White Cheese Chicken Lasagna: A Creamy and Comforting Twist on a Classic

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a delicious and creamy twist on the traditional lasagna recipe. This dish features tender chicken, rich white cheese sauce, and layers of lasagna noodles, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a hearty meal. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through making White Cheese Chicken Lasagna from scratch, providing tips for achieving the best results and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Rich and Creamy: The combination of chicken and creamy white cheese sauce creates a deliciously rich and comforting dish.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions: This lasagna is an excellent choice for entertaining or celebrating special moments with loved ones.
3. Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese, this dish is both tasty and nutritious.
4. Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the White Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook and Shred Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook 2-3 chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the White Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make a Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
4. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well and remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Noodles: Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of white cheese sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. First Layer: Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
4. Add Ricotta Mixture: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Add Chicken and Spinach: Sprinkle one-third of the shredded chicken and one-third of the chopped spinach over the ricotta mixture.
6. Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon a layer of white cheese sauce over the chicken and spinach, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of white cheese sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Cool: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Chicken and Cheese: Use high-quality chicken and freshly grated cheeses for the best flavor.

2. Prevent Soggy Lasagna

• Drain Noodles: Make sure the noodles are well-drained and patted dry before assembling the lasagna.
• Thicken Sauce: Cook the white cheese sauce until it thickens to prevent excess moisture.

3. Let It Rest

• Set the Lasagna: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make slicing easier.

Customizing Your White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Variations:

• Vegetable Lasagna: Add layers of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or asiago for unique flavors.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the white cheese sauce for added aroma and taste.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Low-Carb: Substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for the lasagna noodles.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes and a dairy-free butter for the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.

Drinks:

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy lasagna.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing.

Dessert:

• Tiramisu: Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu.
• Gelato: A scoop of gelato is a refreshing way to end the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions of lasagna in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat lasagna in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.

Conclusion

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a creamy and comforting twist on the traditional lasagna recipe. With layers of tender chicken, rich white cheese sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna will impress and satisfy. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!