White Chicken Caprese Lasagna (Printable Version)
Layered with chicken, creamy cheese, basil, and tomatoes. Can be made gluten-free. Comforting Italian-inspired main dish.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Ricotta Layer
01 - 2 lbs ricotta cheese
02 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
03 - 2 eggs
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon pepper
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 stick butter
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour mix
09 - 4 cups whole milk
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
12 - 2 cups packed spinach
13 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon pepper
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
→ Layering
16 - 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
17 - 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles (gluten-free option available)
18 - 2 cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
19 - About 20 halved cherry tomatoes
20 - Fresh basil for garnish
21 - Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Combine all ingredients for the ricotta layer in a bowl and set aside.
02 - In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour until combined. Gradually add the milk while whisking. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the mozzarella, spinach, salt, pepper, and basil. Cook until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Set aside.
04 - Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
05 - In a greased 9x13 inch pan, place a few ladles of sauce at the bottom. Layer with noodles, followed by 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, then 1/3 of the chopped chicken, and 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Repeat this layering pattern, finishing with sauce on top.
06 - Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups mozzarella over the top and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes.
07 - Bake for about 45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with tin foil for the remaining time.
08 - Allow to cool for 10-20 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Feeds a crowd and reheats well
- Gluten-free option is easy to use with oven-ready noodles
- Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes keep it light and colorful
- Ultra creamy cheese sauce without being heavy
02 -
- A great make-ahead dish that lets flavors meld during a rest in the fridge
- Roasted cherry tomatoes become sweet little bursts throughout
- Gluten-free noodles hold up beautifully and are almost indistinguishable from classic
03 -
- Do not skimp on the resting time after baking this prevents a messy slice
- When using gluten-free noodles let the assembled dish sit for ten minutes before baking so the noodles hydrate fully
- For homemade balsamic glaze just simmer one cup balsamic vinegar until thick for up to fifteen minutes and cool to room temperature before drizzling