578 Calorie Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

You know those nights when only something deeply comforting will do? Forget the heavy tomato sauce for a minute because I’m about to share my absolute favorite cozy creation: the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a 8×8 inch baking dish!

I still remember the first time I crafted this masterpiece, simmering with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach I’d foraged right off a path in my local park one crisp fall afternoon. The aroma that drifted out when I pulled that bubbling, golden dish from the oven felt like total sanctuary. It proved to me that accessible, rich food can also celebrate nature’s little gifts. Trust me, this dinner idea is easier than you think and perfect for those nights you need something truly special.

Why This Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna Stands Out

If you’re tired of the same old routine, this dish shines! It hits all the right notes for a truly satisfying experience.

• The ultimate comfort food factor, thanks to that luxurious creamy sauce.
• The spinach keeps things bright; it perfectly cuts through the richness of the white sauce.
• It’s surprisingly quick to go from prep to oven, making it great for special occasion dinners without hours of work.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Okay, so to get that unbelievable creamy texture—that rich, homemade alfredo style sauce—you’ve got to start with good quality building blocks.

We’ve broken the ingredients down into two parts so nothing gets missed while you’re getting organized. A little prep on the front end, like making sure your chicken is pre-cooked and chopped up, saves so much hassle later. Don’t feel like you have to stress over every single thing; these dinners become great when we keep things simple!

Ingredients for the Rich Alfredo Style Sauce

This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, so pay attention here!

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk or half and half (Use whole milk if you want it extra decadent!)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (Make sure this is truly soft so it melts smoothly!)

Components for Assembling the Chicken and Spinach Bake

These are the parts that give our lasagna its body and that lovely green pop.

• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 8 dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions (Don’t overcook these!)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

This is where the magic happens, and honestly, I promise it’s not complicated! If you can make a simple gravy, you can absolutely nail this lasagna. The key here is definitely taking your time when building that sauce.

Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, get that oven warming up to 400 degrees. You don’t want to rush the baking phase later, so preheating is non-negotiable! Grab your trusty 8 x 8-inch baking dish and give it a good oiling. A well-greased dish means your finished lasagna will slide right out, which is crucial when you’re excited to eat!

Creating the Velvety White Sauce Base

You need a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, and when it’s happy and foamy, toss in your minced garlic—just 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Then, whisk in the flour to make a quick thickening agent called a roux. Now, here’s the expert bit: slowly, slowly whisk in your milk (or half and half). It needs to simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon. Once it’s thick, pull it off the heat! Stir in the Parmesan, the softened cream cheese until it melts completely, and finally, the spinach. Watch it wilt down—it shrinks so much! That rich creaminess is the signature of a perfect alfredo style sauce.

Assembling the Layers of the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Time to stack! Start small: spread about 1/4 cup of your white sauce right on the bottom of the oiled dish—this stops the noodles from sticking. Top that with two lasagna noodles. Next, spoon on about 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture we whipped up, then layer on 2/3 cup of your cooked chicken, followed by 2/3 cup of mozzarella, and a tiny sprinkle of that extra Parmesan. Add half a cup of the remaining sauce. You repeat this whole sequence two more times to build height. For the grand finale, pour over any remaining sauce and that last bit of Parmesan on top.

Baking and Resting the Chicken and Spinach Bake

Pop that uncovered beauty into the 400-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly sauce edges and a slight golden tint, though this white lasagna doesn’t brown as dramatically as red sauce versions. The hardest part, I warn you, is the wait! You absolutely must let this cool for a solid 15 to 20 minutes after it comes out. If you cut it too soon, it will collapse into a soupy mess. That resting time lets everything settle so you get those clean slices you see in the pictures.

Tips for the Best Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few little insider tricks from my kitchen can push it over the top next level. You’re making a white lasagna recipe here, so the sauce quality really matters!

For the creamiest texture, skip skim milk entirely. Whole milk or even half-and-half makes a huge difference in mouthfeel; it just adds the richness you want in a comfort dish like this. Also, taste your sauce *before* you layer! Once it’s baked, you can’t easily adjust the salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you like that warmth.

If your cooked chicken—especially if it’s rotisserie—seems a little dry, toss it lightly in a tablespoon of the finished white sauce before layering it. That little bit of extra moisture ensures no piece of chicken tastes chalky in your final, perfect chicken and spinach bake!

Making Variations on Your White Lasagna Recipe

I love that baking is flexible! While this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna recipe is fantastic just as it is, sometimes you just need to make a dish sing a different tune based on what’s hiding in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment; that’s how recipes evolve!

The beauty of a big, cheesy bake like this is its adaptability. Think of the layers as your canvas. If you’re looking to make this a grander affair for special occasion dinners, the sauce base is where you can really play around.

Want more flavor complexity? Try swapping out a portion of the mozzarella for smoked Gouda or fontina. Those nutty, meltier cheeses add such a depth that white lasagna recipes just soak right up! Some folks even like folding in a can of drained artichoke hearts with the spinach for an unexpected tartness; just make sure they’re patted very dry first.

For texture, if you have some sautéed mushrooms on hand—maybe cremini or sliced shiitakes—toss those in with your cooked chicken layer. Mushrooms add that amazing meaty texture without adding extra meat. Remember, the goal is always flavor maximization with minimal hassle!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Even if this family favorite barely makes it past dinner one (it usually doesn’t in my house!), storing extras is smart planning. Make sure any leftovers of your Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna are covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or put them straight into an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days.

When you’re ready for round two, I strongly recommend reheating in the oven. Cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it at 350 degrees until it’s piping hot all the way through—usually about 20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, just watch out because those edges can dry out faster!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken and Spinach Bake

I always get so many questions when I share a new favorite, especially when it involves a killer creamy white chicken spinach lasagna! Since this recipe is designed to be hearty and comforting, people often wonder about swapping ingredients or making it ahead of time. Let’s iron out those kinks right now so everything goes smoothly in your kitchen!

Can I substitute the spinach in this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna?

Absolutely, you can switch things up! If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen works, but you must thaw it completely and squeeze out every single drop of extra water. Seriously, wring it out like a sponge before stirring it into that gorgeous alfredo style sauce. If you want bolder flavor, kale is a fantastic replacement, though you’ll want to chop it a little finer and cook it down a bit longer since it’s tougher than spinach.

How do I make this a great option for special occasion dinners?

This is already fantastic for special occasion dinners because it looks so elegant once it’s baked! To elevate the presentation, try mixing a pinch of smoked paprika right into your ricotta blend before layering—it adds a subtle, warm color contrast. Also, when serving, skip cutting squares and try spooning individual portions onto plates, topping each one with a small dollop of extra ricotta mixed with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A simple side of bright, lemony roasted asparagus cuts through the richness perfectly!

Estimated Nutritional Data for Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Look, I’m a cook, not a nutritionist, but I know you’re curious about what’s in this cheesy paradise! Based on the recipe yield for eight servings, here are the ballpark figures for this rich white lasagna recipe.

• Calories: 578
• Total Fat: 29g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Please just remember that these numbers are estimates, friends! If you swap in skim milk or heap on extra mozzarella—and I wouldn’t blame you if you did—those figures will shift a tiny bit. It’s best used as a general guide for your amazing chicken and spinach bake.

Share Your Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna Experience

Now that you’ve made this luscious, creamy lasagna—or maybe you’re just dreaming about it—I really, *really* want to hear from you!

Did you try swapping out the mozzarella for Fontina? Did you add a secret pinch of nutmeg to that white sauce? Don’t keep those kitchen victories to yourself! Head down to the comments section and drop a rating for this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna. Give it five stars if it completely hit that comfort food spot!

And please, if you snap a picture of that gorgeous, bubbling casserole, post it online! Tag me so I can see your creation! Seeing how this chicken and spinach bake comes to life in everyone’s kitchen is seriously my favorite part of sharing these recipes. Happy cooking, friends!