spinach mixture over the noodles.
  4. Pour ¼ of the sauce over the filling.
  5. Sprinkle with some of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Repeat layers twice more.
  7. Top with the remaining sauce and cheeses.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  4. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Pro Tips for Making the Best White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Pat dry your thawed spinach thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture – this prevents your lasagna from becoming watery
  • For deeper flavor in your homemade White Cheese Chicken Lasagna with ricotta, add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the white sauce
  • Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before cutting – this helps the layers set and makes serving easier
  • Make your one pot White Cheese Chicken Lasagna with vegetables by adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling
  • For an extra rich sauce, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream
  • To save time on busy days, prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking

Best Ways to Serve White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna makes an impressive main dish for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Pair with a crisp garden salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Serve alongside garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread
  • For a complete meal, add roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
  • A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors beautifully
  • For a casual family dinner, serve with a side of steamed green beans

Storage & Leftovers

Your White Cheese Chicken Lasagna can be just as delicious the next day:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
  • When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or milk before microwaving to maintain moisture
  • For best results when reheating frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming

Frequently Asked Questions About White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Can I make White Cheese Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work well in this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna, making preparation even easier. Just make sure your sauce is slightly thinner, as these noodles absorb more liquid during baking.

How can I make a vegetarian version of this lasagna?

For a vegetarian White Cheese Chicken Lasagna alternative, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute or extra spinach and cheese for protein.

What’s the best cheese combination for White Cheese Chicken Lasagna?

While this recipe calls for mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, you can experiment with other white cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or provolone for unique flavor profiles in your White Cheese Chicken Lasagna.

Conclusion

This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna brings together all the elements of a perfect comfort food – it’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight family dinner, this dish is sure to become a requested favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – from healthy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna variations to time-saving shortcuts using rotisserie chicken.

I’d love to hear how your White Cheese Chicken Lasagna turns out! Did you try any of the variations? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your photos if you share them online. Happy cooking!

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White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic


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  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring layers of lasagna noodles, succulent chicken, spinach, and a blend of rich cheeses, perfect for any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  3. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  4. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
  9. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk to prevent lumps.
  10. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  11. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper.
  12. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, drained spinach, and cooked chicken. Mix well.
  13. Spread ¼ of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  14. Arrange 3 noodles over the sauce.
  15. Spread â…“ of the ricotta-chicken-spinach mixture over the noodles.
  16. Pour ¼ of the sauce over the filling.
  17. Sprinkle with some of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  18. Repeat layers twice more.
  19. Top with the remaining sauce and cheeses.
  20. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  21. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.
  22. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  23. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  24. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Pat dry thawed spinach thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture – this prevents your lasagna from becoming watery.
  • For an extra rich sauce, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
  • Prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking to save time.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of lasagna
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 900
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 16
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 85

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