If you’re looking for an incredibly comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly and still delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna, you’ve got to try this Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe. It’s like your favorite lasagna but made effortlessly in one pan, cutting down on prep, mess, and wait time without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknights or anytime you crave that hearty Italian classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this recipe both accessible and delicious. Each component plays a crucial role, from giving your dish layers of flavor to that perfect melty, cheesy finish.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Adds savory, spiced depth and a satisfying richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with warmth and that unmistakable garlic punch.
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce: Acts as the flavorful, tomato-rich foundation of the dish.
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth: Keeps the sauce simmering nicely and helps cook the lasagna noodles perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the tomato and cheese beautifully.
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into small pieces): The classic pasta component, broken up to cook evenly in the skillet.
- 1 cup ricotta: Provides a creamy, mild cheese layer that balances the robust sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick and helps with that golden crust.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, irresistible strings that everyone loves.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
How to Make Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and shifting the rack to the top third. This ensures your cheese topping will get that perfect golden, bubbly finish during broiling later on. Having your oven ready in advance makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Grab a large, oven-safe skillet (I recommend at least 12 inches for enough cooking space). Cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go. This step is where you build a flavorful base, with the browned bits creating deep, savory notes that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the sausage and onion are nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. This short cook draws out garlic’s fragrance without burning, keeping that fresh, pungent flavor vibrant in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Sauce, Broth, and Seasoning
Pour in your marinara sauce, broth, and dried oregano, then give everything a good stir. Finally, toss in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are evenly distributed so they can soak up all that wonderful sauce as they cook.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfect Pasta Texture
Watch closely as the mixture starts to bubble. Lower your heat to maintain a lively simmer—not a full boil—and cook until the noodles are bendy but still slightly firm (al dente). This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes so the noodles cook evenly and nothing sticks to the pan’s bottom. This step is key because it finishes the pasta without overcooking, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses and Bake
Take the skillet off the heat, then spoon dollops of creamy ricotta here and there. Sprinkle parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top for that luscious, melty cheese layer. Pop the skillet into the oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, then switch to broil for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your skillet lasagna sit for 5 minutes. This rest time helps it set and makes it easier to serve while the flavors meld beautifully. A quick sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance the layers even further, and if you like, fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh, colorful touch.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley gives your skillet lasagna a burst of vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the rich tomato and cheesy layers. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes also makes a nice finishing touch if you want a slight kick.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna shines as a hearty main, so sides that are light and fresh work best. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is always welcome, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, communal feel. Alternatively, scoop portions into ramekins for impressive personal servings, topping each with a bit more melted cheese or fresh herbs. You can also create layered skillet cups by neatly stacking lasagna pieces, then broiling for a crispy top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor. It’s perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners during the week — just watch how eager everyone is to have seconds!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy nights, this dish freezes excellently. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, you can microwave individual portions until hot, but for the best results, heat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the cheesy topping. A quick broil at the end helps refresh the crusty top just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives this skillet lasagna its classic flavor punch, you can substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preferences. Just keep the seasoning balanced accordingly.
Do I have to break the lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly right in the skillet without needing to layer or pre-cook them. It’s a simple way to get that lasagna texture all in one pan and is a key part of this easy cooking method.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can cook the sauce and pasta on the stovetop, transfer everything to a baking dish, then finish baking and broiling in the oven. Just be sure to scrape all the flavorful bits into the dish!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the Italian sausage for crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth. Add mushrooms for extra umami, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian skillet lasagna everyone will enjoy.
Is it okay to leave out the ricotta cheese?
The ricotta adds creaminess, but if you need to skip it, try mixing in a bit of cream cheese or cottage cheese as a substitute. You can also simply rely on plenty of mozzarella and parmesan for cheesiness if ricotta isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe is a game-changer when you want that classic Italian comfort food without hours in the kitchen or stacks of dishes to clean. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor at every bite, making it a sure hit for dinner any night of the week. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to meals!
Print
Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining rich Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Prepared in an oven-safe skillet, it simplifies traditional lasagna by cooking noodles directly in the sauce, making dinner preparation faster and cleanup easier, while delivering comforting, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta
- 8 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready), broken into small pieces
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and position the oven rack in the top third to prepare for baking the lasagna after stovetop cooking.
- Cook the Sausage and Onions: In a large, oven-safe 12″ skillet, brown the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks until no longer pink and the onions are tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauces and Noodles: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef or chicken broth, and sprinkle dried oregano into the skillet, stirring well. Then add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the sauce mixture.
- Simmer the Noodles: Once the mixture bubbles, reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer—not a full boil—and cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Continue until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente) and the sauce thickens to a saucy consistency instead of watery. This process prevents noodles from being undercooked by the end.
- Add Cheeses and Bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon dollops of ricotta evenly over the top, then sprinkle parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses over everything. Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. After baking, switch to broil for a few minutes to brown and bubble the cheese—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to allow it to set. Optionally, season with extra salt and pepper and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a large, oven-safe skillet at least 12 inches wide to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Breaking lasagna noodles into small pieces helps them cook faster and fit well in the skillet.
- Maintain a gentle simmer during noodle cooking to avoid sticking and ensure proper texture.
- Be attentive when broiling the cheese to achieve perfect browning without burning.
- Optional fresh herbs such as basil or parsley add a nice fresh flavor and color on top.
