Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Recipe

This creamy chicken lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, featuring tender chicken, a rich white sauce, and layers of pasta and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)

For the White Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package directions)
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the White Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
• Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and spinach. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top.
• Spread half of the chicken filling over the noodles, followed by another layer of white sauce.
• Repeat the layers (noodles, filling, sauce).
• Top with a final layer of noodles, remaining white sauce, and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

• Let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
• Freezing: This lasagna freezes well! Just assemble it and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, to the filling for extra nutrition.

Enjoy this creamy and comforting chicken lasagna at your next family meal!