Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but if you’re looking for a lighter, creamy alternative to the classic red sauce version, white lasagna is the way to go. Packed with layers of rich béchamel sauce, tender pasta, and your choice of delicious fillings like chicken, spinach, or mushrooms, white lasagna offers a refreshing twist on the traditional. The creamy, cheesy texture combined with savory flavors creates a dish that’s every bit as indulgent, but with a smoother, more delicate profile. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving something comforting, this white lasagna recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Print
Deliciously Creamy White Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and rich white lasagna made with layers of tender pasta, a velvety béchamel sauce, and a mix of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked spinach (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cooked spinach (if using). Set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with another layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of noodles and béchamel sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or bacon to the layers.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- The lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lasagna Noodles – The base of the dish. You can use regular or no-boil lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles save time and ensure a soft, tender texture throughout the layers.
Butter – The key ingredient for making the creamy béchamel sauce that binds the lasagna together. Unsalted butter is best, allowing you to control the saltiness.
Flour – Used to make the roux for the béchamel sauce, which thickens and creates that velvety texture.
Milk – Whole milk provides the creamy consistency in the sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the béchamel sauce, enhancing the overall richness of the lasagna.
Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh mozzarella provides that melty, gooey texture between the layers, creating that signature cheese pull.
Ricotta Cheese – Ricotta offers a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors in the dish. It’s often combined with spinach or other fillings in white lasagna.
Spinach – Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed) adds color, texture, and a mild, earthy flavor to the lasagna.
Chicken – For a protein-packed option, cooked shredded chicken works wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Garlic – Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the filling, enhancing the depth of the lasagna.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the béchamel sauce and the filling.
Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg is traditionally added to béchamel sauce to bring a warm, slightly sweet undertone.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing garlic and spinach and adding a little richness to the filling.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute, then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If using chicken, add the shredded chicken to the spinach mixture and stir to combine.
- In a baking dish, spread a small amount of béchamel sauce on the bottom. Layer lasagna noodles, followed by a portion of the béchamel sauce, ricotta, spinach and chicken mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 45-60 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on whether you’re using regular or no-boil noodles.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian lasagna.
- Meat Lover’s: If you prefer a meaty lasagna, add crumbled sausage or ground beef to the filling mixture.
- Spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the filling or béchamel sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your béchamel sauce is made with gluten-free flour.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of white lasagna:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein (g) | 25 |
| Carbs (g) | 28 |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 12 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 5 |
| Sodium (mg) | 650 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
- Crispy Topping: For a golden, crispy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes after it’s done baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, use a mix of heavy cream and whole milk in the béchamel sauce.
FAQs
Can I make white lasagna with a different protein?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Can I freeze white lasagna?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked lasagna. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta is traditional in lasagna, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Ensure the spinach is well-drained before adding it to the filling. You can also bake the lasagna uncovered for the last few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Can I use pre-made béchamel sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought béchamel or Alfredo sauce.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when it’s bubbly and golden on top. You can also check with a knife to see if it’s heated through.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles are a great shortcut! They’ll soften up as the lasagna bakes.
What can I serve with white lasagna?
Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complement the creamy dish.
How long should I let the lasagna rest before slicing?
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier.
Can I add more cheese to the top?
Absolutely! You can top the lasagna with additional mozzarella, Parmesan, or even provolone for a cheesy finish.
Conclusion
White lasagna is a rich, creamy twist on the classic comfort food, offering all the indulgence of lasagna but with a smooth, delicate flavor. With layers of béchamel sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and savory fillings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or as a weeknight meal, this white lasagna recipe delivers on flavor and comfort every time.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!