If you’re craving a comforting, luscious, and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe is right up your alley. Picture tender layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles nestled between a rich, velvety white sauce loaded with shredded chicken, spinach, and a blend of cheeses that melt into every bite. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also delights with a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, making it an instant family favorite that’s just begging to be served again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, carefully chosen ingredients that work together beautifully to create that perfect creamy, cheesy, and satisfying lasagna. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the texture, depth of flavor, and vibrant colors that make this dish truly special.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked until just tender to form the tender yet sturdy layers of your lasagna.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic to develop aromatic flavor.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch to the base of the sauce.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein that adds substance and richness.
- Frozen spinach (thawed and drained): Offers a burst of color and a subtle earthy taste while keeping the dish fresh.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the creamy white sauce.
- Whole milk: Creates the base of the luscious sauce with balanced richness.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce with savory depth and a touch of moisture.
- Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg: Essential seasonings that elevate and round out the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create ooey-gooey layers of cheesy goodness.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy dollops that complement the texture and flavor beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles and Sauté the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s ready when the lasagna is assembled. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain and set them aside to cool slightly, so they don’t stick together. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they turn soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to building that flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce and filling.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Spinach
Add the cooked shredded chicken and thawed, well-drained spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another couple of minutes. This ensures the spinach is warmed through and the chicken absorbs some of the aromatic flavors from the onion and garlic, making the filling evenly delightful with every forkful.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk over medium heat. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens gently into a creamy base. Then pour in the chicken broth along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for that subtle warmth and complexity. Cook for two more minutes before taking the sauce off the heat and stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of saltiness.
Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture. Next, layer three noodles, followed by half the chicken and spinach mixture. Dot spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the filling, sprinkle a third of the mozzarella cheese, and drizzle more sauce on top. Repeat this layering once more, finishing with the last noodles, remaining sauce, and the last mozzarella cheese sprinkled evenly on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the top become beautifully golden and bubbly while baking for an additional 15 minutes. Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes so those flavors meld together, and it’s easier to slice. That moment when you finally cut into it and see the creamy layers is pure joy.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh burst of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the richness and add a glossy finish that makes every slice look irresistible. For a touch of zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, bright sides like a simple mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic to scoop up any extra sauce left on your plate, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a dinner party or want to impress your family, serve individual portions in cute ramekins or small casserole dishes for a personal touch. Layering the lasagna in clear glass dishes can also showcase its beautiful cross-section of colors and textures, adding visual excitement to the table alongside the amazing taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna, pack any leftovers tightly in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauces hold up beautifully, and the flavors even deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully if you want to save some for later. Wrap the assembled but unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If you’re short on time, reheating in the microwave works well too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals until hot, stirring the center to avoid cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without compromising the deliciousness of the dish.
Is it possible to add vegetables other than spinach?
Yes, feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add more texture and nutrients—just sauté them with the onion and garlic before combining with the chicken.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?
You can substitute the cheeses and milk with dairy-free alternatives and use olive oil in moderation. However, the creamy texture and rich flavor are best achieved with the traditional ingredients.
Does the nutmeg flavor stand out strongly in the sauce?
No, nutmeg is used sparingly to add subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor without being overpowering or noticeable as a distinct taste.
How important is the resting time after baking?
Resting for about 10 minutes lets the layers settle, allowing easier slicing and improving the texture by letting the sauce thicken slightly, resulting in a more satisfying serving experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this rich, cheesy delight again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful lasagna make your next meal unforgettable.
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Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna is a comforting Italian-American main course featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, spinach, and a rich white sauce made with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s an ideal family-friendly dish that combines classic flavors with a creamy texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and drained spinach, cooking combined for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
- Prepare White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk the flour into the whole milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, continuing to cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top, then half of the chicken and spinach mixture, dollops of ricotta cheese, one third of the shredded mozzarella, and a generous amount of sauce. Repeat this layering with noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and more sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining white sauce, and the last of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set for easier slicing and serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking the chicken.
- For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese while making the white sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor.
