Lasagna is a beloved dish worldwide, traditionally featuring layers of pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and often ground beef. But if you’re craving something lighter yet just as comforting and cheesy, white chicken lasagna is the perfect solution. This recipe swaps the usual red sauce for a luscious white sauce and uses tender shredded chicken and fresh spinach to create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this white chicken lasagna will wow your guests with its layers of cheesy goodness and delicate herb flavors. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!
Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need and Why
Here’s the full ingredient list, with some notes on why each one plays an important role:
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8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles
No-boil noodles save time and hassle—no need to pre-cook. They soften nicely during baking and absorb the sauce flavors. -
1 tbsp olive oil
For sautéing garlic and spinach. Adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other ingredients. -
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook your own breasts and shred them. This protein makes the dish hearty. -
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Spinach adds a lovely green color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness. You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available. -
3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic provides aromatic depth to the sautéed veggies and sauce. -
2 cups ricotta cheese
Ricotta gives the lasagna a creamy, slightly grainy texture and mild sweetness. -
1 cup sour cream
Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the cheeses. -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sharp and nutty, Parmesan enhances flavor complexity. -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that stretchy, cheesy layer everyone loves. -
2 cups milk
For the white sauce base. Whole milk gives richness, but you can use 2% for a lighter option. -
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Used to thicken the white sauce into a béchamel. -
3 tbsp unsalted butter
Fat for the roux, which forms the base of the white sauce. -
1 tsp dried basil
Adds herby, slightly sweet notes. -
1 tsp dried oregano
Brings classic Italian flavor to the sauce. -
Salt and pepper to taste
Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions: Easy to Follow
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the White Sauce (Béchamel)
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this removes the raw flour taste). Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed spinach and garlic. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
5. Layer Your Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by about one-third of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers two more times (noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, mozzarella), ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Prep and Cooking Times
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Inactive/Rising Time: None
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)
Helpful Tips for Success
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Use no-boil noodles: Save time and reduce mess by skipping the pre-boil step. Make sure to spread sauce evenly so noodles cook fully.
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Spinach substitution: Frozen spinach works fine, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery lasagna.
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Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the white sauce if you want a little heat.
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Cheese variations: Substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different melty textures and flavors.
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Make it ahead: Prepare the lasagna the day before and refrigerate covered overnight. Bake fresh when ready to eat.
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Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, tightly covered.
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Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or oven for best results. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This white chicken lasagna pairs beautifully with:
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A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
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Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
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Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up extra sauce
For variations, consider:
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Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the ricotta mixture for an earthier flavor
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Replacing chicken with cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie turkey for a holiday twist
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Using kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a slightly different leafy green flavor
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Incorporating sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast
Why This Recipe Works
This lasagna is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The creamy white sauce replaces the heaviness of red sauce while still giving you that luscious mouthfeel. The combination of fresh spinach and herbs adds freshness and color, making it more balanced. Chicken provides lean protein and a mild taste that won’t overpower the cheeses.
The no-boil noodles keep the prep easy and cleanup simple, so you can enjoy a homemade Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximate)
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 600mg
Final Thoughts
White chicken lasagna is a fantastic alternative for those wanting to mix up traditional lasagna night. Its creamy textures and delicate flavors make it a crowd-pleaser while being simple enough for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish will bring warmth and smiles to your table.