White Lasagna

This white lasagna recipe swaps out traditional marinara for a homemade alfredo sauce that’s too good to resist. Packed with tender spinach, ricotta cheese, and Italian sausage, each bite is a dream!

If you love all things lasagna like I do, try my classic lasagna recipe next or even some lasagna soup to switch things up! You can also make lasagna in the instant pot for easy prep!

A serving of white lasagna on a small plate.

White Sauce Lasagna

You guys know I love a good alfredo… so making lasagna with white sauce seemed like a no-brainer to me! I knew it was going to be good but was in absolute heaven when I took the first bite. Instead of the typical marinara meat sauce, this recipe has a white sauce meat layer packed with cheese, spinach, and tasty seasonings!

This white lasagna is cheesy, hearty and sure to be a hit with everyone in your family. Make it for a weeknight dinner with some homemade garlic knots!

Ingredient List

A little bit longer of a list, but trust me, the flavor of this white sauce makes everything worth it.

White Meat Sauce Layer

  • Lasagna Noodles: You’ll cook these before assembling your white lasagna.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onion, sausage, and spinach.
  • Onion & Garlic: For a punch of savory flavor.
  • Italian Sausage: Cooked and crumbled for some meaty goodness. You can use ground beef in place of the sausage but I find the sausage adds the perfect flavor!
  • Spinach: Cooks down to add color and texture to the white sauce.
  • Butter & Flour: The foundation of the sauce, these get cooked together to create a roux that thickens the milk and cream.
  • Milk & Heavy Cream: Make the white sauce nice and creamy!
  • Mozzarella Cheese (divided): A lasagna essential, adding gooey, stretchy goodness to the dish. You’ll also need to reserve some for the topping.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that adds a flavorful touch to the sauce.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the white lasagna.
All of the ingredients for the white meat sauce layer in individual glass bowls.

Ricotta Layer

  • Ricotta Cheese: A must-add for that classic lasagna flavor!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy flavor to the ricotta layer.
  • Eggs: These ensure the ricotta mixture stays smooth and cohesive.
  • Salt & Pepper: The finishing touch!
All of the ingredients for the ricotta layer in glass bowls.

Let’s Make White Lasagna!

  1. Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain them in cold water and set them aside.
  2. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and sausage and cook until the sausage is no longer pink.
  4. Add Garlic and Spinach: Add in the garlic and spinach and continue cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pan from heat.
  5. Make the Roux: In a saucepan melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and whipping cream. Add in 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
  6. Combine: Pour the white sauce over the sausage and spinach and stir to combine.

Ricotta Layer

  1. Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
  2. Combine: Mix until smooth and combined.

To Assemble

  1. Layer: To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then arrange the noodles in a single layer over the meat sauce. Spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese on top of the noodles followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
  2. Repeat: Repeat the layers and then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  3. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until it is heated throughout and the cheese is bubbly. Let your white lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
The sausage and spinach being cooked together in a skillet.
Cook the sausage, onion, garlic, and spinach
Melting the cheese and cream together.
Make the white sauce
The ricotta layer mixture.
Make the ricotta mixture
Adding the white sauce layer to a baking dish.
Combine the sausage mixture and the white sauce. Spread 1 cup in the bottom of the baking dish.
Topping with lasagna noodles
Layer with cooked lasagna noodles
Layering the white lasagna with cheese.
Spread 1/2 cup ricotta mixutre on the noodles, followed with 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Repeat the layers and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top before baking.

Using a Slow Cooker

White lasagna can also be made in a slow cooker or Crockpot. Prep as normal, just layer in the slow cooker instead of a baking dish. Then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add extra shredded cheese on top right before serving!

Top-down view of white lasagna cut into squares.

Storing Leftovers

Let your white lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, pop your lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for single servings!

Scooping up lasagna with a wooden spoon.

Try These Other Lasagna Recipes Next!

Print

White Lasagna

This white lasagna recipe swaps out traditional marinara for a homemade alfredo sauce that’s too good to resist. Packed with tender spinach, ricotta cheese, and Italian sausage, each bite is a dream!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian American
Keyword alfredo lasagna, white lasagna, white sauce lasagna
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 865kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

White Meat Sauce Layer

Ricotta Layer

Instructions

White Meat Sauce Layer

  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain them in cold water and set them aside.
  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and sausage and cook until the sausage is no longer pink.
  • Add in the garlic and spinach and continue cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pan from heat.
  • In a saucepan melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and whipping cream. Add in 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
  • Pour the white sauce over the sausage and spinach and stir to combine.

Ricotta Layer

  • In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix until smooth and combined.

To Assemble

  • To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the noodles in a single layer over the meat sauce. Spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese on top of the noodles followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat the layers and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until it is heated throughout and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 865kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 208mg | Sodium: 1597mg | Potassium: 761mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5394IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 644mg | Iron: 4mg


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