PERFECT WHITE LASAGNA RECIPE

Picture this: layers of tender pasta, a rich and creamy béchamel sauce blanketing savory seasoned chicken and spinach, all topped with a generous blend of melted cheeses. This White Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. I promise, this recipe will become a family favorite!

The Star Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Let’s Talk About What Makes This Lasagna Amazing

Okay, friend, let’s get real. A White Lasagna, also known as Lasagna Bianca, isn’t just your regular red-sauce kind of deal. It’s like the sophisticated cousin, bringing a creamy, cheesy elegance to the table. What sets it apart is the luscious béchamel sauce, a classic French sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. This sauce, when done right, is velvety smooth and adds a richness you just can’t get with a tomato-based sauce. And trust me, once you try this recipe, you might just find yourself converted!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: béchamel can be intimidating. But I’m here to tell you, it’s totally doable! The key is low and slow, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Don’t rush it, and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Dream Lasagna

Part 1: Making the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (a roux).
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps!
4. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, nutmeg, and white pepper. Set aside.

Part 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground chicken (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Add the squeezed-dry spinach and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well.

Part 3: Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. If using oven-ready noodles, no pre-cooking is necessary.
3. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the chicken and spinach mixture.
6. Drizzle with about 1/3 of the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining chicken and spinach mixture, 1/3 of the béchamel sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with the remaining noodles, the remaining béchamel sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Part 4: Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
3. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it hold its shape.

Pro Tips for Lasagna Perfection

Listen, I’ve made my fair share of lasagna disasters (we’ve all been there!), so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If you’re using regular noodles, make sure to cook them al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to turn to mush.
• Squeeze the Spinach Dry: This is crucial! Excess moisture from the spinach will make your lasagna watery. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Let it Rest: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This allows the sauce to thicken and the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
• Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also substitute the chicken with sausage or use a combination of meats.
• Cheese, Please!: Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese will make your lasagna extra cheesy and delicious.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to get a little creative? Here are a few ideas to customize your White Lasagna:

• Vegetarian White Lasagna: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables! Add roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the filling.
• Seafood White Lasagna: Use shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat instead of chicken. A seafood lasagna is a luxurious and elegant twist. You might also enjoy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• Pesto White Lasagna: Swirl some pesto into the ricotta cheese mixture for a burst of flavor.
• Spicy White Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel sauce or the filling for a little heat.

What to Serve with Your White Lasagna

This White Lasagna is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few side dishes that would complement it perfectly:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be delicious. If you’re looking for cheesy potatoes, Potatoes Au Gratin could also work well!
• Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair nicely with the creamy lasagna.

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out these other recipes:

• Mac And Cheese: The ultimate classic!
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A family-friendly favorite.
• Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna: A super easy and delicious twist on lasagna.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Another creamy, dreamy pasta dish you’ll adore.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices or bake the entire lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

I hope you enjoy this White Lasagna recipe as much as my family and I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Happy cooking!