The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Mushroom Lasagna with Béchamel

The Alluring Appeal of Béchamel: Redefining Chicken Lasagna

When most people picture lasagna, their minds immediately leap to rich, slow simmered tomato sauces, robust Italian sausage, and mounds of melting mozzarella. While there is undeniable magic in the classic Lasagna al Forno , there exists a supremely elegant cousin that deserves its own spotlight: the white sauce version.

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce elevates the dish from rustic weeknight staple to sophisticated centerpiece, trading acidity for unparalleled, velvety smoothness.

We’re diving deep into a White Sauce Lasagna Recipe that centers around tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious Béchamel that coats every single layer.

Why This Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce Steals the Show

This particular dish manages to be both deeply comforting and surprisingly refined. It offers a familiar structure the satisfying stack of pasta, filling, and cheese but through the replacement of the tomato base with a Béchamel, it unlocks an entirely new dimension of flavour complexity.

A Sophisticated Cousin to the Italian Classic

While the traditional lasagna relies on the bright, tangy notes of tomatoes to cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, this version leans into umami and creaminess. The result is subtle, sophisticated, and allows the flavours of the slow cooked chicken and sautéed aromatics to truly shine.

It provides a lighter mouthfeel, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion when you want hearty satisfaction without feeling weighed down afterwards. It’s the perfect foundation for a Layered Lasagna With Creamy Sauce .

Unpacking the Comfort Factor of a Velvety White Sauce Base

The heart of this recipe is, naturally, the Béchamel. When executed correctly, creating a Thick White Sauce for Lasagna transforms the texture of the entire dish. We use high-quality whole milk, melted butter, and a whisk to achieve that silken texture.

A key secret ingredient freshly grated nutmeg is added to the Lasagna With White Sauce Recipe ; this tiny addition provides warmth that complements the savory chicken beautifully. This focus on texture is what sets the Easy Chicken Lasagna White Sauce apart.

Setting the Stage: What Makes This Recipe a Showstopper

This Chicken Lasagna Recipe Easy Simple truly shines due to its balance. We are incorporating diced chicken breasts, which we first sear for colour and flavour, alongside savoury Cremini mushrooms and aromatic garlic.

Mixing this savory filling with creamy ricotta and then sandwiching it between sheets of pasta and coating it all in Béchamel results in a truly memorable experience. It offers a beautiful alternative to those seeking alternatives, perhaps even inspiring you to try Creamy Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups later, though today we focus on the classic stacked presentation.

Assembling the Essentials for Layered Perfection

To ensure this creamy creation is a success yielding 8 generous servings preparation is key. We aim for a total time commitment of about 1 hour 30 minutes, with 45 minutes dedicated to prepping the components before it heads into the oven for its final 40 45 minute bake.

While the difficulty level lands firmly in the "Medium" category, this is primarily due to the technical requirement of crafting a perfect sauce and properly cooking the chicken elements.

Essential Tools for Building Your Creamy Masterpiece

Before we begin cooking, ensuring you have the right equipment on hand prevents mid-recipe scrambling. A large skillet or Dutch oven is necessary for developing the deep flavour of the chicken and mushrooms.

Crucially, you will need a medium saucepan reserved solely for making the Béchamel, and a sturdy whisk this tool is non-negotiable for achieving a lump free sauce consistency. Finally, a standard 9x13 inch baking dish will house your masterpiece.

The Primary Components: Chicken, Pasta, and Dairy Requirements

The core ingredients dictate the final flavour profile. You will need 1.5 lbs (about 680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into even 1/2 inch pieces. For the dairy, we rely on 15 oz (425g) of whole milk ricotta cheese, which should be drained slightly if it appears watery, ensuring the final product isn't soggy.

We divide 2 cups (225g) of low-moisture, shredded mozzarella and 1 cup (100g) of grated Parmesan cheese between the layers and the top crust. Remember, the Béchamel requires 6 tablespoons of butter and 4 cups (960 ml) of whole milk, which must be slightly warmed before use.

Flavor Boosters: Mushrooms, Aromatics, and Seasoning Nuances

To elevate the chicken base, we introduce 10 oz (285g) of sliced Cremini mushrooms, which provide earthy depth. These are sautéed alongside one medium yellow onion and three cloves of minced garlic. A teaspoon of dried thyme adds an herbaceous note that works beautifully with poultry.

When we prepare the sauce, seasoning is vital: use salt and white pepper for the Béchamel (white pepper maintains the pristine look of the sauce) and don't forget that crucial 1/4 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg.

A splash of dry white wine or chicken broth for deglazing the pan after sautéing will capture all that concentrated flavour.

Selecting the Right Pasta Sheets for Optimal Structure

For optimal structural integrity, you have two choices: standard lasagna noodles or no-boil sheets. If using standard noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente according to package directions before assembly.

If opting for the convenience of no-boil noodles (we suggest 12 sheets), remember that they rely entirely on the moisture from our generous sauces to soften during baking. Coverage is paramount; ensure sauce touches every edge of the pasta to prevent dry, brittle spots.

Related Recipes Worth Trying

• Foolproof Zapekanka The Creamy Ukrainian Cheesecake Recipe — Meet Zapekanka the rustic Ukrainian Cheesecake made with farmers cheese This easy recipe delivers a beautifully creamy textureperfect with your afternoon tea
• Ultimate Creamy Chicken Florentine Bistro Flavour in 45 Mins — Forget fussy dinners This Creamy Chicken Florentine recipe delivers tender chicken smothered in a velvety garlicky spinach sauce A truly best chicken recipe...
• Hearty Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Beef and Green Chile — Forget canned dinners Make these unbelievably tender Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Green Chile and Beef Its easy Crockpot Beans With Ground Beef comfort food...

step-by-step Guide to Crafting the Silky Béchamel

Mastering the Béchamel is the cornerstone of a successful Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce . We begin by creating a roux : melting 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then vigorously whisking in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

This mixture must cook for a full two minutes, whisking constantly, to cook out any raw flour taste. Next, slowly introduce the 4 cups of warmed whole milk in a steady stream, whisking without pause.

Continue cooking, maintaining a gentle simmer, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon this is known as nappe consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat immediately, and stir in the nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.

Building the Lasagna: Layering for Maximum Flavor and Stability

Preparation begins by preheating your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) and greasing your 9x13 dish. Before layering, prepare the chicken filling and the ricotta mixture separately.

The ricotta mixture combines the 15 oz of ricotta with 1/2 cup of Parmesan and half the fresh parsley, lightly seasoned.

Preparing the Chicken Filling: Sautéing for Depth

Begin by seasoning your diced chicken and sautéing it in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until fully cooked (reaching 165° F internally). Remove the chicken. In the same skillet, cook down the onion until soft, add the mushrooms and thyme, cooking until the mushroom liquid evaporates.

Add the minced garlic briefly, then deglaze the pan with the 1/2 cup of white wine or broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits. Return the chicken to the pan, stir in the rest of the parsley, and set this flavorful mixture aside.

Mastering the White Sauce: Achieving the Perfect Nape Consistency

As detailed above, your Béchamel must be perfectly smooth and thick enough to hold its shape slightly. This ensures that when baked, it settles beautifully between the layers rather than running out when sliced. We will need approximately 5 to 6 cups of sauce in total across the layers.

The Assembly Sequence: Distributing Sauce, Filling, and Cheese Evenly

Assembly follows a precise sequence designed for stability and moisture retention. Start by spreading a thin base layer of Béchamel in the dish about 1 cup to prevent sticking. Lay down the first noodle layer.

Next, distribute half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the chicken/mushroom mixture, and then sprinkle on one-third of the remaining mozzarella. Spoon about 1.5 cups of Béchamel over this layer, and top with the second noodle layer. Repeat the ricotta, chicken, and mozzarella layering sequence.

Finally, place the last noodle layer, cover completely with the remaining Béchamel, ensuring all pasta edges are submerged. Top liberally with the final portions of mozzarella and the reserved Parmesan.

This careful construction ensures the integrity of the Creamy Chicken Lasagna with Ricotta layers.

Oven Protocol: Temperature Settings for a Golden Brown Top

Bake the dish covered tightly with foil at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, ensuring the noodles fully absorb the liquid and the interior heats through evenly.

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the top cheese layer to brown and become beautifully golden, typically taking another 10 to 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce

Once the lasagna emerges, glistening and bubbling, the hardest part is waiting. Allow the dish to rest for a mandatory 15 minutes before attempting to slice; this allows the sauces to settle and prevents a runny aftermath. This rich dish pairs wonderfully with simple, sharp accompaniments.

A vibrant, peppery arugula salad tossed with a sharp lemon vinaigrette provides the necessary acidic contrast to balance the richness of the Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce .

Alternatively, a side of crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for mopping up the excess sauce.

Maximizing Leftovers: Storage and Reheating Strategies

This lasagna tastes even better the next day! Once fully cooled, cover the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers.

Long Term Storage: Freezing Instructions for Future Cravings

To freeze, assemble the entire lasagna (or individual portions) but do not bake it yet. Cover the unbaked dish securely with two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to three months.

When ready to cook from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, re-cover with foil, and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 1 hour 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for the final 15 minutes until golden.

Making Ahead: Tips for Pre-Baking Preparation

You can complete the entire assembly process up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the assembled, uncooked dish tightly covered in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve, allow it to sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to take the chill off before placing it into the preheated oven.

This helps ensure more even heating.

Variations to Customize Your Comfort Dish

While the established recipe is a showstopper, creativity is always encouraged, particularly when dealing with such a versatile base as a creamy sauce.

Flavor Twists: Incorporating Smoked Meats or Different Cheeses

If you enjoy a smoky undertone, you can easily integrate elements reminiscent of a Chicken Pesto Lasagna Creamy Sauce by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto swirled into the ricotta layer.

Another fantastic deviation involves swapping out half the chicken for diced, smoked ham this adds a lovely depth that complements the richness of the Béchamel beautifully.

For cheese substitution, Gruyère or Fontina can replace the mozzarella on top for a nuttier, more complex crust, moving slightly beyond a standard Easy Chicken Lasagna White Sauce .

Pairing Sides: What Greens and Grains Work Best?

Beyond a simple salad, consider roasted asparagus or green beans tossed lightly with lemon zest; their slight bitterness cuts through the creaminess wonderfully. For a more substantial meal, a side of simple, fluffy couscous or polenta works well to absorb any stray sauce without competing with the main dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Lasagna with White Sauce ahead of time? I'm hosting on Sunday.

Absolutely, making it ahead is a grand idea, just like prepping your Sunday roast sides! You can assemble the entire lasagna (up to the final baking stage) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and keep it in the fridge.

When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to take the chill off, then add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

My Béchamel sauce keeps going lumpy what’s the secret to keeping it silky smooth?

Ah, the dreaded lump! It's usually because the milk was added too quickly or was too cold for the roux (the butter and flour paste). Whisk vigorously from the moment you start adding the milk, and always ensure your milk is at least lukewarm.

If lumps persist, take it off the heat and use an immersion blender for a quick blitz it sorts out those stubborn bits instantly!

I prefer making things lighter. Can I use low-fat milk or cottage cheese instead of whole milk and ricotta?

While you certainly can try, be aware it affects texture significantly. Whole milk gives the Béchamel the necessary body and richness; using skimmed milk can make the sauce taste thin. If you swap ricotta for cottage cheese, make sure you blend it well first, as cottage cheese can remain grainy after baking.

Do I have to use no-boil noodles, or can I use regular lasagna sheets for this recipe?

You can absolutely use standard lasagna sheets; just remember to give them a proper pre-boil until they are slightly underdone (al dente). If you forget to boil them, the lasagna will be dry as the starches won't release enough moisture to cook the pasta fully in the oven.

How long will leftovers keep, and can I freeze this Creamy Chicken Lasagna?

Leftovers are brilliant for lunch the next day they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble it completely (uncooked or cooked), wrap it like you’re sending it off on a long journey, and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

What can I serve alongside this rich lasagna to balance out the meal?

Since this dish is wonderfully creamy and hearty, you need something sharp and palate cleansing. A simple, vibrant green salad dressed with a punchy vinaigrette (lots of lemon and Dijon mustard) is the perfect foil. Alternatively, some lightly steamed green beans tossed with butter and slivered almonds work a treat.