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White Chicken Caprese Lasagna is the creamy comfort food I make when I want to impress friends at a dinner party yet keep prep simple and stress free. Juicy chicken, oven ready noodles, a garlic white sauce, and those bursts of cherry tomatoes capture the spirit of caprese in every slice. Balsamic glaze and fresh basil seal the deal on a lasagna that feels both familiar and special.
After making this for a family birthday I caught everyone going back to the kitchen for seconds and begging for the recipe. It has quickly become the dish I am most known for at gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese: adds a rich creamy structure opt for whole milk ricotta if possible
- Grated parmesan cheese: brings a punch of salty nutty flavor choose a wedge and grate it yourself for best results
- Eggs: help bind the ricotta layer and make the filling fluffy pick large eggs and bring them to room temperature
- Salt and pepper: amplify the natural flavors in every layer use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Butter: forms a rich base for the sauce European style butter adds extra depth
- Garlic: infuses the white sauce with tangy aromatic notes buy tight fresh cloves with papery skins
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce you can use gluten free flour if needed
- Milk: makes the sauce luscious whole milk is best for a creamy result
- Heavy cream: ensures the sauce is dreamy and decadent do not skip it for that signature texture
- Mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly in the sauce and on top use low moisture mozzarella for the layers and fresh if you want extra ooze
- Spinach: mixes into the sauce balancing out the richness with a hint of green buy fresh baby spinach with crisp leaves
- Fresh basil: brings a garden fresh finish to the flavor profile look for perky vibrant leaves
- Chicken breasts: make the dish filling and protein rich cook them until just done for juiciness
- Cherry tomatoes: add bright color and bursts of sweetness halved and picked at peak ripeness
- Oven ready lasagna noodles: cut prep time without sacrificing texture choose ones that look flat and unbroken
- Balsamic glaze: adds a concentrated sweet tangy kick drizzle right before serving for the wow factor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Ricotta Layer:
- Stir ricotta cheese parmesan cheese eggs salt and pepper together in a large bowl until completely smooth and set aside. If your ricotta seems watery drain it first for a firmer filling.
- Prepare the Garlic White Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat then add finely minced garlic and let it cook for about half a minute stirring until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour steadily to form a paste then gradually add milk whisking nonstop to avoid lumps. Add heavy cream and keep stirring as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil letting everything thicken up. Stir in mozzarella spinach salt pepper and chopped basil until the cheese melts and spinach wilts into the sauce.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a deep 9 by 13 inch baking dish then spread a layer of sauce across the bottom. Place a layer of oven ready noodles over the sauce gently overlapping edges. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture on top of noodles and scatter one third of the chicken pieces over the ricotta layer. Spoon one third of the sauce over everything and repeat this process two more times for three full layers. Finish with a final layer of noodles all the remaining sauce extra mozzarella and arrange halved cherry tomatoes all over the top.
- Bake and Finish:
- Set the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. If the cheese gets too brown before the time is up tent it with foil. Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 to 20 minutes before slicing which helps everything set. Drizzle balsamic glaze and scatter lots of fresh basil on top just before serving.
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I absolutely love what roasted tomatoes add to this lasagna nothing beats the little pop of sweetness you get with each bite. My kids still talk about the crispy cheese edges and always want extra balsamic glaze drizzled on theirs.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days making sure the pan is tightly wrapped or the slices are packed in sealed containers. Lasagna slices reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven just add a tablespoon of water and cover with foil before baking to keep everything supple. For longer storage wrap individual portions and freeze for up to two months then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cooked rotisserie chicken for the baked chicken breasts if you are pressed for time and shredded works just as well as cubed. If you do not have fresh spinach frozen spinach works in a pinch just squeeze out the extra moisture before stirring it into the sauce. Dairy intolerant No problem swap in a good nondairy ricotta and mozzarella and use plant milk blended with a bit of cashew cream to mimic the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with a side green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette for a bright fresh balance to the creamy layers. This lasagna pairs well with a warm loaf of garlic bread or a crisp white wine like pinot grigio. For a weekend dinner I love adding a big platter of roasted vegetables and letting everyone build their own plates with extra cherry tomatoes and basil.
A Twirl On Classic Lasagna
Classic lasagna usually focuses on red sauce and lots of ground beef but this caprese version highlights summer flavors and feels lighter thanks to the white sauce and fresh produce. I first crafted this when I wanted something between a hearty bake and a fresh caprese salad and now it is my go to for both family dinners and cooling off after a hot summer day. The balsamic glaze is a definite step up from tradition and brings a chefy touch to your table.
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This is a crowd pleaser for both special occasions and simple weeknight dinners. Serve with plenty of extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic for best results.
Common Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Cooked chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, provide tender and mild flavor that pairs well with creamy sauce and cheese.
- → Can gluten-free noodles be used?
Yes, oven-ready gluten-free noodles work well and hold up to the layers of cheese and sauce without becoming mushy.
- → How should I layer the ingredients?
Begin with sauce in the pan, then alternate noodles, ricotta mixture, chicken, and more sauce, repeating for at least three layers.
- → What adds the signature Caprese flavor?
Fresh basil and halved cherry tomatoes create a classic Caprese taste, especially when finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the assembled lasagna can be covered and refrigerated before baking, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
- → What cheeses create the creamy texture?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and heavy cream ensures each bite is flavorful and rich.