Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna with Cheesy White Sauce: An Irresistible Twist on a Classic
Say goodbye to your traditional red sauce lasagna, because this creamy chicken, mushroom, and spinach lasagna with a rich, cheesy white sauce is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s a delightful departure from the classic, offering a sophisticated yet undeniably comforting culinary experience that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why This White Sauce Chicken Lasagna is a Must-Try
Lasagna holds a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to entertaining. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal that allows hosts to relax and enjoy their guests, rather than being stuck in the kitchen. There’s something truly magical about sliding a bubbling, golden casserole into the oven, then emerging later with a magnificent dish that feeds a crowd and guarantees smiles all around. For me, that convenience is a huge win, letting me savor a glass of wine and good conversation with friends while dinner bakes to perfection.
While the hearty layers of tomato sauce and various cheeses in a classic lasagna are hard to beat, I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to reinvent this beloved dish. I’ve explored many variations, from a delicious butternut squash version that’s a favorite in our home (like this one from FoodieCrush), to lighter, vegetable-forward options. But I’ve been particularly eager to add a creamy, white-sauce lasagna to my repertoire – something distinctly different, yet equally satisfying for dinner parties and family gatherings.
This particular chicken and mushroom lasagna recipe features tender shredded chicken, sautéed garlicky mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all nestled between layers of no-boil lasagna noodles and generously smothered in a luxurious cheesy white sauce, then topped with plenty of melted mozzarella. The result is an incredibly creamy, intensely cheesy, and utterly comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, with the earthiness of mushrooms, the subtle bitterness of spinach, and the savory notes of chicken all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce.
Crafting the Perfect Cheesy White Sauce (Béchamel)
The heart of this chicken, mushroom, and spinach lasagna is its cheesy white sauce, a creamy béchamel that provides incredible richness and flavor. Making a great béchamel might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. It starts with a roux – a mixture of melted butter and flour, cooked together to form a paste. This roux is essential for thickening the milk into a silky-smooth sauce.
The key to a lump-free béchamel is to whisk constantly as you gradually pour in the milk. Bringing the sauce to a gentle boil and allowing it to simmer for a few minutes ensures it thickens properly. Once off the heat, stir in the ricotta, a generous portion of Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and, crucially, a hint of freshly grated nutmeg. Nutmeg is a classic addition to white sauces as it beautifully enhances the creamy, savory flavors without being overpowering. The ricotta adds another layer of creaminess and a delicate tang, making this sauce truly stand out.
Assembling Your Ultimate Chicken & Spinach Lasagna
Assembling this lasagna is a straightforward process, especially when using no-boil, oven-ready noodles. First, prepare your garlicky mushroom and spinach mixture, then combine it with the shredded chicken. Next, create your luscious cheesy white sauce. Once these components are ready, you’re all set to build your masterpiece.
Start by spreading a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking and helps them cook evenly. Lay down your first layer of lasagna noodles, breaking them gently if needed to fit the dish. Spoon more of the white sauce over the noodles, ensuring good coverage, then evenly spread one-third of the chicken, mushroom, and spinach mixture. Sprinkle with a quarter of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times until you’ve used all the chicken mixture. For the final top layer, generously spread the remaining white sauce over the noodles, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust as it bakes.
Hosting Made Easy: Tips for a Stress-Free Dinner Party
While this chicken, mushroom, and spinach lasagna is a fantastic meal for any night of the week, it truly shines as part of a dinner party menu. Its make-ahead nature and impressive presentation make it a host’s best friend. Here are some expanded tips to ensure your next gathering is effortless and delicious:
- Prep Ahead for Maximum Ease: One of the biggest advantages of lasagna is its ability to be prepared in advance. Assemble the entire lasagna earlier in the day, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When it’s time to cook, simply pull it out of the fridge an hour beforehand to come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You can even freeze an assembled lasagna! Double-wrap it tightly and freeze for a month or more. When ready to bake, place it directly in a preheated oven (from frozen) and add approximately 15 minutes to the baking time, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated through.
- Elevate with Presentation: Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful serving dish. Use your prettiest 9×13-inch casserole dish so you can take the lasagna straight from the oven to the table. Serving it family-style creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and makes the meal feel even more special.
- The Importance of Resting: This step is crucial and often overlooked. After removing the lasagna from the oven, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Let it rest, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. This allows all the creamy layers and melted cheeses to set properly, resulting in cleaner, more stable slices that hold their shape beautifully. Don’t worry, it will still be perfectly hot!
- Effortless Complementary Sides: For easy entertaining, pair your rich lasagna with simple, fresh accompaniments. A crusty store-bought baguette or a rustic artisan loaf is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can be quickly tossed right before everyone sits down to eat, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy lasagna. If you’d like one more side, consider roasting seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli florets in the oven during the lasagna’s resting period. Their flavors and textures will complement the main dish without overwhelming it.
- Simple, Make-Ahead Desserts: After indulging in such a satisfying lasagna, your guests will likely be quite full. There’s no need for an overly elaborate dessert. Opt for something simple yet elegant that can also be prepared ahead of time. My personal favorites that pair wonderfully include this bright lemon olive oil cake, refreshing strawberry chocolate parfaits, or delightful chocolate hazelnut cookies. These offer a sweet finish without requiring extra effort on the day of your gathering.
Ingredient Spotlight: Elevating Your Lasagna Experience
Understanding your ingredients is key to making this chicken, mushroom, and spinach lasagna truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating its harmonious flavors and textures.
Choosing Your Chicken
For ultimate convenience, I highly recommend using pre-cooked, shredded chicken. A rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is a fantastic shortcut, saving you precious prep time. Simply shred the meat and you’re ready to go. Alternatively, you can boil or bake a couple of chicken breasts, then shred them with two forks once cooled. Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned, as this will layer into the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Mushroom Magic
Cremini mushrooms (also known as baby bellas) are ideal for this recipe due to their earthy flavor and firm texture, which holds up well during cooking. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like white button mushrooms for a milder taste or even a mix of wild mushrooms for a deeper, more complex aroma. The key is to sauté them properly: use enough butter, don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook until they release their moisture and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This concentrates their flavor and prevents the lasagna from becoming watery.
Spinach & Garlic Duo
Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and fresh taste. If using fresh, make sure to wash it thoroughly and roughly chop it. When it wilts down with the mushrooms, it will become an integral part of the filling. If you opt for frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is critical; any leftover water will dilute your sauce and make the lasagna soggy. The minced garlic added to this mixture infuses a wonderful aromatic depth that ties the vegetables and chicken together.
The Cheeses: A Trio of Flavor
This lasagna uses a delightful trio of cheeses. Whole milk ricotta cheese provides a creamy, slightly tangy base in the white sauce, adding moisture and richness. If you don’t have ricotta, whole milk cottage cheese can be a decent substitute, though it might yield a slightly different texture. Parmesan cheese, with its sharp, salty, and nutty notes, is crucial for adding a depth of savory flavor to both the sauce and the top layer. Finally, shredded mozzarella cheese is indispensable for that classic gooey, stretchy melt and beautiful golden crust.
No-Boil Noodles: A Time Saver
Using no-boil, oven-ready lasagna noodles is a fantastic way to streamline your preparation process. They absorb moisture directly from the sauce as they bake, eliminating the need to pre-boil them, which saves time and effort. If you prefer traditional lasagna noodles, simply cook them according to package instructions until al dente before assembling. Just remember to account for the extra step!
Chicken, Mushroom, and Spinach Lasagna
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (56 grams), divided
- 8 ounces mushrooms (227 grams), sliced
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 8 ounces spinach (1 medium bunch)
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (300 grams)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (500 ml)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (425 grams)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 grams), divided
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles (227 grams), I used no-boil, oven-ready
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (227 grams), shredded
- Chopped basil ,for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch or similar casserole dish.
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In a large skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and garlic and continue to cook another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add cooked chicken.
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Return skillet to heat and melt the final 2 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and stir until combined. Pour in milk and whisk constantly to incorporate. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, a heavy pinch of salt and pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
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Spread a spoonful of sauce onto bottom of casserole dish. Cover bottom with lasagna noodles, gently breaking them to fit as necessary. Spoon more sauce over noodles, followed by 1/3 of chicken mushroom mixture, and 1/4 of of mozzarella cheese. Repeat two more times. Top final layer with the rest of the sauce, mozzarella cheese, and final 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is lightly browned.
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Let sit for about 15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can used frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture.
- I like to use no-boil, oven-ready lasagna noodles to cut down on prep work, but you can also use traditional lasagna noodles. Prepare according to package instructions.
- This lasagna can be made ahead: Assemble and cover and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Or assemble, double-wrap and freeze for a month or more. Bake from frozen, adding approximately 15 minutes to baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chicken Lasagna
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Can I use different vegetables in this lasagna?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to swap or add other vegetables. Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even finely diced carrots can be a delicious addition. Just ensure they are cooked until tender and any excess moisture is removed before layering to prevent a watery lasagna.
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How can I make this white sauce lasagna spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily spice up this lasagna. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom and spinach mixture while sautéing. A dash of cayenne pepper can also be incorporated into the white sauce for a subtle kick.
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Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, this chicken lasagna can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken. You can increase the amount of mushrooms and spinach, or add other hearty vegetables like roasted eggplant or bell peppers to ensure the lasagna remains substantial and satisfying.
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What kind of wine pairs best with creamy chicken lasagna?
For a rich and creamy chicken lasagna with white sauce, a medium-bodied white wine is an excellent choice. Options like Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked), Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir could also work.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal Awaits
This creamy chicken, mushroom, and spinach lasagna with its decadent cheesy white sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It offers a comforting embrace of flavors and a beautiful alternative to the traditional red sauce versions. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal for your family, this recipe is designed to impress and simplify your time in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to indulge in a truly magnificent homemade lasagna. Enjoy!