Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna is a comforting, indulgent dish that combines tender layers of lasagna noodles with creamy white sauce, juicy chicken, and nutritious spinach. This recipe elevates the classic lasagna with its rich, velvety texture and mouthwatering flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Lasagna is a timeless favorite, but this version brings a unique twist with its creamy white sauce instead of the traditional tomato-based one. Layers of tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy white sauce are sandwiched between sheets of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This dish is a blend of comfort food and sophistication, offering the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna is ideal for those who love rich, indulgent meals with a lighter touch of spinach to balance the creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress.
What to Look Forward To
This dish offers creamy layers of flavor-packed chicken, spinach, and cheese that meld together beautifully in the oven. The richness of the white sauce, combined with the freshness of spinach and the heartiness of chicken, creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Every bite is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.
Tools to Use
- Large pot: For boiling lasagna noodles.
- Large skillet: For cooking chicken and spinach.
- Whisk: For preparing the white sauce.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch): For layering and baking the lasagna.
- Spatula or spoon: For spreading sauce and layering ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the White Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Spinach
- In a large skillet, sauté the spinach until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- If using raw chicken, cook it in the same skillet with a little olive oil until fully cooked, then shred or dice it.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of chicken, followed by sautéed spinach, and a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling lasagna noodles.
- Large skillet: For cooking chicken and spinach.
- Whisk: For preparing the white sauce.
- Baking dish (9×13-inch): For layering and baking the lasagna.
- Spatula or spoon: For spreading sauce and layering ingredients.
Ingredients
- For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach sautéed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the White Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half for a richer flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the White Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Spinach
- In a large skillet, sauté the spinach until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- If using raw chicken, cook it in the same skillet with a little olive oil until fully cooked, then shred or dice it.
- Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of chicken, followed by sautéed spinach, and a layer of white sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking
- Perfect Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles al dente to ensure they don’t become mushy during baking.
- Sauce Consistency: If the white sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna is the perfect blend of comfort food and sophistication. It’s packed with protein, leafy greens, and creamy layers that make it a wholesome yet indulgent meal. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach White Sauce Lasagna is a recipe that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it at a special gathering, this lasagna is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy a comforting dish that’s packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and the freshness of spinach. Make your next meal memorable with this delicious recipe!