Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? Meet Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna—a cozy, mouthwatering alternative to the traditional red-sauce lasagna. This white-sauce version swaps ground beef and marinara for tender shredded chicken, three kinds of cheese, and a luscious homemade cream sauce.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep, this lasagna layers everything you love about creamy pasta bakes into one golden, bubbly dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna
- 🍗 Loaded with tender chicken – Great use of rotisserie chicken or leftovers
- 🧀 Triple-cheese layers – Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan deliver maximum cheesiness
- 🍝 Comfort in a casserole – Creamy béchamel sauce makes every bite silky and rich
- 🥣 Make-ahead & freezer-friendly – Easy to prepare in advance and freeze for busy nights
- 🌿 Family-friendly flavor – Mild and satisfying with optional spinach or herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cream Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for depth
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached works well)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 large egg (for the ricotta mixture)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, for topping
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper for a kick
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna
Step 1: Make the Creamy White Sauce (Béchamel)
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens (about 8–10 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
🧈 Tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil
Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of the pan.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add 1 cup of shredded chicken and a handful of chopped spinach (if using).
- Drizzle a layer of white sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Repeat layers twice more: noodles, ricotta, chicken, sauce, mozzarella.
- Top final noodle layer with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover loosely with foil (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick to the cheese).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
Tips for Success
✅ Use oven-ready noodles to save time, or precook noodles just until al dente.
✅ Shred chicken ahead of time to make assembly faster—great for using rotisserie chicken!
✅ Don’t skip the resting time after baking—this helps the lasagna slice neatly.
✅ Add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil to brighten the flavor.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
🧊 To Make Ahead:
- Assemble lasagna up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate.
- Add 10–15 extra minutes to bake time if chilled.
❄️ To Freeze:
- Assemble (unbaked) and wrap tightly in foil and plastic.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake directly from frozen at 375°F, covered, for 60–75 minutes, uncovering for the last 15.
Substitutions & Variations
Dairy-Free:
- Use dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond milk for the sauce.
Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free noodles and substitute gluten-free flour in the roux.
Low-Carb:
- Swap noodles with sliced zucchini or eggplant.
Extra Veggie:
- Add roasted red peppers, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms between layers.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Balance the richness of the lasagna with lighter sides:
- 🥗 Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- 🥖 Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls
- 🥦 Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, zucchini)
- 🍷 A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give better texture and flavor.
Can I make this ahead and reheat it?
Absolutely! This lasagna reheats well in the oven or microwave. Just cover to retain moisture.
What’s the best cheese for lasagna?
Mozzarella for meltiness, ricotta for creaminess, and Parmesan for bold flavor make a great trio.
Can I use Alfredo sauce instead?
Yes, but homemade white sauce gives more flavor and control. Alfredo can work in a pinch.
Why This Chicken Lasagna Works
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna stands out because it’s:
- Rich and comforting, yet not overly heavy
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later
- Customizable with vegetables, spice, and protein
- Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for family dinner
It’s a twist on tradition that delivers serious flavor and indulgence.
Final Thoughts: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a decadent Sunday dinner, Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna delivers on all fronts. With layers of savory chicken, melty cheese, and homemade white sauce, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.
Make it once, and it just might become your new go-to lasagna recipe.
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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic with a Rich, Velvety Twist
Ingredients