Ah, Gourmet White Chicken Lasagna—my all-time favorite comfort food that never fails to impress! I can hardly contain my excitement when I think about it! This lasagna is everything: creamy, cheesy, and comforting all at once. I remember the first time I made it for my family; they couldn’t stop raving about it! The combination of tender chicken, rich cheeses, and the delightful addition of spinach makes each bite a little slice of heaven. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, meaning you can impress your guests without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
You know it’s a hit when the kids gobble it down faster than I can serve it. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this lasagna brings everyone together around the table—a perfect dish for sharing. So, let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your own cookbook!
What’s in Gourmet White Chicken Lasagna?
Lasagna Noodles: You’ll need 9 of these delightful sheets to hold all the yummy goodness together. I prefer using traditional noodles, but feel free to go for the no-boil kind if you’re in a hurry.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded and tender, about 2 cups of chicken is the star of this dish! This is a fantastic way to use up leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie bird from the store.
Ricotta Cheese: With 2 cups of ricotta, we’re adding creaminess and richness. It’s a must-have for that authentic lasagna texture!
Mozzarella Cheese: Who doesn’t love gooey, melted mozzarella? We’re using 3 cups here—half mixed with the filling and half layered on top for that glorious, cheesy crust!
Parmesan Cheese: We’ll be dividing a cup of this sharp cheese too. It adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Spinach: Whether you choose fresh or frozen (just make sure it’s thawed and drained), 2 cups of spinach lends a lovely color and nutrition boost to the lasagna.
White Sauce: The creamy foundation of our lasagna. You can use store-bought for quickness or make it from scratch with butter, flour, and milk—I’ll guide you through that!
Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon is enough to add a robust flavor, making everything taste that much better.
Onion Powder: It complements the garlic beautifully and adds to the overall savory notes.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs pack a flavor punch and give the dish that Italian flair.
Fresh Parsley: Optional (but highly recommended) for garnishing, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Is Gourmet White Chicken Lasagna Good for You?
Well, that’s a loaded question! This lasagna does have its comforts with the creamy ingredients and melted cheeses, but it also packs a punch nutritionally.
Chicken: It’s a great source of lean protein, which is especially beneficial for muscle building and recovery after workouts.
Spinach: We all know that leafy greens are the superheroes of the food world—rich in vitamins and minerals, it adds not just nutrition but also a vibrant color to your dish.
Cheeses: While they do add calcium and protein, I recommend using part-skim mozzarella and ricotta if you’re watching your caloric intake.
The health-conscious cook may wonder about the creaminess. That’s where portion control comes into play! A hearty slice filled with goodness will still be a delicious part of a balanced meal. Just pair it with a side salad for a complete experience!
Ingredients
– 9 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
– 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
– 3 cups white sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– For homemade:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup flour
– 4 cups milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*This recipe serves about 6-8 generous portions, perfect for a hungry gathering!*
How to Make Gourmet White Chicken Lasagna?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare White Sauce (if making homemade):**
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Cook Lasagna Noodles:**
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. **Mix Fillings:**
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, half of the 3 cups of mozzarella cheese, half of the 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, the spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil. Stir until combined.
5. **Assemble the Lasagna:**
Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the chicken and cheese mixture over the noodles. Drizzle with more white sauce and sprinkle with 1/3 of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat: noodles, chicken mixture, sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the white sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. **Bake:**
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once baked, allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley to garnish before diving in!
Trust me, you’ll want to take a picture of your masterpiece—just be ready for it to disappear quickly!
Perfect Pairings and Cooking Tips
Alright, now that you’ve got this delightful lasagna in your oven, here are some tips and variations to consider:
– **Herb Variations:** Try adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley into the filling for even more flavor.
– **Veggie Additions:** Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an added depth of flavor and texture.
– **Serving Suggestions:** This lasagna pairs perfectly with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread. Yum!
– **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just allow an additional few minutes in the oven if baking from the fridge.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience—leave a comment or send me a picture of your beautiful lasagna creation. Happy cooking, my friend!
