01 Apr 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!
![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! A serving of white lasagna on a small plate.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-1-1200x1799.jpg)
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.
![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! All of the ingredients for the white meat sauce layer in individual glass bowls.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ingredients-with-Labels-for-WP-HORIZONTAL-3-1200x800.png)
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!
![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! All of the ingredients for the ricotta layer in glass bowls.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1-1200x800.png)
Let’s Make White Lasagna!
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain them in cold water and set them aside.
- Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- 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.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Add in the garlic and spinach and continue cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pan from heat.
- 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.
- Combine: Pour the white sauce over the sausage and spinach and stir to combine.
Ricotta Layer
- Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Mix until smooth and combined.
To Assemble
- 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.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers and then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- 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.
![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! The sausage and spinach being cooked together in a skillet.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-1-1-1200x875.jpg)
![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! Melting the cheese and cream together.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-3-1-1200x988.jpg)
![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! The ricotta layer mixture.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-2-1200x929.jpg)
![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! Adding the white sauce layer to a baking dish.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-8-1200x800.jpg)
![Topping with lasagna noodles](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-5-1200x800.jpg)
![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! Layering the white lasagna with cheese.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-6-1200x800.jpg)
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!
![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! Top-down view of white lasagna cut into squares.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna--1200x1799.jpg)
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!
![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! Scooping up lasagna with a wooden spoon.](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-3-1200x1799.jpg)
Try These Other Lasagna Recipes Next!
![](https://therecipecritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-lasagna-1-250x250.jpg)
White Lasagna
Ingredients
White Meat Sauce Layer
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces fresh spinach
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 tablespoons italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Ricotta Layer
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
White Meat Sauce Layer
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Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain them in cold water and set them aside.
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Heat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit and spray a 9X13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
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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.
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Add in the garlic and spinach and continue cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pan from heat.
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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.
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Pour the white sauce over the sausage and spinach and stir to combine.
Ricotta Layer
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In a large bowl, add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
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Mix until smooth and combined.
To Assemble
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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.
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Repeat the layers and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
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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.
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