If you’re searching for a hearty dinner that’s both comforting and oh-so-delicious, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken layered between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, all smothered in a velvety white sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming. With hints of garlic, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning woven throughout, every bite feels like a warm hug from your favorite Italian nonna. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion meal, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, and each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible creaminess. From tender chicken to the luscious white sauce components, every element is essential for creating the perfect balance.
- Lasagna noodles: 9 noodles to form the layers—cook them just right so they’re tender but not mushy.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing, plus 4 tablespoons for making the smooth white sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to gently sauté garlic and onion without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced—adds aromatic sweetness and a subtle kick.
- Onion: 1 small diced, perfect for that mild, savory base in the filling.
- Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded—using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here.
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups, combined with an egg and Parmesan to create a creamy layer that binds everything.
- Egg: 1 large, helps the ricotta mixture set beautifully while baking.
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded, to add gooey, melty textures throughout each layer.
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup grated, with half mixed into the ricotta and half sprinkled on top for a savory finish.
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning: Each about ½ teaspoon to perfectly season the chicken mixture and sauce.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup, the essential thickening agent in the white sauce.
- Milk: 3 cups, to create that luscious and creamy white sauce.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup, adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Ground nutmeg and garlic powder: A pinch each, to round out the white sauce with warm and savory notes.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the noodles and chicken filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions—this ensures they are al dente and perfect for layering. While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a skillet and gently sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they soften and release their aroma. Toss in the shredded chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let these flavors marry on the stove for a few minutes before setting aside.
Step 2: Make the luscious white sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour. Stir the mixture for a couple of minutes until it starts to bubble but hasn’t browned—this is the roux, and it’s the secret base of a creamy sauce. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth a little at a time, whisking constantly to keep it smooth. Add nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat. This creamy white sauce truly elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Mix the ricotta and assemble the layers
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the Parmesan cheese—this mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer 3 noodles on top, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, then the chicken filling, shredded mozzarella, and a generous layer of white sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a top coat of white sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake your lasagna to golden perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the cheese melt into a bubbling delight. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes—this step creates a beautifully golden crust with tantalizingly crispy cheese edges. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes so it firms up, making it easier to serve and enhancing each luscious bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright touch of color and freshness that balances the creamy richness. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also enhance the cheesy aroma and make each plate look inviting.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables, which provide a nice contrast to the dish’s richness. Garlic bread is another classic side that complements the Italian flavors perfectly, helping you soak up every last bit of the delicious white sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake in mini casserole dishes to turn this family favorite into personalized servings that look stunning on the table. You can even layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost that adds color and texture in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or reheated lunches. Store leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it—wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adding extra time if baking from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep the moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option; just cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the lasagna.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Fresh pasta cooks faster and can give your lasagna a silkier texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and use fewer noodles if they are wider or thinner.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for layers of sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based meat substitutes. The creamy white sauce and cheese will keep it wonderfully satisfying.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance and refrigerate it before baking?
Definitely. Assembling the lasagna a day ahead lets the flavors meld even more. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge and bake it on the day you plan to serve.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese if I can’t find it?
Cottage cheese drained of excess moisture and blended until smooth works well as a ricotta substitute. You might want to add a bit of salt and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
How do I make sure the white sauce is lump-free?
Whisk continuously while adding the milk and broth slowly to the flour and butter mixture. Using a whisk helps break up any lumps. If lumps do form, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before layering.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Recipe is like rediscovering the magic of comfort food with every forkful. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to the table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this lasagna is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try, and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness that only a well-made white sauce lasagna can deliver.
