Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Introduction:

Looking for a comforting and delicious meal to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna! This mouthwatering twist on traditional lasagna features layers of tender chicken, velvety white sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses, creating a dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or entertaining guests, this lasagna is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
9. Spread a thin layer of the white sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
10. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping.
11. Spread half of the cooked chicken over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining white sauce.
12. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
13. Repeat the layers with the remaining lasagna noodles, chicken, white sauce, and cheeses.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
16. Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and slice into squares to serve.
18. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 6-8 servings

Tips:

1. Feel free to add in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. For a shortcut, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking chicken specifically for this recipe.
3. Leftover lasagna can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Tips:

1. Allow the Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
2. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Serve the lasagna alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
4. Pair the lasagna with a glass of your favorite white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful dining experience.
5. When serving to guests, present the lasagna on a decorative serving platter or dish for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips:

1. Allow any leftover lasagna to cool completely before storing it.
2. Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking.
3. Leftover Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. To reheat individual servings, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the entire lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
5. You can also freeze leftover lasagna for longer storage. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
6. To thaw frozen lasagna, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Reheat as instructed above.

FAQs: