Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a rich, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy white sauce, shredded chicken, and plenty of melty mozzarella, this lasagna delivers a delicious twist on the classic Italian recipe. The addition of ricotta and Parmesan cheese brings a velvety texture, while the blend of herbs enhances the flavor for a savory and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
2. Cook the noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become tender and fragrant.
4. Make the sauce base: Stir in the flour and salt until smooth. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the cheese and seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the cooked, shredded chicken.
7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta and chicken mixture, and 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Repeat this layering process twice, finishing with a layer of sauce.
8. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
9. Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Let it set: Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before serving, so the layers can firm up and hold together better when sliced.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
• Different protein: Instead of chicken, you can use cooked turkey, shredded pork, or ground beef for a different twist.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the lasagna slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lasagna noodles?
   Yes, you can use pre-cooked lasagna noodles to save time. Just make sure they are soaked or pre-cooked as per the package instructions.
2. Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it from cold.
3. Can I freeze this lasagna?
   Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute part or all of the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even fontina for a different flavor.
5. How can I make the sauce even creamier?
   For an even richer sauce, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream in place of some of the milk.
6. Can I add spinach to the ricotta mixture?
   Yes, adding sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture is a great way to incorporate some greens into the lasagna.
7. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds even more flavor to the lasagna.
8. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
   You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor will be slightly different.
9. Can I add more garlic?
   Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount to taste.
10. Can I make this lasagna spicier?
    Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.

Conclusion

Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a perfect dish for any occasion, offering a comforting blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this lasagna will impress with its rich flavors and satisfying layers. Customize it to your liking with various proteins, vegetables, or cheese options to make it your own!

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