Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and satisfying twist on traditional lasagna that doesn’t require boiling the noodles or multiple pans. This one-pot meal combines hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich cheese topping, all cooked together for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium-sized white onion, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce
• 10 dried lasagna strips, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (flat leaf)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the sausage until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and pasta sauce, then add the broken lasagna pieces. Gently stir everything together to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the pasta cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: While the pasta cooks, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until fully blended.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the cooked lasagna in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and cover to allow the cheese to melt, about 5 minutes. For best results, place the skillet under the oven broiler for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage to adjust the heat level to your preference.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped zucchini during step 3 for extra veggies.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the lasagna mixture to a baking dish before broiling.

Storage

Store leftover skillet lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. To preserve the melted cheese topping, reheat under the broiler for a minute or two if possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of broken pieces?

Regular lasagna noodles can be used, but they may need to be pre-cooked or soaked first to ensure they cook evenly in the skillet. Breaking dried noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook faster and more uniformly.

Is it necessary to broil the lasagna at the end?

Broiling is optional but recommended for a bubbly, browned cheese topping. If you prefer, simply cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt on the stovetop, though the texture won’t be quite the same.

Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 405 reviews

This Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage, rich pasta sauce, and a creamy cheese blend. Featuring broken lasagna noodles cooked directly in the sauce, this recipe simplifies traditional lasagna preparation by using a skillet and minimal steps, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium-sized white onion, chopped

Liquids and Pasta

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce
• 10 dried lasagna strips, broken into 1-inch pieces

Cheese and Herbs

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (flat leaf)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until all the meat is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook together until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and pasta sauce. Add the broken lasagna strips into the skillet. Gently stir the mixture to combine everything evenly.
4. Simmer to cook pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the pasta.
5. Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, freshly chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until fully incorporated.
6. Add cheese topping: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the cooked pasta and sausage mixture in the skillet.
7. Finish with mozzarella and melt cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top as desired. Remove the skillet from heat, cover to allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes. For best results, place the skillet under the broiler in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly browned.

Notes

• Using an oven-safe skillet is essential for broiling the cheese topping at the end.
• Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly in the sauce without pre-boiling.
• Stirring every few minutes during simmering prevents noodles from sticking to the pan or clumping together.
• You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage to change the flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but avoid broiling again to prevent overcooking.
• Adding fresh basil in addition to parsley can enhance the herbal flavor.

Keywords: skillet lasagna, one-pan pasta, easy lasagna recipe, quick Italian dinner, sausage lasagna, no-boil lasagna