Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender lasagna noodles are generously filled with a luscious white sauce, succulent shredded chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses that create a delightful balance of creamy texture and savory flavors. It’s the kind of meal that turns any dinner into a special occasion, easy enough to make weeknight-friendly but impressive enough to share with guests. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a key role in building those beautiful layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh diced onion adding subtle sweetness to the combination of cheeses that create a rich creaminess, every ingredient works harmoniously to bring this dish to life.
- Lasagna noodles: You’ll need 9 noodles for just the right amount of layers without overwhelming the dish.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons provide the perfect base for sautéing your onions and garlic, enhancing their flavor.
- Onion (diced): One medium onion adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (minced): Three cloves deliver a punch of aromatic flavor essential in Italian cooking.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Three cups form the hearty protein foundation of the dish.
- Ricotta cheese: Two cups bring creamy richness and bind the layers beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Half a cup plus more for the white sauce–this cheese adds sharp, nutty brightness.
- Large egg: One egg helps bind the ricotta mixture, giving it perfect firmness.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Two cups melt into gooey, irresistible layers that make every bite luscious.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A quarter cup adds a fresh, herbaceous note and pretty color.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Butter: Four tablespoons create the perfect base for the white sauce’s roux.
- All-purpose flour: A quarter cup thickens the white sauce to silky perfection.
- Whole milk (warm): Three cups make the white sauce creamy and smooth.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon boosts the white sauce’s savory undertones.
- Onion powder: Half a teaspoon enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Dried basil: Half a teaspoon brings a subtle herbal sweetness to the white sauce.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon in the sauce adds a hint of warmth and spice.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your lasagna won’t stick and will come out with clean edges every time. Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente — you want them tender but still firm enough to hold the layers. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter to prepare the roux. Whisk in the flour and cook for one to two minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste; this forms the base of your white sauce. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for five to seven minutes until it thickens beautifully. Finish off by stirring in the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy, savory kick, then remove from heat to prevent over-thickening.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent, about four to five minutes. Adding garlic for just one more minute releases its wonderful aroma without burning. Stir in the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper; this mixture will infuse your lasagna with juicy, flavorful protein that is balanced by the creamy layers around it.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The egg acts as a natural binder, helping the ricotta hold its shape and adding a lovely creaminess to the layers. This mixture will provide an irresistible softness that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and noodles.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Begin by spreading a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer the noodles over the sauce, then add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Top with another layer of white sauce and sprinkle a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers one more time to build rich, creamy goodness. Finish with the remaining noodles, a generous layer of white sauce, and the last of the mozzarella cheese. This assembly technique ensures every slice bursts with flavor from each delicious component.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the lasagna to heat through without drying out. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling that all the cheeses have melted into molten perfection. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes — this step lets the layers set, making slicing easier and the flavors even better.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich layers of the lasagna and invites you to dig in. For an extra touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving enhances the cheesy experience and adds a bit of texture.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant sides like a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic broccoli. These lighter vegetables balance the richness of the creamy chicken layers, keeping the meal satisfying but never heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins or small baking dishes, layered just like the big dish but perfect for single servings. You could also add a swirl of pesto on top or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add an unexpected pop of flavor and visual appeal that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy chicken lasagna, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes really well. Assemble the lasagna as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist, usually for 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel, heating on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the lasagna.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves prep time while still delivering great flavor. Just shred it and use it directly in the chicken mixture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic version uses regular lasagna noodles, which contain gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini folded into the chicken mixture add lovely flavor, color, and nutrition without overpowering the creamy sauce.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
When the top is golden brown and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches about 165°F, your lasagna is perfectly cooked and ready to rest before serving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight before baking the next day. This makes it an excellent option for meal planning or hosting guests.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this incredible Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe under your belt, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s comfort food elevated to a new level. The creamy textures, savory chicken, and cheesy layers come together in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a classic Italian-American experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.
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Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken lasagna with white sauce is a comforting Italian-American main course featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, a rich ricotta mixture, and a luscious homemade white sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warm
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Noodles: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down a layer of noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, add half of the chicken mixture on top, followed by a layer of white sauce, then sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken mixture, white sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with a final layer of noodles, white sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra vegetables.
- Lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
