If you are craving a cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together layers of tender lasagna noodles, succulent shredded chicken, and a luscious white sauce that’s perfectly seasoned to create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Rich, cheesy, and undeniably comforting, this lasagna elevates a classic favorite to a whole new level that will satisfy the whole family and have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From creamy cheeses that add richness to herbs that bring freshness, every element plays a role in making this lasagna simply unforgettable.
- Lasagna noodles (9): The sturdy base that holds all those delicious layers together perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A subtle hint of fruitiness to sauté the aromatics and deepen flavor.
- Small onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and body to the chicken mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings that classic punch that wakes up every bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): The hearty protein star that makes this lasagna filling and satisfying.
- Ricotta cheese (2 cups): Creamy and mild, it softens the layers beautifully.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture into a luscious texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Gooey, melty, and superbly cheesy for that irresistible topping and layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick inside the sauce and again on top.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Used to make the silky white sauce that ties everything together.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the white sauce to luscious perfection.
- Whole milk (2 1/2 cups): Provides creaminess without heaviness for the sauce.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon) and dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic Italian herbs that infuse the sauce with subtle earthiness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch adds warmth and depth to the white sauce flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready to bake this deliciousness. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set them aside. While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release that aromatic goodness. Stir in your cooked shredded chicken to warm through and combine all the flavors in that pan, then remove from heat. This chicken mixture will bring heartiness and flavor to every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, salt, and black pepper. This mixture provides that creamy, light layer which balances the savory chicken perfectly. Set it aside while moving on to the white sauce – the secret ingredient that makes this recipe so special.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux – this creates the base for your creamy sauce. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly so no lumps form, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in dried basil, oregano, nutmeg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This white sauce is silky, herb-infused, and packed with flavor – it’s what transforms this lasagna into a dreamy comfort food.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking and add flavor. Layer three lasagna noodles, then half of the chicken mixture, half of the ricotta mixture, and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken, ricotta, and mozzarella, topping it with the final three noodles. Cover the noodles with the remaining white sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld and heat through gently. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let that top layer become golden and irresistibly bubbly. Once out of the oven, give it 10 minutes to rest – this makes it easier to slice and allows the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe even further. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on each slice just before serving can add a delightful silkiness and enhance the flavors.
Side Dishes
While this lasagna can stand proudly on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette or sautéed garlicky green beans makes for a well-rounded meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully, offering a lovely balance of earthiness and texture to contrast the creamy layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant presentation, or cut the lasagna into bite-sized squares as a party appetizer. Adding a small bowl of tangy marinara on the side lets guests customize each bite with a tomato kick, adding a new dimension to this creamy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day, if not better. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it a fantastic next-day meal that’s ready to reheat quickly.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully, perfect for prepping in advance. After baking, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal on a busy night, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the portion covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes if refrigerated, or 30 to 40 minutes if frozen, until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway to keep it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it up and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken for equally delicious results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
While this particular Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe centers on chicken, you can easily swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of your favorite vegetables to enjoy a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time before baking?
Yes, assembling the lasagna and refrigerating it covered for up to 24 hours before baking is a great time-saver. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What type of milk works best for the white sauce?
Whole milk is recommended because it adds creaminess without being too heavy, resulting in a perfectly silky white sauce. However, 2% milk can work in a pinch, but avoid skim milk as it won’t create the same richness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the white sauce. This substitution maintains all the creamy indulgence without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings comfort, satisfaction, and a little sparkle to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just soaking in a quiet night at home, this dish feels special yet is so approachable. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—it’s a delicious hug in every slice!
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Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, rich ricotta cheese, and a velvety homemade white sauce seasoned with basil, oregano, and nutmeg. Baked to golden perfection and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this lasagna is a delicious and satisfying main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Chicken Mixture
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
Ricotta Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
White Sauce (Béchamel)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set them aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Chicken: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the onion and garlic mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Make White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season White Sauce: Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the white sauce. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of 3 lasagna noodles on top. Next, spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles, then half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of 3 noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another layer of mozzarella.
- Top Layers and Bake: Finish with the last 3 noodles on top, spread the remaining white sauce over them, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly. Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and noodles to soften further.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added flavor and nutrition, stir in a handful of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture before assembling.
- Rotisserie chicken works well as a convenient shortcut for cooked shredded chicken.
- Ensure the white sauce is thick enough to hold layers together but not too thick to spread easily.
- Resting the lasagna after baking helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
