Description

This creamy chicken lasagna layers tender shredded chicken thighs, garlicky homemade béchamel, and whole milk ricotta blended with parmesan and thyme. It’s oven-baked until golden and bubbly, with spinach folded in for color and balance. Perfectly sliceable, ultra-comforting, and ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon roasted garlic, mashed

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 cups whole milk ricotta

1 large egg

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

3 cups shredded cooked chicken thighs

2 cups cooked spinach, well-drained

12 oven-ready lasagna noodles

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the béchamel: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir in roasted garlic and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened. Set aside.

3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth.

4. Layer in a ceramic 9×13 pan: start with béchamel, then noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, spinach, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with béchamel and topping with mozzarella and parmesan.

5. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and bake an additional 20 minutes.

6. Let rest 20 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

7. Serve warm with salad or vegetables. Store leftovers in fridge or freeze in wrapped slices.

Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Always rest the lasagna before slicing to get clean, structured layers.

Frozen spinach works well but must be squeezed completely dry.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 470
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: creamy chicken lasagna, white lasagna, make-ahead lasagna