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Effortless One-Pot Skillet Lasagna: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

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Say goodbye to complicated layering and multiple baking dishes! This incredible One-Pot Skillet Lasagna recipe delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Crafted with savory ground Italian sausage, a vibrant marinara sauce, and a blend of delicious cheeses, this easy skillet lasagna comes together in just one pan, promising less cleanup and more time enjoying a hearty meal with your family.

If you’re a fan of a delicious pasta recipe, you’ll adore this simplified approach to lasagna. We’ve streamlined the entire process, allowing you to achieve those classic, mouth-watering lasagna flavors without the traditional oven baking. This one-pot wonder is designed for convenience, ensuring you can whip up a magnificent dinner any night of the week with minimal fuss.

Imagine tender lasagna noodles, cooked right in a rich, meaty sauce, enveloped in a gooey, cheesy mixture—all from a single skillet. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight game-changer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this one-pot recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a satisfying outcome every time. Get ready to add this quick lasagna dinner to your regular rotation!

Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

Crafting this simple skillet lasagna requires a handful of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and the robust flavors each component brings. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing weeknight lasagna:

Protein: Ground Italian Sausage – The star of our meat sauce! Ground Italian sausage, either mild or hot, adds incredible depth and flavor to this skillet pasta dish. It browns beautifully and infuses the entire sauce with its aromatic spices. For a different twist, you can explore other ground meats like lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
Flavorful Seasonings: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Kosher Salt, and Ground Black Pepper – These essential seasonings elevate the taste profile of your lasagna. Onion powder and garlic powder provide a foundational savory base, while Italian seasoning brings together a harmonious blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, truly capturing the essence of classic Italian cuisine. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, allowing you to perfectly balance the flavors.
Rich Sauce: Marinara Sauce – Your favorite brand of marinara sauce will serve as the delicious base for our one-pot lasagna. A good quality marinara provides a rich tomato flavor and often comes pre-seasoned, saving you time. Feel free to use a homemade version if you have one on hand!
Cooking Liquid: Chicken Broth – This is crucial for cooking the lasagna noodles directly in the skillet. Chicken broth adds another layer of savory flavor to the dish, ensuring the noodles absorb a delicious essence as they soften. Keep extra on hand in case the sauce thickens too quickly during simmering.
Added Texture and Flavor: Diced Tomatoes – A can of diced tomatoes contributes additional tomato flavor and a lovely texture to the pasta sauce. They break down slightly as they cook, releasing juices that enhance the overall richness of the sauce.
Noodles: Regular Lasagna Noodles (Broken) – No need for fancy “oven-ready” noodles here! Regular lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces, cook perfectly in the simmering sauce. Breaking them ensures they fit well in the skillet and are easy to eat, mimicking the layers of traditional lasagna in a deconstructed form.
Creamy Goodness: Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, and Mozzarella Cheese – This trio of cheeses creates the iconic creamy, cheesy pockets that are synonymous with lasagna. Cottage cheese or ricotta provides a tangy, moist base, Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick, and mozzarella melts into gooey, stretchy perfection, binding all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna

Making this one-pot lasagna is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly, perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and comforting dinner:

Brown the Sausage: Begin by adding your ground Italian sausage to a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish and ensuring a clean flavor.
Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper directly into the cooked sausage. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant. Next, pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Add Noodles and Simmer: Now it’s time for the lasagna noodles! Break your regular lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. It’s important to stir frequently (every 3-5 minutes) to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. If the liquid level gets too low and the noodles aren’t yet tender, add a bit more chicken broth, about ¼ to ½ cup at a time, until they are cooked through.
Prepare the Cheesy Mixture: While the noodles are simmering, prepare your cheesy topping. In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese), grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. This mixture will add the signature creamy, rich flavor and texture to your skillet lasagna.
Melt the Cheese and Serve: Once the lasagna noodles are tender and cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Spoon dollops of the cheesy mixture over the top of the lasagna in the skillet, or gently stir it into the pasta and sauce mixture until well distributed. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheeses to melt into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible layer. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade one-pot skillet lasagna!

Storing Leftover One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

This easy lasagna recipe tastes even better the next day! Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain delicious and safe to eat.

Fridge: To store leftover skillet lasagna, simply scoop it into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, and it will keep fresh for up to 5 days. When reheating, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezer: For longer storage, portion out the cooled lasagna into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing this dish makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy future evenings!

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Simple Skillet Lasagna

Here are some additional insights and customizable options to make your one-pot skillet lasagna truly your own, ensuring it’s always a hit at your dinner table:

Meat to Use:

While ground Italian sausage provides a fantastic flavor foundation for this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other ground meats based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Lean Ground Beef: For a classic, slightly less spicy flavor, lean ground beef works wonderfully. Ensure you drain any excess fat after browning.
Ground Chicken or Turkey: If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey can be substituted. These leaner meats absorb the flavors of the seasonings and marinara beautifully. You might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning to boost their inherent taste.
Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, consider using plant-based ground crumbles or a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and lentils as your protein base.

Delicious Toppings for Your Skillet Lasagna:

Serving this simple recipe as is delivers incredible flavor, but a few fresh toppings can elevate it even further, adding a burst of freshness or a touch of heat:

Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves adds a vibrant aroma and a pop of color, enhancing the Italian flavors.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Beyond what’s in the cheesy mixture, an extra dusting of high-quality grated Parmesan just before serving provides a salty, umami finish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over individual servings can add a delightful warmth.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley can add a refreshing, herbaceous note.
Dollop of Ricotta/Cottage Cheese: A final dollop of the creamy cheese mixture on top of each serving makes for a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of creaminess.

Type of Noodles to Use:

To maintain the traditional essence of this one-pot lasagna while embracing its simplified nature, I prefer using regular uncooked lasagna noodles. Breaking them into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly in the skillet and integrate well into the sauce, creating a delightful texture that mimics the layers of a baked lasagna.

However, this recipe is incredibly adaptable! You can use almost any uncooked pasta shape you have on hand. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even large elbow macaroni can work as excellent substitutes. Just ensure the pasta cooks thoroughly in the sauce, adjusting the simmering time and broth as needed. The goal is a tender pasta that’s infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.

Do the Noodles Need to Be Oven-Ready?

Absolutely not! That’s one of the fantastic time-saving features of this one-pot skillet lasagna. When you add the chicken broth to this recipe, the regular lasagna noodles will cook directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all the delicious liquids. There’s no need to boil noodles separately on the stovetop, which means one less pot to clean and a much faster cooking process. This method ensures the pasta is perfectly tender and infused with all the robust flavors of the sauce and seasonings.

Why You Will Love This One-Pot Skillet Lasagna

This simple skillet lasagna isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how comforting classics can be reinvented for modern, busy lives. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this easy lasagna recipe again and again:

Unbeatable Convenience: The “one-pot” aspect means significantly less cleanup. No separate pots for boiling noodles, no multiple baking dishes—just one skillet from start to finish.
Speedy Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
Full-Bodied Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this recipe doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich marinara, fragrant seasonings, and a gooey cheese mixture ensures every bite is packed with classic lasagna goodness.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Lasagna is a universally loved dish, and this skillet version is no exception. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavors that appeal to both adults and children.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences by swapping out the protein, experimenting with different pasta shapes, or adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Economical: Made with common ingredients, this recipe is a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this skillet lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground Italian sausage. Instead, you can use a plant-based ground crumble, a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and lentils, or a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You might want to add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a deeper, umami flavor if you’re replacing meat.

What if my noodles are still hard after 20 minutes?

Cooking times can vary depending on your stove, skillet, and the thickness of your noodles. If your noodles are still hard, simply add another ½ cup of chicken broth, stir, cover, and continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically. Ensure the heat is low enough to maintain a gentle simmer without evaporating the liquid too quickly.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can! While the combination of cottage/ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a classic lasagna profile, feel free to experiment. Provolone or fontina can be added for extra meltiness, or a sharper cheddar for a different flavor. Just ensure you still have a good melting cheese (like mozzarella) for that gooey texture.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last few minutes of simmering to allow some liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, simply stir in an additional ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! This skillet lasagna is a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the sausage. You can also stir in fresh spinach or baby kale during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering, allowing them to wilt into the sauce.

Complementary Side Dish Recipes to Serve with Your Skillet Lasagna:

Round out your delicious one-pot meal with these fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with rich, cheesy pasta:

Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Garlic Pull Apart Rolls – Roll Dough Recipe: Garlicky and buttery, these rolls add an extra layer of indulgence.
Avocado Corn Salad: A light and refreshing salad to balance the richness of the lasagna.
Caprese Salad: Simple, fresh, and vibrant, a Caprese salad offers a cool counterpoint.

5 from 1 vote

One Pot Skillet Lasagna

By:

Julia Pacheco

Get all the flavors of lasagna with a fraction of the work with this Skillet Lasagna. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

30 minutes

Total:

35 minutes

Servings:
5

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Equipment

Large skillet

Ingredients

▢

1
lb
Italian sausage
▢

½
tsp
onion powder
▢

½
tsp
garlic powder
▢

½
tsp
Italian seasoning
▢

salt,
to taste
▢

ground black pepper ,
to taste
▢

24
oz
marinara sauce,
any brand
▢

2
cups
chicken broth,
plus extra if needed
▢

14
oz
diced tomatoes
▢

¾
lb
lasagna noodles,
broken into bite-sized pieces

Cheesy Mixture

▢

⅓
cup
cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
▢

¼
cup
parmesan cheese
▢

1
cup
mozzarella cheese

Cook Mode

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Instructions

Add the sausage to a large skillet and cook through until no pink remains. Once cooked, remove any excess grease from the pan.
Stir in the seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) and cook for one minute until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, and broken lasagna noodles, then bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring frequently (every 3-5 minutes) to prevent sticking. Add more broth if the liquid gets too low while simmering.
In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese and stir well to create the cheesy mixture.
Once the noodles are tender, turn the heat off. Spoon the cheesy mixture over the top of the lasagna or gently stir it in. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become wonderfully gooey. Serve hot and enjoy your easy one-pot skillet lasagna!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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We hope this one-pot skillet lasagna becomes a beloved staple in your home, bringing ease and deliciousness to your dinner table. If you give this incredibly simple and flavorful recipe a try, don’t forget to share your experience! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you loved this quick lasagna dinner!