Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce
Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups spinach, chopped
4 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, until slightly browned.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the chicken mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of white sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of noodles and the remaining white sauce.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that often includes layers of pasta, cheese, and various sauces. This creamy chicken lasagna recipe is a twist on the traditional version by incorporating a homemade white sauce that enhances the flavors of the chicken and spinach. Each layer of pasta captures the deliciousness of the rich, creamy sauce and melty cheese, making every bite a delight. When preparing this comforting dish, consider using freshly cooked chicken for better flavor and texture. Shredded rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver. Spinach adds not only a nutritional boost but also a vibrant color to the dish. To elevate your creamy white sauce, experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the chicken beautifully. For a quicker option, you can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a cold lasagna may take a bit longer to heat through. This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy this creamy chicken lasagna with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It's a comforting dish that will surely become a family favorite, showcasing the versatility of lasagna in creative ways that go beyond classic recipes.
I just made this for dinner and the family is moaning while they eat. 10/10 recommend Next time I will add sautéed mushrooms and extra sauce. But this recipe will be in my rotation!🩵