Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering white cheese chicken lasagna brings comfort and culinary excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken nestle between silky pasta sheets and rich, velvety sauce.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction.

Aromatic herbs whisper hints of Mediterranean charm throughout each delectable bite.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Guests will marvel at your kitchen prowess and savor every incredible forkful.

You cannot resist the temptation of this irresistible lasagna waiting to be devoured.

Reasons to Love Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Savor Comfort Food Magic: Dive into a creamy, cheesy lasagna that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying those deep comfort food cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftover chicken to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you total flexibility in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, layers of melted cheese, and a rich white sauce, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and zero complaints from picky eaters.
  • Simple Cooking Adventure: Navigate this recipe with confidence, even if you're not a seasoned chef, thanks to straightforward steps and readily available ingredients that come together beautifully.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Core Ingredients:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Essential pasta layer that provides structure to the lasagna.
  • Chicken: Protein-rich main ingredient that adds substance to the dish.
Dairy Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the white sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide rich, melty cheese layers with distinct flavors.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Key components for creating a classic roux-based white sauce.
  • Garlic, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter, Aluminum Foil: Essential for preparing and covering the baking dish.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub it down with butter.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Sheets

Boil the lasagna noodles following the package directions until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set them aside, ready for layering.

Step 3: Create Fragrant Garlic Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it fills the kitchen with its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Whip Up A Smooth Roux

Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a silky smooth base for your sauce.

Step 5: Pour In Creamy Milk

Slowly pour whole milk into the pan, whisking like crazy to keep everything smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Simmer And Thicken Sauce

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch it transform into a luxurious white sauce.

Step 7: Season The Sauce

Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as you like.

Step 8: Build The First Layer

Spread a thin layer of white sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Create First Pasta Layer

Arrange lasagna noodles across the sauce, letting them slightly overlap for perfect coverage.

Step 10: Add Chicken And Sauce

Spread half the cooked chicken over the noodles, then drizzle half the white sauce on top.

Step 11: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Scatter half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the sauce, creating a cheesy blanket.

Step 12: Repeat Layering Magic

Repeat the entire layering process – noodles, remaining chicken, sauce, and cheese.

Step 13: Cover And Bake

Wrap the dish in aluminum foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes.

Step 14: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 15: Rest And Serve

Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 16: Slice And Enjoy

Cut into beautiful squares and serve up this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Pro Tips to Perfect Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Boost Veggie Power: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and add vibrant colors and textures to your lasagna.
  • Simplify Chicken Prep: Grab a rotisserie chicken or use leftover cooked chicken to save time and streamline your cooking process.
  • Store Smartly: Keep leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach.
  • Enhance Flavor Layers: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or thyme to elevate the white sauce's taste profile.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Lasagna: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free lasagna noodles to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk and use vegan cheese alternatives like cashew mozzarella for a lactose-intolerant friendly recipe.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Swap traditional pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetable nutrition.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Lasagna: Incorporate fresh Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of dried basil and oregano for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions with Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with light oak notes that complements the creamy white sauce and cuts through the rich cheese layers.
  • Match with Rustic Garlic Bread: Create a side of warm, toasted garlic bread brushed with olive oil to soak up the delicious white sauce and add textural contrast.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the lasagna's creamy richness.
  • Enhance with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned with fresh herbs to add color and nutritional balance to the meal.

Best Storage Practices for Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Transfer lasagna to oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
  • Wrap cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

Common Questions About Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

  • What type of chicken works best for this lasagna?

Shredded or diced cooked chicken breast works perfectly. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or quickly pan-cook chicken breasts for the recipe.

  • Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • Is it possible to freeze this white cheese chicken lasagna?

Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna marries Italian comfort with savory layers of tender chicken and rich cheese. Silky pasta sheets nestled between velvety sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside for layering.
  3. Create a flavorful white sauce by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
  4. Incorporate flour into the butter mixture, stirring continuously to develop a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Slowly pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce that will coat the lasagna layers.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a creamy, thick consistency, then season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Spread a thin layer of white sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
  8. Arrange the first layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping to cover the sauce completely.
  9. Distribute half of the cooked chicken evenly over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining white sauce.
  10. Generously sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a rich, melty layer.
  11. Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, chicken, white sauce, and cheeses to build a luxurious lasagna.
  12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  13. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  14. Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to help it set and make slicing easier.
  15. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley before cutting into squares and serving the creamy, cheesy dish.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising creamy texture.
  • Enhance nutritional value by incorporating lean protein sources such as shredded turkey or plant-based chicken substitutes for varied dietary preferences.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cheese and reducing added salt, making the lasagna heart-healthy and suitable for restricted diets.
  • Experiment with dairy-free options by substituting whole milk with unsweetened almond or cashew milk and using vegan cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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