Creamy White Lasagna Delight offers a deliciously rich and comforting twist on the classic lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, creamy béchamel sauce, gooey cheese, and sautéed vegetables, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special celebration, this lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna takes everything you love about the classic version and elevates it with a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. The addition of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, adds flavor and texture, while the layers of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan create a rich, gooey finish. Whether you opt for the optional shredded chicken or keep it vegetarian, this dish is sure to delight. The layers of flavor and creamy goodness make this a comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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9 lasagna noodles (cooked)
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3 cups béchamel sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
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2 cups sautéed spinach or zucchini
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Follow with a portion of sautéed vegetables, chicken (if using), mozzarella, and béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the béchamel sauce for an added kick of heat.
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Cheese Variety: Try adding ricotta cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The lasagna will continue to develop its flavors as it sits.
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Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought béchamel sauce?
Yes, to save time, you can use store-bought béchamel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour or until bubbly.
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just follow the package instructions for using them in a baked lasagna.
What other vegetables can I add to this lasagna?
You can add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure the béchamel sauce is made with a gluten-free flour substitute.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables, or add ground turkey or beef for a non-vegetarian alternative.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the top is golden and bubbly, and the noodles are soft and tender. A fork inserted into the center should come out easily.
Can I add more cheese to the lasagna?
Yes, feel free to add more mozzarella or any other cheese to suit your preference. Ricotta or provolone would also be great additions.
Can I add herbs to the béchamel sauce?
Absolutely! You can add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the béchamel sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy White Lasagna Delight is a comforting and luxurious twist on a classic dish. With its creamy béchamel sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful layers of sautéed vegetables and cheese, this lasagna is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you opt for the optional chicken or stick with a hearty mix of veggies, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this lasagna is bound to become a family favorite in your home!
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Creamy White Lasagna Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy White Lasagna Delight is a rich, cheesy twist on the classic lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, béchamel sauce, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. A comforting meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles (cooked)
3 cups béchamel sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
2 cups sautéed spinach or zucchini
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a portion of sautéed vegetables, chicken (if using), mozzarella, and béchamel sauce.
Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.
To save time, use store-bought béchamel sauce or no-boil lasagna noodles.
Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian