Creamy Chicken Spinach Lasagna Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling, golden lasagna straight from the oven. And when you swap traditional beef and tomato sauce for a creamy white sauce, juicy chicken, and tender spinach, you get the irresistible Chicken Spinach Lasagna — a dish that feels both elegant and homestyle.

This recipe combines the richness of creamy béchamel, the heartiness of shredded chicken, and the earthy freshness of spinach, layered between soft noodles and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you’re a lasagna lover looking for a lighter twist or simply craving something creamy and comforting, this recipe is pure perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spinach Lasagna

• Creamy, not heavy: Instead of the classic tomato-meat sauce, this version uses a smooth, flavorful white sauce that’s rich without being too heavy.
• Balanced flavors: Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and nutty cheese create harmony in every bite.
• Meal prep friendly: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable: You can make it with rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even add mushrooms or broccoli for extra veggies.

🧄 Ingredients

For the White Sauce (Béchamel)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warm)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but adds warmth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1½ cups frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Layer

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

For Assembling

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly golden. Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the chicken broth, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until thick and creamy (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken and Spinach Mixture

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Cheese Layer

In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If using traditional noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment to prevent sticking.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Layer 3 noodles across the bottom.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
• Add half the chicken-spinach mixture, then drizzle some white sauce over it.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella.
  Repeat the layers one more time, then top with the remaining noodles, white sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

6. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm.

Chicken Spinach Lasagna

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken spinach lasagna with layers of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich white sauce baked to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

White Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk warm
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg optional
• salt and black pepper to taste

Chicken Mixture

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 3 cups fresh spinach or 1½ cups frozen, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Cheese Layer

• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg large
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 tsp salt

Assembly

• 9 lasagna noodles cooked or oven-ready
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Prepare the white sauce by whisking butter and flour, then gradually adding milk and broth until thickened. Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add chicken and spinach, and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and salt to form the cheese layer.
4. Layer the noodles, cheese, chicken mixture, and sauce in a 9×13 baking dish, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra creaminess, mix a bit of cream cheese into the sauce. Lasagna freezes well before baking.

🧀 Tips for Perfect Chicken Spinach Lasagna

1. Don’t skip the resting time!
   This step allows the layers to firm up and hold their shape beautifully when sliced.
2. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
   It’s flavorful, tender, and saves you time in the kitchen.
3. Season each layer.
   Lightly seasoning the ricotta and chicken mixture ensures the entire dish tastes balanced — not bland.
4. Add veggies if you like.
   Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini slices, or roasted red peppers pair beautifully with the creamy white sauce.
5. Make ahead and freeze.
   Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Or freeze it for up to 2 months before baking.

🍴 Variations to Try

• Mushroom & Chicken Lasagna:
  Replace half the spinach with sliced mushrooms for a savory twist.
• Pesto White Lasagna:
  Add a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto to the white sauce for a herby flavor boost.
• Low-Carb Version:
  Substitute traditional noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant sheets.
• Spicy Kick:
  Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or the chicken mixture for subtle heat.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Spinach Lasagna with:

• A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce
• A light sparkling drink or glass of white wine for pairing

💡 Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually in foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.

🌿 Fun Fact: The White Lasagna Origin

White lasagna, or Lasagna Bianca, originated in Northern Italy, where creamy béchamel replaced tomato sauce. The combination of dairy and delicate flavors reflects the cooler northern climate and a tradition of using butter, cheese, and milk-based sauces rather than tomato-heavy ones found in southern Italian dishes. This Chicken Spinach Lasagna honors that heritage — creamy, rich, and irresistibly comforting.

❤️ Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Every bite of this Chicken Spinach Lasagna layers flavor, texture, and comfort. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the spinach brings a touch of freshness. The creamy béchamel ties it all together, coating each layer in silky goodness. With bubbling cheese on top and savory richness inside, it’s a dish you’ll crave all year long.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or prepping it ahead for busy weeknights, this recipe promises satisfaction with minimal stress — and maximum flavor.