Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite. Made entirely in one pan, this dish layers savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese blend for a hearty meal without the fuss of traditional baking.

A black cast iron skillet filled with baked lasagna that has a rich red tomato sauce base visible in the lower layer, a thick middle layer of pasta sheets and chunky meat sauce, and a top layer of melted, slightly browned white cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A wooden spoon is scooping out one piece, showing the distinct layers inside. Next to the skillet, a white plate holds a serving of lasagna with the same layers, topped with a small bunch of fresh green salad leaves. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a glass of red drink, a white cloth napkin with red stripes, and some fresh green herbs around, all bathed in natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden utensil. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until all meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue cooking with the meat until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and pasta sauce, then add the broken lasagna pieces. Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring to a simmer. Cook the pasta mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Step 5: While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fully blended.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the cooked pasta in the skillet.
  7. Step 7: Top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese 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 a broiler for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preferred heat level.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of extra spice.
  • Fresh lasagna sheets can be used instead of dried, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If possible, broil again briefly before serving to revive the melty cheese topping.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of lasagna with three distinct layers: a bottom layer of wide pasta sheets covered with thick, chunky tomato sauce mixed with browned meat and herbs, a middle layer of creamy, white ricotta cheese, and a top layer of golden-brown melted mozzarella cheese with some toasted spots and sprinkled green parsley leaves. On the right side of the plate, there is a fresh mixed green salad with different leaf shapes and shades of green and purple. A fork with a bite of lasagna is placed near the bottom left of the plate, with bits of tomato sauce and cheese sticking to it. Some fresh parsley sprigs are scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute, but adding Italian seasoning or herbs will help mimic the sausage’s flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen after cooking. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Print

Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

This Easy Skillet Lasagna is a simple, one-pan version of the classic Italian comfort food. Ground Italian sausage is browned with onions, then simmered with pasta sauce and broken lasagna noodles in an oven-safe skillet. A creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, and Italian seasoning is layered on top, then finished under the broiler for melty, bubbly cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with less fuss and equally delicious results.

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

Ingredients

Scale

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

Vegetables and Liquids

  • 1 medium-sized white onion, chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce

Pasta and Cheese

  • 10 dried lasagna strips, broken into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 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 ground Italian sausage. Break the meat into pieces with a wooden utensil and season with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Add chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Continue cooking until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, pasta sauce, and add the broken lasagna strips into the skillet. Gently stir to combine all ingredients without breaking the noodles further.
  4. Simmer the Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, approximately 15-20 minutes until noodles are tender.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until fully blended.
  6. Layer Cheese on Lasagna: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the cooked lasagna pasta mixture in the skillet.
  7. Add Extra Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and cover to allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes. For best results, place the skillet under a broiler in the oven for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to allow finishing under the broiler safely.
  • Stir the pasta gently during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper depending on the sausage used.
  • Can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based meat or extra vegetables.

Keywords: easy skillet lasagna, one pan lasagna, Italian sausage lasagna, quick lasagna recipe, stovetop lasagna

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating