🍃 White Chicken Caprese Lasagna

✨ Introduction

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh basil, tomatoes, and spinach—this white chicken lasagna is comfort food with a bright Italian twist.

🧂 Ingredients

For the chicken filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the white sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the lasagna layers

• 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the white sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Toss to mix.
3. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of white sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, 1/3 of the chicken filling, and a layer of white sauce. Repeat layers (noodles, filling, sauce) until used up. Finish with noodles and top with shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish & serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle balsamic glaze if desired.

💡 Tips

• No-boil noodles: Use a bit more sauce for perfect tenderness.
• Extra caprese vibe: Add sliced fresh mozzarella on top for the last 10 minutes.
• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; bake chilled with 5–10 extra minutes.