If you have ever craved a comforting, creamy twist on classic Italian comfort food, this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagined with tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and an irresistible white sauce that’s rich yet perfectly balanced, this dish delivers cozy vibes with every bite. It combines layers of savory goodness and gooey cheese that transform a humble meal into something show-stopping, ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of texture, flavor, and color that come together beautifully in the final dish.
- Lasagna noodles: These form the sturdy foundation for stacking all the delicious layers.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Provides tender, protein-packed bites throughout.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of vibrant green and subtle earthiness.
- Mushrooms (optional): Bring an earthy depth and meaty texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, lending that signature gooey stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish on top.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the luscious white sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- Chicken broth: Enhances depth with savory notes in the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Brings subtle aromatic warmth.
- Onion powder: Adds underlying savory complexity.
- Dried basil and oregano: Give that quintessential Italian herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten every element.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for baking. While the oven heats up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente, meaning tender yet still firm to the bite. Drain them carefully and set aside so they’re ready for layering.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce
Next, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes to form a delicate roux—this step guarantees a creamy, smooth base without any floury taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. To infuse delightful flavor, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat—the velvety white sauce is now ready to elevate your lasagna.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken, chopped fresh spinach, and sliced mushrooms if using. This combination brings together tender protein, vibrant greens, and earthy mushrooms for wonderful layers of texture and flavor. Mixing it now saves time and keeps everything organized before assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of your homemade white sauce on the bottom—this prevents sticking and adds moisture. Lay down a single layer of noodles over the sauce. On top, spread one-third of the chicken and spinach mixture evenly, followed by one-third of the white sauce. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over this. Repeat these layers two more times, ensuring the final layer is topped with both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create an irresistible golden crust when baked.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake covered for 30 minutes to lock in moisture and heat everything through. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling it’s perfectly cooked and ready to impress.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Patience is key here—allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set up beautifully so it slices cleanly without losing any of those rich fillings. Serve it hot for the ultimate comforting experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes is a lovely way to brighten the dish and add a pop of color. Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top, which will enhance the herbal fragrance and give your lasagna an inviting look that’s as fresh as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This White Chicken Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides balance the creamy richness of the lasagna and create a well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try assembling individual portions in small ramekins or mini casserole dishes—perfect for making personal servings that look stunning on a dinner plate. You can also serve a wedge alongside garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna is a gift that keeps on giving! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or a quick next-day dinner.
Freezing
This White Chicken Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect to prepare in advance for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or warm a whole portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. This keeps the lasagna moist and creamy without drying out the delicate layers.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds delicious flavor. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual.
Is it necessary to boil the noodles before assembling?
Yes, for this recipe, boiling the noodles until al dente helps ensure they cook evenly and hold their shape during baking. Using no-boil noodles is an option, but you might need to adjust the sauce amount accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for extra texture and nutritional boosts. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the layers from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the white sauce?
You can use 2% milk or a combination of milk and cream for a richer sauce. Non-dairy milk alternatives might alter the flavor and texture, so whole milk remains the preferred choice for this recipe.
How long does it take to bake this White Chicken Lasagna Recipe from start to finish?
Including prep and baking, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Prep takes around 20 minutes, while baking plus resting time adds up to about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Lasagna Recipe is truly a heartwarming crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a magical meal. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with fresh flavors, it offers a mouthwatering alternative to traditional red sauce lasagna. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and make it your own—once you do, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite on your recipe rotation.
Print
White Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy White Chicken Lasagna combines tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and optional mushrooms layered between al dente lasagna noodles with a rich homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2–3 chicken breasts)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and sliced mushrooms (if using). Mix well.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread one-third of the chicken and spinach mixture over the noodles. Spoon one-third of the white sauce over the chicken mixture and sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of sauce and a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente so they hold their shape during baking.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen can be substituted if well drained.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or cream for some of the milk.
- Mushrooms are optional; omit if preferred or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini.
- Allow lasagna to rest before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
