Creamy White Chicken Lasagna

Creamy white chicken lasagna puts a refreshing twist on Italian American comfort food. This recipe delivers tender pasta layered with juicy shredded chicken, briny artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and a decadent cream cheese sauce. Instead of tomato and red meat you get a savory herbed casserole packed with creamy tangy flavors that always has people asking for seconds. Whether you are feeding a weeknight crowd or meal prepping for leftovers, this dish holds up beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

I first made this creamy white lasagna for a family get together and people could not stop scooping seconds. The combination of flavors won even the pickiest eaters over and now it is requested at every holiday buffet.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken breast: This is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. Choose juicy, tender meat for the best texture.
• Artichoke hearts: Add a briny earthy flavor. Use jarred or canned and chop roughly.
• KRAFT shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that signature gooey melt and adds rich creamy layers. Opt for a mozzarella with a hint of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
• KRAFT grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty depth and extra savory punch. Grate fresh from a block when possible for best flavor.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Bring sweet, tangy brightness. Oil packed ones keep everything moist and deliver more impact.
• PHILADELPHIA cream cheese: Forms the silky base of your sauce. Make sure it is softened for smooth blending.
• Milk: Helps transform cream cheese into a pourable sauce. Whole milk gives the richest results.
• Garlic powder: Infuses a balanced savory note. Swap in finely minced fresh garlic for a stronger kick.
• Fresh basil: Enlivens the flavor and offers a burst of color. Chop it right before adding for the freshest aroma.
• Lasagna noodles: Pull everything together. Regular or no boil both work; just cook them until flexible but not falling apart.

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Mixture:

Beat soft cream cheese with milk and garlic powder using an electric hand mixer until everything is fully smooth and creamy. Fold in some freshly chopped basil for lively fragrance and flavor.

Mix the Filling:

Stir together shredded chicken, chopped artichokes, one cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and sun dried tomatoes with half of your cream cheese mixture. Make sure the flavors are well distributed so every bite pops.

Layer the Lasagna:

Cover the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of the remaining cream cheese mixture. Arrange three cooked lasagna noodles over the top. Spread a third of the chicken filling evenly over the noodles. Repeat this layering two more times for thick, structured stacks.

Final Topping and Bake:

Finish with noodles, then the rest of the cream cheese mixture, and sprinkle on the last of the mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake at medium high temperature until the center is bubbling and cheeses are thoroughly melted. This should take about twenty five minutes.

Rest and Garnish:

Set the lasagna aside for five minutes to allow the layers to firm up. This step makes cutting portions much neater. To finish, top with more chopped basil for a bright green accent and amazing aroma.

My favorite moments are always those first eager bites with my mom when we stand by the stove and sneak tastes straight from the pan. The creamy artichoke pieces melt so perfectly into the sauce you cannot resist another forkful before it even hits the table.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep fresh covered in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave or a whole uncovered pan in the oven at low temperature. If you plan to freeze, build the lasagna and wrap very tightly in two layers of foil. Thaw overnight then bake as usual for perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are not a fan of artichokes, swap in spinach or briefly sautéed mushrooms. For deeper richness rotisserie chicken thigh meat works beautifully. If oil packed sun dried tomatoes are unavailable, soak dry ones in warm water until soft. Most melting cheeses blend in well so try fontina, smoked provolone, or a touch of asiago for variety.

Serving Suggestions

This lasagna pairs best with a crisp green salad for contrast and garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce. It is a centerpiece at holiday buffets or casual Sunday suppers. For drinks, light white wines like pinot grigio or a chilled sauvignon blanc balance the creamy cheese and fresh basil.

Cultural and Historical Context

Traditional lasagna is based on tomato sauce and red meat but this white chicken version comes from Italian American comfort food. Casseroles that use cream cheese and chicken are beloved in countless US homes and pulling those classic flavors together with layers of pasta is always a family favorite in my house.

Seasonal Adaptations

For spring, add fresh blanched asparagus for a burst of green. In autumn, try baby kale or roasted butternut squash for earthiness. Use a handful of fresh chives or tarragon when basil is not in season. Making small ingredient swaps according to the time of year keeps the recipe feeling new.

Success Stories

I have made this for work potlucks and someone always requests a copy of the recipe. My neighbors rave about how comforting the creamy sauce is and my nieces love helping layer the noodles and sprinkle on cheese.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble your lasagna in a disposable foil pan, then wrap well and label for the freezer. When you are ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. Remove the wrap, cover with foil, and bake until hot and bubbly. This makes a perfect welcome meal for new parents or a friend in need.

Creamy white chicken lasagna is destined to become a favorite at every gathering. It is as ideal for special occasions as it is for cozy weeknight meals.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of chicken works best?

Shredded, cooked chicken breast delivers tenderness and blends perfectly with creamy, cheesy layers.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes, try provolone or fontina for a different flavor, or add smoked cheese for richness.

→ How do I prepare it in advance?

Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Layer in sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the filling for more earthy flavor and heartiness.

→ How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F to keep it moist and to ensure even warming.

→ Is it freezer friendly?

Yes, wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw overnight and bake as usual for a fresh, creamy result.