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
Scale
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.
