White sauce lasagna layers pasta with a creamy béchamel, ricotta, and tender chicken or vegetables for an elegant family dinner. This protein-rich twist on the classic is indulgent, cheesy, and sophisticated.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil lasagna noodles until just al dente, then drain and lay flat, brushing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth roux; cook for 2 minutes without browning.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the béchamel thickens, about 6–8 minutes, then remove from heat.
Prepare filling by mixing shredded chicken (or sautéed vegetables) with ricotta. Season the mixture with an extra pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble lasagna: spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of a baking dish, then layer noodles, ricotta-chicken mixture, béchamel, mozzarella, and parmesan; repeat until ingredients are used up, finishing with béchamel and generous cheese topping.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, increase heat to 400°F, and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.