White Chicken Lasagna – Budget Bytes Pasta Recipe
White Chicken Lasagna – A Family Favorite Recipe
Get ready for a delicious adventure in the kitchen! This White Chicken Lasagna is not just any pasta dish; it’s a creamy, cheesy delight that will have your family racing to the table. With tender noodles, shredded chicken, a rich white sauce, and a pop of vibrant spinach, every bite is a comforting explosion of flavor. Let’s dive into this fun family recipe that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Lasagna:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups cooked chicken)
- ½ Tbsp salt (for the pasta water)
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Get Started on the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, egg, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and set aside.
- Prep Your Chicken:
- Carefully remove the skin from the cooked rotisserie chicken and pull the meat off the bones. Shred the chicken using two forks, and set aside about 3 cups.
- Boil the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add ½ Tbsp of salt, then throw in the lasagna noodles. Boil until tender (al dente), then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Make the White Sauce:
- Stir in the flour, cooking until it turns a light golden brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, heavy cream, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed, then incorporate the chopped spinach.
- Time to Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread about 1 cup of the creamy spinach sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lay three noodles on top.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the shredded chicken. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, chicken) until all ingredients are used up, finishing with the remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella over the last layer for a bubbly, cheesy finish!
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. For that perfect golden top, switch to broil for the last 3-4 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove from the oven. Optional: sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of color. Slice into hearty pieces and serve!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t forget to add a layer of sauce to the bottom of your baking dish to keep the noodles from sticking.
- Always cook a couple of extra noodles just in case one breaks during prep!
- For a fresh twist, serve your lasagna with a light salad or some delicious garlic bread.
Make It Ahead!
Feel free to prepare this delightful dish the day before. Just pop it in the fridge overnight and bake it the next day!
Storage & Reheating:
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered oven until nice and warm.
This White Chicken Lasagna combines texture, taste, and family fun! It’s guaranteed to become a cherished family recipe that everyone will want to dig into. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️✨