If you have been searching for a rich and soul-warming dish, this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe is going to steal your heart and your appetite. It transforms the classic lasagna by swapping the traditional red sauce with a luxuriously creamy white cheese sauce, layered with tender cooked chicken and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors—meltingly soft noodles wrapped in velvety sauce, savory chicken, and just the right hint of herbs and spices. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with a dish that feels both elegant and deeply comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making this recipe shine spectacularly. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy roux base to the perfectly cooked chicken and cheeses that meld everything together with incredible texture and flavor.
- 9 lasagna noodles: These provide the classic pasta layers that hold all the delicious fillings together.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for creating a rich and smooth white sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a lovely aromatic depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Sweetness from the onion perfectly balances the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the white sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency.
- 2 ½ cups milk: Creates the creamy foundation for the sauce, lending moisture and richness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Infuses savory undertones that compliment the chicken layering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a classic herbaceous twist that ties all flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors in every component.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right gentle bite to contrast creamy cheese layers.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle warmth that gives the white sauce a gourmet edge.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein that makes this lasagna satisfying and wholesome.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy pockets of richness throughout the layers.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish both inside and on top of the lasagna.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts irresistibly to create that gooey, cheesy comfort everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and light herbal note on serving.
How to Make White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. This ensures they’re perfectly tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and set aside. Next, create the luxurious white sauce by melting the butter over medium heat, then sautéing the minced garlic and diced onion until they’re soft and fragrant. Whisk in the flour carefully to make a roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to keep the texture smooth and lump-free. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the delicate hint of nutmeg, then simmer until the sauce thickens beautifully. Remove from heat and stir in a part of the Parmesan cheese while it’s still warm.
Step 2: Layer Your Lasagna
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for an easy assembly. Start with a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then layer three noodles, half of the shredded chicken, dollops of the creamy ricotta, about a third of the mozzarella, and more of the white sauce. Repeat this sequence for the next layers, finishing with the final three noodles on top. Pour the remaining white sauce over the noodles, sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create that golden crust when baked.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until you see the top bubbling and turning golden brown. Let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven — this step is crucial for the layers to set nicely and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a bright green contrast that freshens up the creamy, cheesy appeal of this rich dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a crack of fresh ground black pepper elevates the flavors subtly but perfectly.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley like asparagus or green beans also work beautifully alongside, keeping the meal deliciously satisfying without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve individual slices stacked on warm plates, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color. You could also shape the white cheese chicken lasagna recipe into smaller, personal-size portions using mini casserole dishes, perfect for dinner parties or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store lasagna leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or to savor as leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add extra baking time until it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in short intervals, stirring or turning if needed to warm evenly. Alternatively, reheat slices in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan provides the perfect creaminess and flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a touch of cream cheese for a slightly different texture and taste.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the lasagna?
Yes, using cooked shredded chicken ensures the meat is tender and safe to eat. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and saves you time. You can also poach or roast chicken breasts in advance.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini work great and add extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook off any excess moisture before layering to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After boiling, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and toss with a little olive oil to keep them separated. Lay them flat and avoid stacking to make assembly easier.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The lasagna is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top has turned golden brown. Letting it rest before slicing also helps everything set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe is truly a keeper — comforting, creamy, and loaded with cozy flavors that will become a household favorite. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table, share stories, and savor every cheesy, luscious bite. Give it a try this week and watch how fast it disappears!
Print
White Cheese 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: High-Protein
Description
This white cheese chicken lasagna is a creamy, comforting twist on the traditional red sauce lasagna featuring tender shredded chicken layered with a rich, velvety white cheese sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this dish balances hearty protein with cheesy indulgence and Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
White Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the White Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down 3 cooked noodles, then sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over them. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly atop the chicken, add one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and then spread more white sauce over the layers.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Finally, top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining white sauce, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the lasagna to heat through thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish freezes well; assemble ahead and bake from frozen by adding extra baking time.
