Easy White Chicken Lasagna with Spinach

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish, this Easy White Chicken Lasagna with Spinach is just what you need. It features layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, all wrapped in soft lasagna noodles. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying, making it a breeze for even beginner cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This white chicken lasagna is a crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with flavors and textures that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The combination of creamy cheeses and nutritious spinach makes for a comforting meal that’s also a little bit healthier than traditional lasagna. Plus, it comes together easily, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to create this delightful lasagna:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk or half and half
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 8 dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste preferences! If you’re low on ricotta, you can replace it with cottage cheese for a similar texture. For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cheese options. You can easily substitute the chicken for shredded turkey or even sauté some mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. This lasagna is versatile, making it a fun dish to adapt!

Equipment Needed

• 8 x 8-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with a little oil. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s bubbly, add the minced garlic and flour. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and the baby spinach until the spinach wilts slightly.

Step 2 – Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix them together until they’re well-blended and smooth. This rich filling will add a creamy layer to your lasagna.

Step 3 – Assemble the Lasagna

Now it’s time to layer everything! Start by spooning about 1/4 cup of the creamy sauce into the prepared baking dish. Next, place 2 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 2/3 cup of chicken and 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the sauce over this layer. Repeat this layering process two more times. On the final layer, arrange the last two noodles and pour any remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake the lasagna uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and golden on top. Once it’s done, allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few tips to ensure your white chicken lasagna is a hit:

• Make sure to wilt the spinach well in the sauce for better flavor.
• Letting the lasagna cool before slicing helps the layers hold together.
• You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate before baking.
• If you prefer a crispy top, pop it under the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking – just keep an eye on it!

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your lasagna:

• Add cooked spinach or other greens such as kale for extra nutrients.
• Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.
• Try different types of cheese, like fontina or gouda, for a unique taste.
• Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the creamy sauce for heat.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair your lasagna with simple side dishes to complete your meal:

• Garden salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• A light soup, like minestrone or tomato basil

Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers

This lasagna stores well, allowing you to enjoy it later. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it before baking for future meals; just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to eat, cook it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

White Chicken Lasagna with Spinach

A delicious and comforting lasagna featuring layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

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For the creamy sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk or half and half
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

For the ricotta filling

• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg

For the lasagna assembly

• 8 pieces dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with a little oil.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s bubbly, add the minced garlic and flour. Cook this mixture for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and baby spinach until the spinach wilts slightly.

Mixing the Ricotta Filling

• In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until well-blended and smooth.

Assembling the Lasagna

• Spoon about 1/4 cup of the creamy sauce into the prepared baking dish.
• Place 2 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture.
• Add 2/3 cup of chicken and 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the sauce over this layer.
• Repeat the layering process two more times. For the final layer, arrange the last two noodles and pour any remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
• Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
• Let cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the lasagna to cool before slicing to help the layers hold together. You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Add a crispy top by broiling for the last few minutes, keeping an eye on it!

Keyword Chicken, comfort food, Easy Recipe, lasagna, Spinach

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