Imagine layers of tender lasagna sheets, savory chicken, creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. White Chicken Spinach Lasagna takes the classic lasagna to a whole new level with a rich, creamy twist. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for your family or an impressive dish for a potluck, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
This lasagna is the perfect blend of comfort food and sophistication. Here’s why it stands out:
- Rich and Creamy: The spinach Alfredo sauce adds a velvety texture and delicious flavor.
- Healthy Spinach: Packed with spinach, it’s a sneaky way to add greens to your meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when ready.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients for White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
For the Chicken:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked shredded chicken | 4 cups |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
All-purpose flour | 4 tablespoons |
Whole milk | 2 cups |
Minced garlic | 1 tablespoon |
Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
Chopped spinach | 2 cups |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
For Assembly:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Lasagna sheets | 14-15 sheets |
Ricotta cheese (optional) | 1 cup |
Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lasagna Sheets
- If your lasagna sheets need pre-cooking, boil them in a large pot of water until they’re soft enough to bend. Follow the package instructions if using oven-ready sheets.
- Lay the cooked sheets flat on a tray to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a thick paste.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of spinach Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Spread a layer of seasoned chicken over the lasagna sheets.
- Top with more sauce and, if desired, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of spinach Alfredo sauce on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: If boiling lasagna sheets, cook them just until pliable to avoid mushy layers.
- Customize the Layers: Add mushrooms, artichokes, or more vegetables to the layers for extra nutrition.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly for cleaner slices.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8th) |
---|---|
Calories | 450 |
Protein | 30g |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 580mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- With Salad: Pair the lasagna with a fresh Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a sophisticated touch.
FAQs About White Chicken Spinach Lasagna
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely. Wrap the assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped broccoli.
4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
5. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Fontina, Gouda, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
6. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese as a substitute.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try White Chicken Spinach Lasagna Tonight
White Chicken Spinach Lasagna is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ready to make your own? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the comforting taste of this creamy, cheesy masterpiece today!
PrintWhite Chicken Spinach Lasagna: A Creamy, Delicious Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of White Chicken Spinach Lasagna! With layers of tender chicken, spinach Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 14–15 lasagna sheets (cooked or oven-ready)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Lasagna Sheets:
- If using lasagna sheets that need boiling, cook them according to package instructions until pliable. Drain and lay flat on a tray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, spinach, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the consistency with extra milk if needed.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of spinach Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of lasagna sheets.
- Spread a layer of seasoned chicken over the lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of sauce. Add a thin layer of ricotta cheese if desired.
- Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean layers. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize by adding mushrooms, artichokes, or other vegetables to the layers.
- Make it ahead by assembling the lasagna and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American