Indulge in the savory goodness of a luscious white creamy chicken lasagna, brimming with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The ensemble is enveloped in a from-scratch white cream sauce infused with onions, garlic, and spinach, resulting in a truly delectable lasagna that will tempt you to savor it repeatedly.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 12 lasagna noodles uncooked
- 15 ounces ricotta
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese reserve 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ cups cooked diced chicken
- Fresh parsley chopped garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Whisk in the flour, cooking the mixture for 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken broth and the cream alternating between the two. Simmer until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, Parmesan Cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.
- Spoon several tablespoons of white sauce into the bottom 9×13-inch baking dish. Then layer 4 noodles overlapping them slightly. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce over the noodles. Top with 1/2 the cut cooked chicken and 1/2 the cheese mixture. Now repeat, adding 4 more noodles, 1/3 of the sauce mixture, the remaining chicken, and the remaining cheese mixture. Top with the remaining noodles, remaining sauce mixture, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This recipe can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. 30-40 minutes prior to cooking, remove from the refrigerator to warm. Remove the plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil before baking.
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, squeeze as much of the moisture out as possible. This step is important to keep the sauce from being watered down.
- Try adding a variety of veggies like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
- Shred or grate your own cheese. Prepackaged shredded and grated cheeses contain anticaking agents that prevent the cheese from melting easily.
- A lasagna must rest for 15-20 minutes so that it is easy to cut and serve without the layers separating from each other.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great choice for this recipe. They are available at most grocery stores. They are always delicious and relatively inexpensive.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a delicious variation of the traditional lasagna, featuring layers of lasagna noodles, a rich white cream sauce, and a flavorful filling made with chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, onions, garlic, and spinach.
How do I make the white cream sauce for Chicken Lasagna?
To make the white cream sauce, sauté onions and garlic, then prepare a roux with butter and flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg for added flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the filling?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. Shred or dice the chicken before incorporating it into the lasagna filling.
What type of cheese is used in Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Creamy Chicken Lasagna typically includes ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. These cheeses contribute to the rich and satisfying flavor of the dish.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, bake it according to the recipe instructions.
What side dishes pair well with Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Creamy Chicken Lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides complement the richness of the lasagna.
How long do I bake Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
The baking time can vary, but typically it takes about 25-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Chicken Lasagna before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Can I customize the filling of Creamy Chicken Lasagna?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Lasagna?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and incorporating additional vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. Adjust the seasonings accordingly for a flavorful vegetarian option.