Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
Easy Skillet Lasagna is a comforting, hearty dish that simplifies traditional lasagna by cooking everything in one pan. With layers of savory sausage, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner without the fuss.
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
- Step 1: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and break it up using a wooden utensil. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the sausage until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and pasta sauce, then add the broken lasagna pieces. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook, stirring every 5 minutes, for about 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Step 5: While the pasta cooks, in a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fully blended.
- Step 6: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the cooked pasta and sauce in the skillet.
- Step 7: Top with extra shredded mozzarella cheese if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and cover to let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. For best results, place the skillet under a broiler for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat or substitute ground beef or turkey for a milder flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or basil can be used instead.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream along with the chicken broth.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping sausage for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- Cover the skillet tightly while simmering to ensure even cooking of the lasagna noodles.
Storage
Store leftovers 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 keep the cheese creamy, avoid reheating for too long. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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 breaking them into smaller pieces allows for even cooking in the skillet and better blending with the sauce.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, an oven-safe skillet is recommended so you can broil the cheese topping directly in the skillet for a bubbly, golden finish. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the lasagna to a baking dish after cooking on the stove.
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Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Skillet Lasagna recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna by cooking it entirely in one skillet. Combining browned Italian sausage, flavorful tomato sauce, broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy cheese mixture, it simmers to perfection on the stovetop and finishes with melted, bubbly cheese either on the stovetop or under the broiler for a golden crust. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 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
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of pasta sauce
- 10 dried lasagna strips, broken into 1-inch pieces
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and break it into pieces using a wooden utensil. Season with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped white onion to the skillet with the browned sausage. Continue to cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the jar of pasta sauce. Stir to combine, then add the broken lasagna strips. Gently stir to evenly incorporate the pasta noodles into the sauce mixture.
- Simmer the Lasagna: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook through, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, for about 15-20 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fully blended.
- Layer the Cheese: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly on top of the skillet lasagna mixture, spreading it gently over the surface.
- Add Mozzarella Topping and Melt: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the 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 the oven broiler for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melty, and lightly browned. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet is key for finishing this dish under the broiler.
- Stir the pasta mixture every 5 minutes while simmering to prevent noodles from sticking.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer, skip the broiler step; covering and resting will melt the cheese but won’t brown it.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: skillet lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, one pan lasagna, quick lasagna, Italian sausage lasagna, stove top lasagna
