Creamy White Chicken and Spinach Lasagna 

Ingredients:

For the White Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • Salt and white pepper to taste

  • A pinch of nutmeg

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 8 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Lasagna:

  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

  • Additional Parmesan cheese for topping

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the White Sauce:

    • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

    • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

    • Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.

    • Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.

    • Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.

  1. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

    • Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.

    • Add the shredded chicken and cook until it's no longer pink.

    • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

    • Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

    • Remove from heat and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

  1. Assemble the Lasagna:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Spread a thin layer of the white sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

    • Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.

    • Spread half of the chicken and spinach mixture over the noodles.

    • Pour a portion of the white sauce over the filling.

    • Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of white sauce on top.

    • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.

  1. Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.

    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing.

    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.