Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna – A Comfort Food Classic with Pesto!

Some dishes have the magical ability to gather people around the table, fill the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and instantly make you feel at home. This Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Pesto is one of those recipes. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting yet elevated, and perfect for everything from a cozy Sunday dinner to a special family gathering.

Here, tender shredded chicken and baby spinach are wrapped in layers of silky white béchamel sauce, creamy cheeses, and the bright, herbal notes of pesto. Every bite is pure comfort—cheesy, garlicky, and just a little indulgent.

How This White Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Pesto Recipe Became a Family Favorite

This lasagna was born on a chilly winter weekend when I wanted something hearty but didn’t feel like going the classic red sauce route. I craved something creamy, herby, and satisfying. I spotted a jar of homemade basil pesto in the fridge, some leftover roast chicken, and a bag of baby spinach, and suddenly the vision of a golden-topped, white-sauce lasagna came to life. The first bite was love at first forkful—smooth béchamel, melty mozzarella, and that little pop of freshness from the pesto.

Now, it’s my go-to for dinner parties, holiday meals, and potlucks. It’s one of those dishes people remember—and request.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Pesto Recipe

You’re going to love this White Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Pesto because it’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Here’s why it stands out:

Luxuriously Creamy

The béchamel sauce combined with a mix of cheeses makes the lasagna ultra-smooth and decadent. Every bite is creamy and comforting, giving it that rich, homemade feel that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Layers of Flavor

This isn’t just creamy—it’s flavor-packed. The pesto adds a fragrant, herby lift, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken. Toss in the spinach and you’ve got light, fresh notes alongside the creamy layers.

Crowd-Pleasing

This lasagna serves 8–12 hearty portions, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. It’s satisfying, filling, and loved by both kids and adults, so it’s a safe bet for any crowd.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can assemble it in advance and bake when ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or hosting a dinner—all the flavor, none of the last-minute stress.

Versatile

You can swap ingredients easily: different greens (like kale or arugula), cheeses, or even turkey instead of chicken. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

This White Chicken Spinach Lasagna with Pesto is elegant, comforting, and flexible, making it a standout for both family dinners and special occasions.

Gather Your Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter – The foundation of the béchamel; adds richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fragrant and savory, giving depth to the sauce.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the béchamel for that velvety consistency.
• 3 cups milk – Creates the creamy base; whole milk works best.
• 6 ounces cream cheese – Adds tangy creaminess and body.
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach – Brings a fresh, slightly earthy note and extra nutrients.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese – Light, fluffy texture in the chicken filling.
• 1 large egg, beaten – Helps bind the filling so it holds its shape.
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken – Lean protein that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) – Melts beautifully for that stretchy, golden top.
• ½ cup pesto – Herby, garlicky, and slightly nutty—fresh flavor in every bite.
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained – The sturdy structure that holds all the goodness together.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Simple but essential seasoning.

Cooking These Is Easier Than You Think

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Gradually whisk in milk and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until smooth and thickened.

Step 3: Enrich the Sauce

Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, baby spinach, and Parmesan. Mix until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, shredded chicken, and 2 cups of mozzarella. This will be your hearty, cheesy middle layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of the dish.

Place 3 noodles in a single layer.

Add ¼ of the béchamel, ⅓ of the chicken mixture, and drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons pesto.

Repeat layers, ending with noodles topped with the remaining béchamel.

Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before slicing to help it set and avoid watery layers.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Dry the Noodles – Moisture is the enemy of layered pasta bakes; pat noodles dry after boiling.

Don’t Skip the Rest Time – This helps the layers firm up for cleaner slices.

Pesto Swirl – For even more flavor, swirl pesto directly into the béchamel before layering.

Cheese Quality – Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

Recommended Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish – Glass or ceramic holds heat well.

Large saucepan – For preparing the béchamel.

Whisk – Essential for a lump-free sauce.

Mixing bowl – To combine chicken and cheeses.

Measuring cups/spoons – For accurate layering.

How to Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

This lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it really shines when paired with lighter sides to balance the richness. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color.

Perfect for:

• Sunday family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Potluck parties
• Cozy winter nights

Perfect Pairings for Creamy White Chicken Spinach Lasagna

The creamy layers of chicken, spinach, and pesto in this lasagna deserve sidekicks that balance its richness while enhancing the comfort factor. Whether you’re serving it for a big family dinner or a relaxed night in, these pairings bring freshness, texture, and just the right amount of contrast to make every bite more memorable.

Here are five pairing ideas inspired by Cooking Day’s favorites:

Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail – A Refreshing & Elegant Sip!

The fruity brightness and herbal notes cut through the lasagna’s richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Magical Snowflake Cookies – Easy Winter Treats You’ll Love to Make!

Delicate and lightly sweet, these cookies add a festive, whimsical finish without weighing down the meal.

Watermelon Mint Lemonade – The Ultimate Summer Refreshment!

If serving this lasagna on a warm day, this chilled drink adds a crisp, hydrating contrast that keeps the meal feeling light.

Easy & Flavorful Baked Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe

A lighter, veggie-forward side that echoes the Italian comfort food vibe without doubling down on heaviness.

Greek Yogurt Berry Cheesecake Parfaits – A No-Bake Dream!

Creamy yet tangy, these parfaits provide a cool, fruity counterpoint to the warm, cheesy lasagna.

Diet-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a GF flour blend for the béchamel.

Lower Carb – Swap noodles for thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.

Nut-Free – Use a nut-free pesto recipe if making from scratch.

Vegetarian – Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or butternut squash.

Best Ways to Store

Refrigerate – Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months.

Reheat – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through; avoid microwaving for best texture.

Recipe Variations

Use shredded turkey instead of chicken (perfect for holiday leftovers).

Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli rabe.

Try a mix of cheeses—Fontina, Gruyère, or Asiago add unique flavors.

Add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture for earthiness.

Your Top Questions Answered

This Creamy White Chicken & Spinach Lasagna with Pesto is everything you love about lasagna—comfort, flavor, and that irresistible cheesy pull—reimagined with fresh, herby twists. It’s indulgent without being heavy, elegant enough for guests, and hearty enough for a weeknight family meal. The combination of creamy béchamel, juicy chicken, tender spinach, and aromatic pesto is guaranteed to make it a repeat favorite.