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If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner, this White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe is exactly what you need to make your taste buds sing. Layered with luscious ricotta, tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and nestled between tender noodles, this dish boasts a silky, garlicky sauce enriched with spinach and fresh basil, making it irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture—even for those embracing a gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet incredible ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in building layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh herbal notes that make this dish stand out.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy, mild richness that balances the savory layers perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of sharp, nutty flavor to brighten the ricotta mixture.
- Eggs: Bind the ricotta filling so it holds together beautifully when baked.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and enhancing all the flavors.
- Butter: Creates the flavorful base for the sauce and adds richness.
- Garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and a subtle punch that elevates the sauce.
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour: Thickens the sauce, creating that perfect creamy texture.
- Milk (whole milk recommended): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and abundant.
- Heavy cream: Adds decadence, making the sauce silky and luscious.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to provide that gooey cheese layer everyone loves.
- Fresh spinach: Delivers vibrant color and a nutritious touch without overpowering flavors.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Infuses the dish with bright, herbal freshness.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles (choose gluten-free if needed): Saves time and seamlessly holds the layers together.
- Cooked chicken breasts, diced: Brings hearty protein and tender bites throughout.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Add bursts of sweetness and a pop of color on top.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Finishing touches that elevate both aroma and presentation.
- Balsamic glaze: Offers a sweet-tangy drizzle that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Layer
Start by mixing your ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This creamy mixture will provide that delightful, melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite, so be sure to stir until completely combined and smooth.
Step 2: Create the Garlic-Infused Sauce
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté just long enough for it to become fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir in your flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk to prevent lumps from forming. Once the sauce thickens, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil before lowering the heat. Stir in shredded mozzarella, fresh spinach, salt, pepper, and chopped basil until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. This sauce is where all the magic happens—rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of oven-ready noodles, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the diced chicken and a third of the remaining sauce. Repeat these layers twice, finishing with sauce on top. This careful assembly ensures every forkful gets a perfect balance of all the wonderful ingredients.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling beautifully. The tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen is the best kind of anticipation.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for 10 to 20 minutes—the crucial step that helps it set so slices come out clean. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with a balsamic glaze to add a vibrant contrast of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves offer a fragrant, herbaceous lift that brightens every forkful, while the balsamic glaze introduces a hint of sweetness and acidity. Together, these garnishes transform the dish from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple to let the lasagna shine. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables complements the richness perfectly, adding texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming twist, or layer the lasagna in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the beautiful strata of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and spinach. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on each plate elevates the presentation, turning your dinner into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe shines not just fresh from the oven but as leftovers too! Store any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors actually deepen as they sit.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this lasagna freezes wonderfully. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little dry to restore that silky sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this lasagna?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds delicious, seasoned meat to this recipe without any extra cooking time. Just dice it and layer as directed.
Are there any substitutions for the cream in the sauce?
If you want to lighten the recipe, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a slight twist, though the sauce may be a bit thinner and less rich.
Where can I find gluten-free noodles for this recipe?
Most grocery stores carry oven-ready gluten-free lasagna noodles these days in the pasta aisle or natural foods section. Just make sure they’re oven-ready to save time and hassle.
Can I make this in advance and bake it later?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually allows the flavors to meld even more deeply.
What can I add to make this recipe more veggie-packed?
Feel free to toss in additional cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers in the sauce or between layers to boost the nutritional value and add more texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy slice of White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Whether you’re treating your family or impressing guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy, fresh, and satisfying. Once you’ve experienced its layers of flavor, it just might become one of your go-to recipes for cozy dinners and special occasions alike!
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White Chicken Lasagna with Gluten-Free Option Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and comforting White Chicken Lasagna combines tender chicken breasts with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich garlic béchamel sauce infused with fresh spinach and basil. Made with oven-ready lasagna noodles and garnished with cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze, it’s a delicious twist on traditional lasagna with a gluten-free option available.
Ingredients
Ricotta Mixture
- 2 lbs ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 stick butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups packed spinach
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups additional mozzarella cheese
- 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles (gluten-free option available)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 20 halved cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Layer: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and set aside for layering.
- Make the Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking briefly. Gradually whisk in the milk to prevent lumps. Once thickened, stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and add the shredded mozzarella, spinach, salt, pepper, and fresh basil, stirring until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the chopped chicken, and one-third of the remaining sauce. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Bake: Sprinkle the final 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the finished lasagna layers. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the lasagna is golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 to 20 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked before assembling the lasagna to save time and ensure proper cooking.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- The béchamel sauce can be prepared a day ahead to save time on assembly day.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
