Amazing White Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy, Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy twist on traditional lasagna, White Chicken Lasagna is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. This flavorful variation swaps the classic beef filling for tender, juicy chicken and layers it with a rich white sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and a blend of cheeses. Ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or special occasions, this white chicken lasagna is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a lasagna fan or new to the dish, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

History or Background

Lasagna is a dish with deep roots in Italian cuisine, dating back to ancient Roman times, where they layered pasta sheets with sauces and meats. Over the centuries, the dish has evolved, with variations emerging across the globe. In the United States, classic lasagna is often made with beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce. However, white chicken lasagna is a modern twist that replaces the tomato-based sauce with a creamy, savory white sauce. It offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative to the traditional recipe, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder, richer taste.

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Amazing White Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy, Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna 16

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Lasagna

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with White Chicken Lasagna:

  1. Creamy and Comforting: The rich white sauce, made with chicken broth and heavy cream, creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
  2. Quick and Easy: With the use of rotisserie chicken, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  3. Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and cheesy layers make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
  4. Versatile: You can customize it by adding vegetables or using different cheeses based on your preferences.
  5. Hearty and Satisfying: Despite being lighter than the classic version, this lasagna still packs a punch with protein-rich chicken and loads of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients for White Chicken Lasagna

For this White Chicken Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ricotta Mixture:

  • 15 oz. whole milk ricotta
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Lasagna:

  • 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups cooked chicken)
  • ½ Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make White Chicken Lasagna

Making White Chicken Lasagna is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece:

  1. Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
    In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
  2. Shred Chicken:
    Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat using two forks. Set aside.
  3. Cook Lasagna Noodles:
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ½ Tbsp of salt. Cook the lasagna noodles until tender (or al dente). Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
  4. Make White Sauce:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until it turns light brown.
  5. Add Chicken Broth and Cream:
    Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add Spinach and Parmesan:
    Stir in the chopped spinach and grated parmesan cheese, allowing the spinach to wilt and mix into the sauce.
  7. Assemble the Lasagna:
    Spread 1 cup of the white sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with ⅓ of the shredded chicken. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella on top.
  8. Bake:
    Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil for 3-4 minutes to brown the top slightly.
  9. Serve:
    Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience:
    Opting for a rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds a depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can cook and shred 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs as an alternative.
  2. Avoid Overcooking the Noodles:
    Lasagna noodles should be cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking them beforehand can lead to mushy lasagna.
  3. Layering Tips:
    Ensure that the ricotta mixture is spread evenly between layers, and don’t skimp on the sauce! A well-layered lasagna will hold together better and offer more flavor in each bite.

Serving Ideas or Usage Tips

White Chicken Lasagna is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

  • Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or a medley of vegetables make a great addition for added texture and flavor.

This lasagna is also perfect for meal prepping—simply make it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

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Amazing White Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy, Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna 17

Storage Advice or Shelf Life Information

White Chicken Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To store, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.

Find out more: Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken Breast for a Flavor-Packed Dinner

FAQs Section

Q: How do I make White Chicken Lasagna with a homemade sauce?
A: To make a homemade white sauce, you can follow the steps in this recipe, which uses butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. Simply whisk these ingredients together to create a creamy sauce.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef in lasagna?
A: Absolutely! This recipe already swaps beef for chicken. Using rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but you can also use cooked boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter alternative.

Q: What is the white sauce in lasagna made of?
A: The white sauce, or béchamel, in White Chicken Lasagna is made with butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Q: Can you make lasagne with chicken?
Yes, you can definitely make lasagna with chicken! White Chicken Lasagna is a popular variation of the traditional lasagna that replaces the beef with tender, shredded chicken. The dish is layered with a rich white sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and a blend of cheeses, giving it a creamy texture. It’s an excellent alternative for those who prefer chicken over beef or are looking for a lighter version of the classic lasagna.

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White Chicken Lasagna 2

Amazing White Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy, Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna


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  • Author: Keller Jason
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 servings

Description

This creamy White Chicken Lasagna is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe, featuring tender rotisserie chicken, a velvety white sauce, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a comforting dish everyone will love.


Ingredients

  • 15 oz. whole milk ricotta

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups cooked chicken)

  • ½ Tbsp salt (for pasta water)

  • 9 lasagna noodles

  • 4 Tbsp butter

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 3 cups baby spinach, chopped

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese


Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

  • Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat with two forks. Set aside.

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ½ Tbsp of salt. Cook the lasagna noodles until tender (or al dente). Drain and set aside.

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  • Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until it turns light brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and heavy cream. Mix well.

  • Add chopped spinach and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until spinach wilts and is well incorporated.

  • Spread 1 cup of the white sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ⅓ of the shredded chicken. Repeat the layers twice more. Finish with the remaining sauce and top with shredded mozzarella.

  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 3-4 minutes to brown the top.

  • Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe easy and flavorful, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.

  • Be sure not to overcook the noodles. They should be al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the lasagna.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course – lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Conclusion

White Chicken Lasagna is a delicious and creamy twist on the traditional lasagna, offering a rich flavor profile with tender chicken and a velvety white sauce. It’s a great choice for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for a new take on an Italian classic or simply want to enjoy a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it out today and enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal!

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