Creamy Chicken and White Sauce Lasagna : A Rich & Comforting Twist on a Classic

Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that has traveled from Italy to kitchens around the globe, winning hearts with its layers of rich sauce, tender pasta, and savory fillings. While the classic version is made with tomato sauce, beef, and mozzarella, this creamy chicken and white sauce lasagna offers a lighter, yet equally indulgent alternative. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even special occasions, this dish combines juicy chicken, velvety béchamel sauce, tender lasagna sheets, and a medley of cheeses for an unforgettable bite in every forkful.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making creamy chicken lasagna, including ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, variations, tips for success, storage advice, FAQs, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Comforting – The white sauce gives this lasagna a rich, silky texture without the heaviness of tomato-based versions.
• Family-Friendly – Mild flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready.
• Customizable – Add vegetables, change cheeses, or swap proteins as you wish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs – Cooked and shredded. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
• 1 medium onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances flavor.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Optional, but adds an earthy taste.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – For aromatic herbal notes.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Adjust to preference.

For the White Sauce (Béchamel):

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk – Warmed for smoother blending.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg – Traditional for béchamel, adding subtle warmth.
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For richness.

For Assembly:

• 9–12 lasagna sheets – Pre-cooked or oven-ready.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish – Optional but adds freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms (if using) and cook until softened.
5. Add cooked shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2 – Make the White Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (roux), cooking for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 5–6 minutes).
5. Stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove from heat.

Step 3 – Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay down lasagna sheets to cover the base.
4. Spread half the chicken filling evenly over the pasta.
5. Add dollops of ricotta, then drizzle with white sauce.
6. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with white sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 4 – Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil (to prevent over-browning).
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
4. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help layers set.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Lasagna

• Use fresh pasta sheets for a softer texture.
• Don’t skip resting time this helps prevent a soupy lasagna.
• Warm milk for the béchamel to prevent lumps.
• Mix cheeses for complexity mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for saltiness, ricotta for creaminess.
• Add vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.

Variations You Can Try

• Spinach & Chicken Lasagna – Layer fresh spinach between the pasta for a boost of greens.
• Mushroom Lovers – Double the mushrooms and add thyme for an earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta sheets and flour for the béchamel.
• Cheesy Alfredo Twist – Replace the béchamel with Alfredo sauce for a richer, garlic-forward taste.
• Pesto Drizzle – Add pesto in between layers for fresh basil flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Green Salad – A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and variety to the plate.
• White Wine – A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer – Assemble but don’t bake; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheat – Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values; will vary based on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg

FAQs About Creamy Chicken and White Sauce Lasagna

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

3. What’s the difference between béchamel and Alfredo sauce?
Béchamel is a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk, while Alfredo includes cream, butter, and Parmesan for a richer taste.

4. Can I use oven-ready lasagna sheets?
Yes, but you may need to add extra sauce to prevent them from drying out.

5. How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?
Make sure your sauce is thick and avoid adding too much liquid from the chicken or vegetables.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and white sauce lasagna is the perfect dish for when you want something comforting yet slightly different from the traditional tomato-based version. With tender chicken, a luxuriously smooth béchamel, and layers of gooey cheese, every bite is a blend of comforting flavors and textures. Whether you make it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a household favorite.