Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and the egg. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined.

Make the White Sauce (Béchamel):

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, then remove the sauce from heat.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a third of the chicken filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of white sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of noodles on top.
3. Top with Cheese: Pour the remaining white sauce over the top layer of noodles. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious béchamel sauce, all layered with pasta and cheese. This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!