Creamy Chicken Lasagna

If you love lasagna but want a lighter, creamier twist on the classic, this Creamy Chicken Lasagna is going to blow you away. Imagine layers of tender pasta, shredded chicken, creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling, and a luscious, velvety cream sauce that ties everything together. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and comforting, with just enough herbs and garlic to make it irresistible. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you want something impressive yet cozy on the table. This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Recipe Origin

This dish is a creamy twist on traditional Italian lasagna, swapping out heavy tomato sauce for a delicate cream sauce. Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes it convenient, while fresh spinach and Italian seasoning bring in classic Italian flavors. Over time, this recipe has become a modern favorite for those looking for indulgent comfort food with a lighter, velvety texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You will need a large mixing bowl, a skillet or saucepan, a whisk, a sharp knife and cutting board, a wooden spoon or spatula, a baking dish, and measuring spoons. A cheese grater is also helpful for the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Lasagna

This lasagna isn’t just dinner—it’s a comforting hug in food form.

Versatile, you can serve it for casual weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. Budget-Friendly, using rotisserie chicken keeps prep simple and affordable without sacrificing flavor. Quick and Easy, the cream sauce comes together fast and the layers are simple to assemble. Customizable, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra spinach for more veggies. Crowd-Pleasing, every bite hits the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory, loved by both kids and adults.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use cooked chicken for ease; rotisserie is perfect for flavor and speed. Chop spinach finely to distribute evenly throughout the cheese filling. Don’t overcook the pasta sheets—they will finish cooking in the oven and soak up the sauce. Use room temperature cream cheese to make the sauce smoother and easier to mix. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind Creamy Chicken Lasagna. Every layer and ingredient works together to create a rich, comforting dish.

Lasagna Pasta
Lasagna Sheets: Tender sheets that provide the perfect structure for layers of chicken and cheese

Chicken
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed for easy layering and flavor absorption

Cheese Filling
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the filling
Fresh Spinach: Provides a pop of color and subtle freshness
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and indulgent
Egg: Binds the cheese filling together
Italian Seasoning: Classic herb flavors for a savory kick
Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the cheese filling

Cream Sauce
Salted Butter: Base for the roux and rich flavor
Shallot and Garlic: Aromatics that give depth and sweetness
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce
Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness and body
Half and Half: Creates the creamy, velvety texture
Cream Cheese: Extra creaminess and smooth texture
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and savory depth
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To taste

Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish for a fresh, colorful finish

(Note: the full ingredients list including measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s assemble this creamy, comforting lasagna.

Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even cooking and perfect melting for all the cheeses.

Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking to remove lumps. Stir in half and half, then add cream cheese cubes and parmesan. Cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of cream sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spread a portion of the cheese filling evenly, then sprinkle with shredded chicken. Pour some cream sauce over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with cream sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cool and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting, creamy, and cheesy experience.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna

Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a full, satisfying meal. Pair with roasted vegetables for extra nutrients, or a simple side of steamed broccoli to balance the richness. For a cozy weeknight dinner, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a touch of elegance.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Cheese filling and cream sauce can be made a day ahead. Assemble the lasagna and bake just before serving.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Freeze: This lasagna freezes well either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking if unbaked.

Variations to Try

Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini to the cheese layer for extra veggies. Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a different cheese flavor. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Top with extra parmesan before baking for a golden crust.

Additional Tips

Use room temperature cheeses for easier mixing. Don’t overlayer the pasta; thin layers cook more evenly. Stir the cream sauce continuously to prevent lumps. Let the lasagna rest before cutting to maintain layers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A1: Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A4: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
A5: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

Q6: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A6: Yes, adjust the sauce slightly to ensure noodles soften during baking.

Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?
A7: Substitute cream cheese, half-and-half, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.

Q8: Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
A8: Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley work beautifully.

Q9: Can I add extra cheese on top?
A9: Absolutely, extra mozzarella or parmesan creates a golden, melty topping.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two dishes for even cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese filling, and a luscious, velvety sauce into one perfect dish. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests, this lasagna is versatile, satisfying, and indulgent. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and flavorful, making it an instant favorite for both family and friends. Once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe for cozy dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to serve something that feels like a hug on a plate.

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