Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is a decadent twist on traditional lasagna, featuring layers of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, creamy ricotta, and a rich Béchamel sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe for Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce involves preparing a savory chicken filling, a creamy Béchamel sauce, and assembling the lasagna with layers of pasta, cheeses, and sauce. The lasagna is then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a wonderful alternative to the classic tomato-based lasagna, providing a rich and creamy experience.
History and Origin
Lasagna, originating from Italy, is traditionally made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. Over time, variations have emerged, including white lasagna made with Béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce. This creamy chicken version combines elements of classic Italian cooking with a modern twist, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the White Sauce (Béchamel):
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Chicken:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
- Prepare Roux:
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to make a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually add 4 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season Sauce:
- Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the beaten egg until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the chicken filling over the noodles.
- Spoon some of the ricotta mixture over the chicken, followed by a layer of white sauce.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, chicken filling, ricotta mixture, white sauce) until you run out of ingredients, ending with a final layer of noodles and white sauce.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful layers of this delicious lasagna.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Beverages: Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
Variations of the Recipe
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a variety of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrots.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor profile.
Health Benefits
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The homemade Béchamel sauce allows you to control the ingredients and reduce processed components, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? A: You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is a delightful, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy layers and comforting flavors, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of making this delicious meal and sharing it with your loved ones!