Creamy White Lasagna Recipe – Easy & Delicious!

White lasagna, also known as lasagna bianca, is a rich and creamy alternative to the traditional red-sauce lasagna. Favored for its luxurious flavors and versatility, white lasagna is a blank canvas for flavors like tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and seasonal veggies. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to create a showstopping white lasagna that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Before you can get your lasagna layers sizzling in the oven, ensure you have everything you need on hand. The ingredients list for white lasagna is quite straightforward and typically includes:

Lasagna Sheets: Use the oven-ready variety or parboiled sheets for convenience.
White Sauce (Bechamel): A creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and milk that forms the heart of your white lasagna.
Proteins: Options like cooked chicken, turkey, or even a medley of sautéed shrimp and scallops add a robust bite to your dish.
Vegetables: Fresh or roasted veggies like spinach, artichokes, or butternut squash bring color and nutrients.
Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta will bring that classic Italian lasagna flavor.
Seasonings: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, nutmeg, and black pepper enhance the layers of taste.
Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Pantry staples to season and prepare your ingredients.

Remember, the beauty of white lasagna is that it’s versatile. Feel free to adjust the filling based on what you have in your fridge or what's in season.

Preparation

Making white lasagna is a labor of love, and the preparation is where you set the foundation for your masterpiece. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

White Sauce (Bechamel)

Begin by preparing the bechamel sauce.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk it into the butter until it's smooth.
Cook the flour-butter mixture for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer the sauce, continuing to stir until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Season with salt and pepper, then set the sauce aside.

Cooking the Fillings

The fillings should be cooked and seasoned so that they're ready to be layered. If starting with raw proteins, cook them completely before assembling the lasagna.

Preparing the Pasta

Lasagna sheets should be cooked al dente, following the package instructions. If using fresh pasta, parboil it for just a couple of minutes, as it will continue to cook in the oven once assembled.

Assembly

The heart of any lasagna is its layers. The goal is to have the perfect ratio of creamy bechamel, cheesy goodness, flavorful fillings, and tender pasta.

First Layer: Begin with a thin layer of white sauce to coat the bottom of the dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Pasta Layer: Place a single layer of lasagna sheets on top of the white sauce.
Fillings: Spread a portion of your prepared fillings evenly over the pasta, followed by a generous drizzle of white sauce.
Cheese Layer: Add a mix of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and dollops of ricotta cheese.
Repeat: Continue layering in the same order until you reach the top of the dish, ensuring the final layer is a coat of white sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.

Baking

The assembled lasagna now needs time to meld flavors and cook the pasta to perfection.

Cover with Foil: Cover your dish with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
Bake: Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Uncover and Continue to Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest: Allow your lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before cutting into it so that it holds its shape when served.

Serving

You’ve made it! Your hard work has resulted in a delectable dish that's ready to be shared and savored.

Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs or an additional pinch of parmesan on top for a finishing touch.
Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut through the layers, ensuring each piece has a bit of cheesy goodness in it.
Plating: Serve on warm plates for a little extra comfort.

Conclusion

Making white lasagna is a delightful culinary adventure. Don’t be discouraged if your first try isn’t perfect — like all good things, it takes a little practice. Over time, you’ll develop your own techniques, signature flavor combinations, and a deft hand that will make your white lasagna a beloved staple on your family’s menu. Now, it’s your turn to bring the comforting richness of white lasagna to your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, set the oven to preheat, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal that's sure to impress.