Name: Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach); 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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This Creamy Chicken Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. With layers of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, Parmesan, and a rich homemade white cream sauce, it’s hearty and indulgent. I love how the spinach adds freshness to balance the richness, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s creamy and cheesy without being too heavy. The white sauce makes it unique compared to traditional tomato-based lasagna, and the combination of chicken and spinach makes it a little lighter while still being indulgent. It’s also great for making ahead, which saves me time when I need a stress-free dinner. Creamy Chicken Lasagna

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, drained)
9–12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
Salt and pepper, to taste
A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for the cream sauce)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
I melt the butter in a large skillet, then sauté the onion until softened. I add the garlic and cook for another minute.
I whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and cream. I simmer until the sauce thickens, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
I stir in the shredded chicken and spinach, mixing until combined.
I spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. I layer noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the chicken-spinach sauce, repeating the layers until all ingredients are used.
I finish with a top layer of noodles, sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan.
I cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. I can swap spinach for kale, or use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of cream and low-fat ricotta. If I want more heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Creamy Chicken Lasagna

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or I microwave individual slices. This lasagna also freezes beautifully—I wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this lasagna?

Yes, I often use rotisserie chicken to save time, and it works perfectly.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. I bake it when I’m ready to serve.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

If I’m using regular lasagna noodles, yes. If I use oven-ready noodles, I add a little extra sauce to keep them from drying out.

Can I make this without spinach?

Absolutely, I leave it out or replace it with another veggie I enjoy, like zucchini or broccoli.

How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?

I make sure to drain the spinach well and let the lasagna rest after baking so the layers set.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna is rich, satisfying, and a refreshing twist on a classic. I love how the creamy white sauce, cheesy layers, and tender chicken come together in every bite. Whether I’m serving it at a family gathering or just indulging in a weeknight comfort meal, it always hits the spot.