Amazing 38g Protein Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Oh, family dinners! Sometimes trying to get a truly comforting meal on the table that everyone—and I mean *everyone*—will eat feels like mission impossible, right? Well, that stops today because I’m sharing the absolute winner in my house: the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna. Honestly, this dish is magic. It’s rich, it’s cheesy, it has that luxurious, almost Alfredo style sauce, but it’s sneakily packed with tender chicken and gorgeous spinach. I’ll never forget the first time I served this; my kids eyed the layers suspiciously, wondering where all the red sauce went! But the aroma got them, and I swear, they even asked for seconds. It’s that good. As a Gluten-Free Nutritionist and Family Meal Planning Expert, I guarantee this recipe delivers flavor and nutrition without the fussy steps. Trust me, this lasagna is about to become your new, totally satisfying weeknight hero.

Why You Will Love This Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

As a busy mom myself, I need recipes that work overtime. This Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna really delivers, and I think you’re going to file it away permanently. Check out why this dish became a staple in our home:

• It’s incredibly comforting! That rich, homemade alfredo style sauce hits the spot every single time.
• Dinner on the table fast! With prep under 20 minutes, this is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• You get hidden veggies! My picky eaters never suspect how much good spinach is packed in there.
• It reheats beautifully. Seriously, leftovers are just as good the next day, which saves me time later!
• It feels fancy enough for company, but it’s truly simple enough for a Tuesday night.
• This recipe is easily adaptable if you need to make it gluten-free (just swap out those noodles!).

You can find more of my favorite comforting dinner ideas over here: comforting family meals!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Okay, let’s talk stuff! The secret to making this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna taste a million bucks without taking all day is having the right building blocks ready to go. We’re sticking to simple, quality ingredients that build that amazing flavor foundation. We’ll break this down into the sauce and the layering components—it makes shopping (and assembling!) so much easier, trust me.

Grab your notepad, or just save this page! You can browse all my go-to baking supplies over on my resources page here: my favorite kitchen tools.

For the Alfredo Style Sauce

This is where the creamy magic happens, so pay attention to the dairy! When you choose your milk, if you want a super thick sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, go for half and half. If you want it a touch lighter, whole milk works great too. But the real game-changer here is that softened cream cheese—it melts right in and gives us that velvety texture we are aiming for.

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk or half and half
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for melting into the sauce)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

For Assembling the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

For the chicken? Don’t stress about cooking it fresh. Seriously, grab a rotisserie chicken or use up leftovers—that’s my shortcut for busy days! The ricotta needs to be mixed well with the egg before layering; it keeps that layer from falling apart during baking. We want those layers sturdy!

• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 8 dried lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions (grab gluten-free ones if you need them!)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

This is the fun part! Putting it all together is surprisingly fast once your sauce is simmering. Getting these layers right is key to a beautiful slice where everything stays put. We’re moving quickly here so we can get this incredible Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna into the oven!

Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first—get your oven preheated to 400 degrees. While that’s warming up, just quickly grab your 8 x 8-inch baking dish and give it a light oiling. A little bit of oil stops everything from sticking later, and trust me, we want every single cheesy bite.

Making the Velvety Alfredo Style Sauce

You start this in a saucepan over medium heat. Melt your butter, then whisk in the garlic and flour right away—you’re making a quick roux! Cook that for only about 30 seconds. Now, pour in the milk slowly while whisking constantly so you don’t get lumps! Let it simmer until it really starts to thicken up nicely. When it coats the back of a spoon, pull it off the heat. Stir in your Parmesan and that softened cream cheese until it’s totally smooth, and finally, toss in the spinach until it magically wilts down. That’s your creamy base!

For more tips on getting creamy sauces right, like my best chicken alfredo sauce, check out that recipe!

Mixing the Ricotta Layer

In a small bowl—no need for a big mixer here—just whisk your ricotta cheese and that single egg together until they look happy and combined. That little bit of egg just helps bind that layer so it doesn’t ooze out everywhere when you cut into the finished lasagna. It’s a great structural trick!

Layering Your Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Time to build! Start by spooning just a tiny bit (about 1/4 cup) of that white sauce onto the bottom of your oiled dish—this prevents the first noodles from sticking. Then, layer it like this: 2 noodles, 1/4 cup of the ricotta mix, 2/3 cup chicken, 2/3 cup mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the remaining sauce over that. You repeat this whole sequence two more times! Finish it all off by pouring the very last bit of sauce and the rest of your Parmesan cheese right over the top layer.

Baking and Resting the Lasagna

Get it into that hot oven uncovered! You’re looking for about 20 to 25 minutes. You know it’s done when that top is golden around the edges and the sauce is bubbling hard all over. Now, here’s the hardest part, but you *must* listen to me: let this cool for 15 to 20 minutes before you even think about slicing it! If you cut it too soon, it will turn soupy. That rest time lets the sauce set up perfectly. You can see more great tips on assembling similar dishes like this easy white chicken lasagna!

Tips for the Best Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Sometimes the difference between a good lasagna and an unforgettable one is just a tiny trick you learned along the way. Since we all want that perfect, hearty slice every time we make this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna, I wanted to share a few non-negotiable tips I rely on. These little adjustments really boost the texture and flavor profile!

First, let’s talk about that spinach one more time—you absolutely cannot add frozen spinach unless you thaw it completely and squeeze out every drop of water! I mean, wring it out like a sponge. Excess liquid is the enemy of a thick lasagna.

Use both types of Parmesan cheese in different steps. That 1/4 cup you melt into the sauce gives flavor depth, but the final 1/4 cup sprinkled on top right before baking? That’s all about texture and getting that gorgeous golden crust. Don’t skip sprinkling the top cheese!

Also, really make sure your butter and flour cook for a full 30 seconds when making the roux. That tiny bit of cooking time gets rid of that raw flour taste, which would otherwise ruin the beautiful, clean flavor of this white sauce. It smells nutty once it’s ready!

If you’re making this for meal prep or want to freeze a batch, assemble the *entire* thing—noodles, sauce, chicken, everything—but skip the top layer of mozzarella. Cover it really well with plastic wrap and foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you want to bake it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge first, then top with cheese and bake as directed. This makes future dinners ridiculously easy. For more ideas on quick poultry dishes, check out my easy chicken recipes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your White Lasagna Recipe

Because I focus on making sure everyone can enjoy these recipes, let’s talk swaps! Since this is the heart of a great white lasagna recipe, you need that sauce to be perfect every time. The biggest question I always get is about the dairy, and honestly, it all comes down to flavor impact.

The real secret weapon to keeping this dish thick and decadent, even when cooling, is that cream cheese. Don’t skip it! It acts like a structural anchor in the sauce—it emulsifies everything beautifully. If you tried to use only Parmesan and a milk thickener, you’d just end up with a thin, watery sauce that slides right off your noodles when you cut it.

If someone in your house has a dairy sensitivity or allergy, you might be able to swap the regular cheeses, but finding a cream cheese substitute that melts this smoothly can be tricky. We use whole milk or half-and-half here, but if you need a dairy-free option, you’ll need a high-quality cashew cream base instead of the cream cheese—that will take a little more work, but it’s possible!

Now, for the gluten-free crowds—and my whole site caters to this, so you know I have thoughts! The easiest sub is simply ensuring you buy certified gluten-free lasagna noodles. They cook up just like the regular ones now, which is amazing. If you’re looking into making homemade GF pasta down the road (for things like my amazing GF bread!), you can definitely use your favorite GF lasagna sheets here. Just boil them until they are perfectly *al dente* because they will cook more in the oven.

Also, remember that the pre-cooked chicken is key to keeping the cook time down. Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite because it often comes slightly seasoned, but leftover roasted breasts work equally well! Whatever chicken you use, make sure it’s cooled completely before layering to prevent steam pockets forming in your beautiful lasagna!

Making Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna for Special Occasion Dinners

I know what you might be thinking: isn’t lasagna a weeknight meal? And yes, we totally use it for that, thanks to the quick prep! But honestly, I think this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna shines brightest when you serve it up for something a little more special. It’s got that impressive, layered look, and that creamy sauce feels so luxurious—it totally passes muster for birthdays, potlucks, or even a small holiday gathering.

When I serve this for special occasion dinners, I keep the sides ridiculously easy so I’m not chained to the stove the whole time. Because the lasagna is so rich and filling, you really just need something bright and fresh to cut through all that amazing cheese and cream!

The Perfect Pairing Sides

Keep it simple, friends! Don’t try to serve heavy casseroles alongside this. My favorite accompaniment is roasted asparagus. It gets nice and tender, and a little squeeze of lemon at the end just brightens the whole plate up. That pop of green next to the white lasagna is pretty, too!

If you want the recipe for that, I’ve put my simple, five-ingredient roasted asparagus recipe up—it’s a winner! You can find it right here: roasted asparagus with parmesan.

Easy Salad Options

When in doubt, throw a huge green salad together. Toss some mixed greens, maybe a few cucumber slices, some thinly sliced red onion, and a light vinaigrette. Think lemon and olive oil—nothing creamy or heavy on the salad dressing, please! You want to balance out the richness of the alfredo style sauce you’ve worked so hard to make perfect in the lasagna layers.

This layering approach ensures that even though the lasagna does all the heavy lifting flavor-wise, you still have a well-rounded and elegant meal ready to go for any special occasion!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

The best part about making a big glorious batch of this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna? Leftovers! Seriously, I think it tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have truly married each other overnight. But you have to store it right so that creamy sauce stays glorious and doesn’t get weird and watery.

When you’re done serving dinner, let any remaining lasagna cool down on the counter for just a little bit—maybe 30 minutes max. You want it mostly cool, but not fridge-cold, before you cover it up. The biggest rule here is tight seal protection! Once it’s slightly cool, cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap doesn’t actually touch the top layer of cheese. Then, wrap that whole thing in aluminum foil. This double wrapping prevents any fridge odors from sneaking in and keeps the moisture locked inside.

This lasagna keeps perfectly fine in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. I usually portion any leftovers into smaller, individual, oven-safe containers right away. That way, if just one person wants a little square for lunch, they don’t have to heat up the giant dish!

Reheating Tips for the Best Texture

How you reheat it matters when you’ve got a luscious alfredo style sauce involved. If you’re heating up a whole section or the whole dish, the oven is your best friend. Pop it back into a 350-degree oven, covered with foil still on, for about 20 to 30 minutes. The foil traps the steam and warms everything gently. Once it’s hot all the way through, take the foil off the top for the last 5 minutes so that cheese can get a little bubbly again.

If you’re just warming up a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch, but watch the time! Start with 60 seconds, check it, and go in 30-second bursts after that. Microwaves can sometimes make dairy sauces rubbery or unevenly hot, so keep an eye on it.

Honestly, leftovers are just another way to enjoy this fantastic dinner! You can find loads of other great dinner ideas perfect for meal prep right here on my dinner category page!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken and Spinach Bake

I totally get it—when you’re trying a new family favorite, you always have a few nagging questions pop up before you start mixing! I’ve gathered up the most common ones I hear about perfecting this chicken and spinach bake so you can dive in feeling totally confident. Ask me anything over on my contact page if these don’t cover it!

Can I prepare this white lasagna recipe ahead of time?

Oh yes, you absolutely can! This is one of the best things about this white lasagna recipe—it’s perfect for prepping on Sunday for a busy weeknight meal. Go ahead and assemble the entire thing, layers and all, following the layering instructions exactly as written. But here’s the key detail: Do *not* bake it yet. Cover it super tightly—I mean quadruple wrapped in plastic and foil—and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pull it out about 30 minutes before you want to stick it in the oven just to take the chill off, then bake it slightly longer than the recipe calls for, maybe adding an extra 5 or 10 minutes since it’s starting out cold.

How can I make the alfredo style sauce richer?

If you want to lean into that luxurious, decadent feel, especially when serving this for special occasion dinners, you have a couple of fantastic options beyond what we already have! First, when it comes to the dairy, swap out the 2.5 cups of milk/half-and-half entirely for heavy cream. It will make your sauce significantly richer and thicker without any extra fuss. Also, when you’re stirring in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese to the hot base, try adding a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. It’s a classic secret ingredient in real creamy sauces—it just adds this warm depth that makes people say, “Wow, what is that delicious flavor?”

What is the best way to incorporate more vegetables into this chicken and spinach bake?

This is a great question, especially since we love sneaking in nutrition! Spinach is amazing because it cooks down so much, but if you want more texture or color, sautéing is your main weapon. I love adding about a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the garlic when I start the sauce; just sauté them until they release their liquid and it cooks off, then proceed with your flour and butter.

Another fantastic idea for this chicken and spinach bake is finely dicing carrots or even celery very, very small. You can sauté those with the garlic too! Because they are finely chopped, they soften completely during the baking time, adding nutrients and a little sweetness without anyone noticing they aren’t chicken or cheese!

Nutritional Snapshot of Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Now, I know we aren’t eating this lasagna just because it checks off every vitamin box—we are eating it because it tastes like the best hug in a casserole dish! But seriously, as a nutritionist, it makes me happy that this Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna packs in a really good amount of protein and even some vitamins thanks to all that spinach.

The numbers below are estimates based on the ingredients listed in the recipe, serving 8 generous people. If you use whole milk instead of half-and-half, or maybe add a little extra cheese (which, hey, I don’t judge!), these numbers will change slightly. This is the baseline that shows you how powerful this single dish is for a filling family dinner!

We’re making healthy choices here, which you can see reflected in the numbers for protein and Vitamin A! For more meal planning inspiration that balances comfort and health, you can always check out my healthy dinner posts: healthy family meals.

• Calories: Around 578 per serving
• Protein: A solid 38 grams! You certainly won’t be hungry after this.
• Fat: Around 29 grams (this is where that creamy sauce really shows up!)
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 40 grams (mostly coming from those lasagna noodles)
• Vitamin A: Wow! It provides a huge chunk of your daily needs thanks to all that spinach!

Remember, these are just estimates, friends! But it definitely proves you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition when serving up these wonderful, comforting meals.

Share Your Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna Success

That’s it! You’ve done it! You’ve conquered the Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna, and I truly hope it was the hug in a dish I promised it would be for your family!

Now that you’ve made this absolute masterpiece—the one that surprised your picky eaters with cheesy goodness—I really want to hear all about it! Cooking is a community effort, and helping others see how amazing this dish is makes my day. Did everyone ask for seconds? Did the kids even notice the spinach hiding under all that mozzarella?

Please, please, please come back and leave a star rating right here on the recipe card. Seeing those stars helps other busy parents find genuine, comforting recipes they can trust.

Tell Me Everything!

Drop a comment below! Tell me if you used rotisserie chicken, if you opted for milk or half-and-half in that alfredo style sauce, or if you added an extra layer of cheese (because, why wouldn’t you?). Every little detail you share helps the next person who pulls up this recipe!

Snap a Photo and Tag Me!

And if you took a picture—and I know you did because this dish looks incredible coming out of the oven—throw it on social media! Tag me so I can see your gorgeous creation. Seeing your table filled with happy faces is the best reward for all that layering effort. You can find all my social links over on my About Me page!

Thanks so much for trusting me with your family dinner tonight. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!