Name: White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
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 the pasta water; 9 lasagna noodles; 4 Tbsp butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting dish that brings creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken together in a way that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe. This hearty yet elegant casserole blends layers of tender lasagna noodles with a luscious ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, savory shredded rotisserie chicken, and a velvety white sauce studded with fresh spinach. Every bite is a perfect medley of flavors and textures that makes this dish ideal for cozy dinners, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to a homemade classic with a delicious twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a lasagna recipe arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From the top left, there is a small metal measuring cup with milk, followed by a white bowl with flour, a white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a whole yellow onion, a white bowl filled with ricotta cheese, fresh spinach leaves in a white bowl, shredded mozzarella in a white bowl, and a clear measuring cup with broth. Below these, there are two uncooked yellow lasagna noodles on the left, a cube of butter and whole garlic bulb next to a white egg and a small glass bowl with mixed dried herbs and spices. At the center, a large white bowl contains shredded cooked chicken. The layout is clean and organized with soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From creamy cheeses that provide richness, to savory chicken and fresh spinach for balance, every component works together to create a symphony of flavor and texture.

Whole milk ricotta (15 oz.): Adds a creamy, tender base to the cheese mixture that’s not too overpowering.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 places, ½ cup and 1 ½ cups): Melts beautifully to give that irresistible gooey texture on the inside and golden crust on top.
Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup and ¼ cup): Imparts a nutty, savory depth to both the cheese blend and the white sauce.
Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture together for a creamy, stable filling.
Freshly cracked black pepper (¼ tsp in ricotta mix and ¼ tsp in sauce): Adds just the right amount of spice to enhance flavors without overpowering.
Rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups cooked, skin removed, shredded): A time-saving, flavorful protein that makes this dish delicious and convenient.
Salt (½ Tbsp for pasta water, ½ tsp in sauce): Essential for seasoning the noodles and balancing flavors.
Lasagna noodles (9): The hearty, tender layers that hold this dish together perfectly.
Butter (4 Tbsp): Creates the rich base for the white sauce and softens the aromatics.
Diced yellow onion (1): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to soften.
Minced garlic cloves (2): Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce to silky, luscious perfection.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides a savory foundation for the creamy sauce and keeps it light.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings herbal brightness and classic Italian flair.
Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
Chopped baby spinach (3 cups): Adds color, freshness, and a healthy touch to the dish.

How to Make White Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

Start by combining the whole milk ricotta, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated parmesan, the large egg, and freshly cracked black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy blend that will become the luscious layers of your lasagna. This mixture is what gives the dish that wonderfully rich and tender cheesy bite between the noodles and chicken.

Step 2: Shred the Rotisserie Chicken

Take your rotisserie chicken and remove the skin, then carefully pull the meat off the bones. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step brings a savory, juicy protein element that balances all the creamy goodness in this lasagna.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Salt the water with ½ tablespoon of salt—this seasons the noodles from the inside out. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until they are tender or just al dente if you prefer a bit of bite. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to work with for layering.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and releases its natural sweetness. This step lays the aromatic foundation for the sauce, giving it great flavor depth.

Step 5: Whisk Up the White Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook while stirring until the flour turns a light golden brown—this toasts the flour for a nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking vigorously to combine and avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Finally, add the chopped baby spinach and stir until it’s just wilted and incorporated. The sauce should be creamy, flavorful, and speckled with vibrant green spinach.

Step 6: Assemble the White Chicken Lasagna

In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread about 1 cup of the white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and create a moist base. Arrange three lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded chicken on top. Repeat this layering process two more times: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and chicken. Finish by spreading the remaining sauce over the top and generously sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese for a mouthwatering melted crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling with warmth. For the last 3 to 4 minutes, switch your oven to broil and carefully watch as the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown. Be attentive here to ensure it doesn’t burn—this final step adds a gorgeous, flavorful crust.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

After baking, let the lasagna rest for a few minutes to set. Slice it into nine generous portions or twelve smaller pieces if you prefer. Optionally, top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness before serving. Then dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy, tender bite of this show-stopping White Chicken Lasagna Recipe.

How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Recipe

A square piece of lasagna sits on a white plate, showing three visible layers: a creamy white sauce mixed with pieces of green spinach and shredded chicken in the middle, topped with a layer of melted golden-brown cheese sprinkled with chopped green parsley. The edges of the lasagna are slightly browned and bubbly. Around the plate, there is a piece of torn bread on a white marbled surface, some shredded cheese in a white bowl to the upper left, and a silver fork next to a gray cloth napkin to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simplicity is beautiful here; a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves brightens the dish with a hint of herbal fragrance and adds a touch of color. Adding a few red pepper flakes can bring a gentle heat, balancing the creamy richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This White Chicken Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli bring a vibrant fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or family gathering, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Layer small portions in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers of noodle, chicken, cheese, and spinach. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkling of grated parmesan just before serving adds an extra flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover White Chicken Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the lasagna before baking or after it has been cooked and cooled. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen lasagna will stay good for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic way to have a ready-made comfort dinner on hand any night of the week.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a paper towel, microwaving until heated through. For the best texture, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to refresh the cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Fresh chicken breasts or thighs can be cooked and shredded. Just boil, roast, or grill the chicken, then shred and season as you like. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor, but fresh cooked chicken works beautifully as well.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular lasagna noodles which contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes to the sauce and ricotta layers. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying even without the chicken.

What type of white sauce is used in this lasagna?

This recipe uses a creamy chicken-based béchamel-style white sauce enriched with heavy cream, seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan, making it both rich and flavorful, different from traditional tomato-based sauces.

Can I prepare the lasagna entirely ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the whole lasagna the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold. This makes meal prep super convenient.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Lasagna Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat while being surprisingly easy to make. It’s a cozy, creamy, and flavorful meal that brings warmth to the table and smiles around it. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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