If you love the comforting, cheesy charm of traditional lasagna but want a quicker and less fussy version, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings all the rich flavors of classic lasagna into one pan, cutting down on preparation and clean-up time while still delivering hearty layers of sausage, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this skillet lasagna is ready to become a staple you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to this dish’s charm. Each component plays its own role in building the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and vibrant flavors, while keeping the process incredibly straightforward. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage: Provides a savory, slightly spiced base that brings richness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a little kick of flavor that infuses the sausage and sauce.
- 24 ounces tomato basil garlic pasta sauce: This jarred sauce does double duty, bringing tomato sweetness and herbaceous notes effortlessly.
- 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the dish moist while allowing the noodles to cook perfectly without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 8 ounces dry lasagna noodles: Broken into smaller pieces, they cook right in the skillet, making layering a breeze.
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese: For that creamy, luxurious bite that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection for an irresistible finish.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): Brightens the dish with freshness and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Garlic
Begin by heating the mild Italian sausage along with the minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. This step shouldn’t be rushed—breaking the sausage apart and stirring frequently ensures even cooking and allows the garlic to release its fragrant oils, perfectly flavoring the meat. After about 5 to 7 minutes, your kitchen will start smelling incredible, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful base ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Broth
Next, pour in the entire jar of tomato basil garlic pasta sauce along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine. This mix not only brings that classic lasagna tomato flavor but also provides enough liquid to cook the noodles right in the skillet, which means less mess and more flavor infusion as everything cooks together.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the sauce mixture to a boil. This is an important step to ensure the noodles cook evenly once you add them and that the sauce heats through thoroughly, melding all those beautiful flavors before the next stage.
Step 4: Add the Broken Noodles
Break each dry lasagna noodle into three equal pieces—it’s a simple trick that helps the noodles fit nicely in the skillet and cook evenly without sticking out. Add them to the boiling sauce and gently stir to make sure every piece is coated and submerged. This helps the pasta soften and absorb the savory sauce flavors as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer at a low boil for 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom or clumping together. This patient cooking ensures tender pasta wrapped in sauce love, forming the hearty base of your skillet lasagna.
Step 6: Add Ricotta and Mozzarella
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, gently fold in the ricotta cheese to add creamy richness to the sauce. Then, layer the sliced fresh mozzarella on top, which will melt into a dreamy blanket of cheesy goodness. This step really transforms the dish into that comforting lasagna experience we all crave.
Step 7: Let It Set
After topping with cheese, cover the skillet again and turn off the heat. Allow the skillet lasagna to sit for about 5 minutes so the cheese softens just right and the sauce thickens slightly. This resting time is key to developing the final texture and making the dish that much more delicious.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
For a fresh, colorful finish, sprinkle chopped basil over the top if you have it on hand. Not only does it add a lovely pop of green, but the herbal brightness is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy lasagna. Serve it hot and watch everyone dive right in.
How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Besides fresh basil, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra warmth. These simple touches elevate the dish visually and enhance flavor complexity, making each serving feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for dipping. Both choices complement the richness of the lasagna and add texture and freshness to your meal, rounding out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small, ovenproof ramekins right out of the skillet, then broil the tops for a minute or two to get bubbly, golden cheese crowns. It’s a charming presentation that turns an everyday dinner into a delightful occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The skillet lasagna holds its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed skillet lasagna gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through and bubbly. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help keep the noodles moist and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While mild Italian sausage brings a classic flavor, you can swap it out for spicy sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based alternative depending on your preference. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
Do I need to precook the noodles?
Nope! Breaking the dry lasagna noodles into pieces and cooking them directly in the sauce and broth is what makes this skillet lasagna so easy and fast. The liquid cooks the noodles perfectly right in the pan.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different but still delicious creamy texture. Adjust the amount to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and use extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini sautéed with garlic to create a flavorful vegetarian skillet lasagna that everyone will enjoy.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe uses mild Italian sausage, so it has a gentle, comforting flavor without much heat. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage if you prefer a little kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Skillet Lasagna Recipe enough for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. It’s a delicious, satisfying crowd-pleaser that makes dinner feel homemade and special in a fraction of the time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy classic lasagna.
