Skillet lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. It combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna but is made in one skillet for an easy and quick meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without the fuss. With layers of savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, you’ll enjoy this hearty dish in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
Making skillet lasagna is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those evenings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Second, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, everyone loves lasagna!
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounces tomato basil garlic pasta sauce (1 jar)
- 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 8 ounces dry lasagna noodles (½ package)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the sausage and minced garlic over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Be sure to break the sausage apart and stir it frequently.
- Add the entire jar of pasta sauce and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the skillet and let the sauce come to a boil.
- Break each lasagna noodle into 3 equal pieces and add them to the boiling sauce. Stir gently to ensure all noodles are covered with sauce.
- Cover the skillet again and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook at a low boil for 20-25 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the noodles are cooked, gently stir in the ricotta cheese and top the dish with fresh mozzarella.
- Cover the skillet one last time, turn off the heat, and let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna
Serve skillet lasagna hot right from the pan for a cozy meal. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete dinner. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, as everyone can help themselves from the skillet!
How to Store Skillet Lasagna
If you have leftovers, let the skillet lasagna cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Skillet Lasagna
- Use a variety of shredded cheese for added flavor. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan works great!
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it healthier.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use mushrooms or lentils as a meat substitute. You can also add in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the package instructions.
2. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them separate until you are ready to cook.
3. What can I serve with skillet lasagna?
You can serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy your homemade skillet lasagna, and happy cooking!
Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 24 ounces tomato basil garlic pasta sauce one jar
- 2.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 8 ounces dry lasagna noodles half package, broken into pieces
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced, can substitute with shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat the sausage and minced garlic over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
- Add the entire jar of pasta sauce and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
- Cover the skillet and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Break each lasagna noodle into 3 equal pieces and add them to the boiling sauce. Stir gently to ensure all noodles are covered with sauce.
- Cover the skillet again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the noodles are cooked, gently stir in the ricotta cheese and top the dish with fresh mozzarella.
- Cover the skillet one last time, turn off the heat, and let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
