Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This easy skillet lasagna offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that everyone will love.

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 the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the meat until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, pasta sauce, and add the broken lasagna strips. 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 for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the lasagna mixture in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and cover for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt. 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 preference for heat.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish before broiling.
• Stir gently when cooking pasta to prevent breaking the noodles into very small pieces.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To restore melty cheese texture, place under a broiler for a few minutes after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of broken lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use broken regular pasta, like penne or rigatoni, but cooking times may vary slightly. Always check that the pasta is tender before adding the cheese topping.

Do I need to use an oven-safe skillet?

It’s recommended to use an oven-safe skillet if you plan to broil the cheese topping. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the skillet contents to a baking dish before broiling.

Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 132 reviews

This Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, cooked entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup. Ground Italian sausage is browned with onions, then simmered with broken lasagna noodles in a savory tomato sauce and chicken broth. A creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture is layered on top, with extra mozzarella melted to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.

• Author: Daniel
• 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 Seasonings

• 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

Other Ingredients

• 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 extra for topping
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up into pieces with a wooden utensil. Season with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until all the meat is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned sausage. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, blending flavors.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the jar of pasta sauce. Add the broken lasagna strips to the skillet. Gently stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the pasta cook and absorb the sauce for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, freshly chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fully blended to create a creamy, flavorful cheese topping.
6. Top the Lasagna: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the simmered pasta and sausage mixture in the skillet, distributing it nicely.
7. Broil the Cheese: Add extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and either cover it to let the cheese melt gently for about 5 minutes or place it under the oven broiler for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet to allow broiling directly in the same pan.
• Stir every 5 minutes during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it and increase the vegetables.
• Whole milk ricotta gives a creamier texture; part-skim can be used to reduce fat content.
• Broiling gives the cheese a beautiful golden crust but can be skipped for a softer topping by just covering and resting.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Easy Skillet Lasagna, One Pan Lasagna, Quick Italian Dinner, Sausage Lasagna Recipe, Stove Top Lasagna