Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

Love lasagna but hate fussing with layering everything up? This easy skillet lasagna is going to make your life way easier. It’s just as delicious, but with a fraction of the work.

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: All the fun and flavor of lasagna in one pan, making cleanup a cinch.

How long it takes: 45 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: large skillet with cover, stove, sharp knife
Servings: 8

Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (1)

Table of Contents close

  • 1 Recipe Overview
  • 2 About this skillet lasagna
  • 3 FAQs
  • 4 Make It Your Own
  • 5 What To Serve With This Lasagna
  • 6 Make Ahead Idea
  • 8 More dinners made in one skillet
  • 9 Free Meal Plan
  • 10 Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

I absolutely love lasagna (I mean, who doesn’t?!), but I really do not like making it. Really, whose idea was it to try spreading a ricotta cheese mixture onto a messy sauce mixture? It just doesn’t work, and the type-A in me gets so frustrated when the layers start to mix together.

The good thing about this skillet lasagna is that it’smeant to be mixed together. No layers here, but all the flavor of lasagna that you love!

I have a challenge for you. Think outside of the box and re-imagine traditional lasagna. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • lasagna soup or vegetarian lasagna soup
  • pepperoni pizza lasagna rolls – kids love these!
  • lasagna zucchini boats – easy to make and low carb (zucchini instead of noodles)
  • stuffed shells with meat – all the flavors of lasagna using a different pasta
  • Mexican lasagna with Swiss chard – with corn tortillas replacing the noodles and lots of good-for-you veggies.
Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2)

About this skillet lasagna

Healthier lasagna. This lasagna is made with turkey Italian sausage, which is lower in fat, and it’s loaded with spinach (I just can’t help myself). The recipe calls for regular lasagna noodles because I want it to taste just like “real” lasagna, but you could easily use whole wheat pasta or a non-foamy gluten-free pasta.

One pan recipe. This is a classic one pan pasta that cooks all in…ONE PAN. I’m really beginning to believe that there is no other way to prepare pasta. Why would you! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making it thick and hearty, and adding so much flavor to the pasta.

No skimping on the cheese! I finish this recipe by stirring in mozzarella. The cheese helps thicken the sauce and makes it ultra-creamy. Plus, what’s lasagna without mozzarella? Creamy ricotta is spooned on the top. The crowning touch is a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

This skillet lasagna has been a hit with every single person who has tried it! I know you’re going to love it, too.

Look for the printable recipe card at the end of this post. You’ll find a complete ingredient list, instructions, and nutrition information.

FAQs

How much is 1 serving of lasagna?

According to Nutritionix, one serving of lasagna is about one and a half cups, and has 602 calories. A serving of this skillet lasagna is 272 calories!

How many layers is best for lasagna?

Most lasagnas have at least three layers. Most recipes I’ve seen have six: sauce, noodles, ricotta repeated twice. Kind of a hassle which is why I love this recipe.

Why is lasagna so bad for you?

Many lasagna recipes have loads of fatty ground beef, two to three kinds of cheese, and white pasta. That all adds up to a rather unhealthy main dish. That’s why I substitute turkey sausage for beef and use way less cheese than traditional lasagna. If you use whole wheat noodles, you’ve added another layer of nutrition. I also throw in a big pile of spinach. Win-win!

Make It Your Own

There are oh so many ways! Here are a few ideas:

  • A different type of meat. Ground beef, ground turkey, pork Italian sausage, or even ground chicken are good alternatives.
  • Vegetarian: Easy! Leave out the meat. Add sautéed mushrooms to make it extra hearty.
  • Add cottage cheese. If lasagna isn’t lasagna to you without cottage cheese, stir it in at the end for added creaminess and protein.
  • Try it with a different pasta shape. Eliminate the step of having to crack the lasagna noodles by trying this recipe with penne pasta, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. I like to use ruffled varieties like campanelle or radiatore to imitate the ruffled edges of the lasagna noodles. Use the cooking directions on the box of pasta as a guide, but keep in mind that one pan pastas often take longer to cook than indicated on the box.
Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (4)

What To Serve With This Lasagna

This lasagna works well with some classics, like a green salad with homemade healthy ranch dressing, or a loaf of crusty bread with Italian bread dipping oil. Try roasted broccoli for extra vegetables!

Like a glass of wine with dinner? Pair this lasagna with a juicy red wine, such as Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, or Zinfandel.

Make Ahead Idea

Skillet lasagna tastes great as a baked casserole, too. Make this recipe (not the topping) and then transfer it into a sprayed baking dish (9 x 13 inch). Cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight, remove foil and plastic, and put cold pan in cold oven (this will prevent it from shattering), heat oven to 350ºF, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.Add the topping when you serve the lasagna.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover skillet lasagna can be refrigerated for up to three days in a tightly covered container. Store the ricotta separately.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or in the microwave. If the lasagna seems a little too thick, add a bit of water. The noodles tend to absorb moisture even after they’ve finished cooking.

Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (5)

More dinners made in one skillet

  • Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
  • Sausage and Bean Skillet (30 minute meal)
  • Skillet Gnocchi with Chicken and Tomato Sauce
  • One Pot Vegetarian Orzo with Sundried Tomatoes
  • One Pan Sausage Dinner with Fall Vegetables
  • Orange Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy
  • One Pan Sausage and Rice with Sweet Peppers

Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (6)

Free Meal Plan

Interested in a weekly meal plan (it’s free!) that includes this easy recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #7 or Meal Plan #52. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly.

Browse Meal Plans

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (7)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

8 servings

Print Rate Recipe

Love lasagna but hate fussing with layering everything up? This easy skillet lasagna is going to make your life way easier. It's just as delicious, but with a fraction of the work.

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. (19.5 oz) Italian turkey sausage links, removed from casings
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 jars (25 oz. each) pasta sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ pound lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  • In a large skillet (that has a cover available) over medium high heat, cook turkey sausage and chopped onions, breaking up sausage, for 5 to 10 minutes or until sausage is browned and onions are translucent. Add garlic, and continue to cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.

  • Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, and lasagna noodle pieces.Bring to simmer. Keep simmering, partially covered, stirring frequently (see note), for 15 to 20 minutes, until pasta is tender. Mixture will thicken as pasta absorbs the liquid.

  • Add spinach, stir well, and cook for 5 more minutes, until spinach is wilted.

  • Stir in mozzarella, until melted and creamy.

  • Serve with dollops of ricotta cheese, and fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

  • Stir the pasta frequently as it cooks, making sure to separate the lasagna noodles. They have a tendency to stick to each other or to the bottom of the pan.
  • If desired, substitute other types of pasta, such as radiatore or campanelle. Most any kind of pasta would work, including whole wheat.
  • Italian sausage made from pork can be substituted for turkey Italian sausage.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 403kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 1195mg, Potassium: 742mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 2183IU, Vitamin C: 37mg, Calcium: 207mg, Iron: 9mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

Easy Skillet Lasagna - One Pan! Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

FAQs

Do you spray the bottom of a pan when making lasagna? ›

For the best results, we offer the following tips for assembling your lasagne: Begin with a 13 x 9 x 3-inches deep baking pan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the baking pan and begin layering.

Do you put sauce on the bottom of the pan for lasagna? ›

However you make lasagna, there is one rule you should always follow: Start with sauce. Whether you are using a baking dish or a skillet, there needs to be an even layer of sauce covering the entire bottom of the pan before any of the other ingredients are added.

How many layers in a pan of lasagna? ›

Betony Kitchen says you could make lasagna with as little as two layers for a quick lasagna that doesn't take long to bake. Many, however, would consider this skimping. Most recipes you'll find for lasagna call for a minimum of three layers, which seems to be the universal standard.

Do you grease pan before lasagna? ›

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a deep 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.

Do you bake lasagna at 350 or 375? ›

Assemble the lasagna in an oven-safe container and store it in the refrigerator. The temperature should be at or below 40 degrees. When you are ready to cook the lasagna, bake it in the oven for approximately 60 minutes at 375 degrees.

Should lasagna be baked in glass or metal pan? ›

Acidic ingredients like tomatoes and citrus can react with aluminum (the most common metal used in bakeware), creating a metallic taste in your food. This is why lasagna and other casseroles with acidic ingredients are often baked in glass.

What is the correct order to layer lasagna? ›

The correct way to compose lasagna is: ragù sauce on the base, then: lasagna pasta, besciamella sauce, ragù sauce, grated parmesan cheese for each layer, tipically 4 or 5 layers, no more because it will get difficult to bake and the pasta will not be completely cooked in the middle layers.

Should lasagna sauce be thick or runny? ›

So, to achieve the perfect lasagna, the consistency of the sauce is absolutely essential. Both the ragù and béchamel sauce should be dense and creamy. Avoid sauces that are too liquid and slide to the bottom of the dish. A thicker consistency of the sauce will allow the pasta to be flavoured in the best possible way.

How do you keep lasagne from burning on the bottom? ›

First, you should add a bit of olive oil and a splash of sauce to the bottom of the pan (via Today). Remember that the lasagna will be in the oven for around 45 minutes, so having oil and sauce keeps the bottom from burning and sticking to the baking dish.

Do you put cheese in between lasagna layers? ›

The best way to layer your lasagna is to start with a layer of red sauce, follow it up with a layer of white sauce, then pasta, then cheese. Follow this pattern until you've filled your tray.

Should you criss cross lasagna noodles? ›

(Do notice that I put the noodles criss cross – perpendicular from the layer below – it helps it to hold together when you serve it). So, the noodles directly on the cheese means there won't be enough for a top layer of noodles.

Why is my lasagna falling apart? ›

If your lasagna is falling apart it could be because, it is to hot. Let it sit about 5 mins after you pull it out of the oven.

Why do you put milk in lasagna? ›

The secret ingredient? Milk. It tenderises the meat, to leave you with the most tender ragù. Use a deep dish and find out how to layer a lasagne.

Why should you not cover lasagna in a metal pan with foil? ›

It may sound surprising, but you shouldn't cover a casserole dish with foil directly when baking, as it can impact the final dish. "Acidic foods like tomato sauce [in lasagna] will react adversely when exposed to foil under the heat of the oven," says Brian Owenby, chef at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

How long should lasagna sit out before baking? ›

The lasagna needs at least 5 hours to chill and let the sauce soften the noodles, but you can definitely make it the night before (even 3 days before) and bake it when you need it. Want your own freezer lasagna? Wrap it up in foil once you assemble it, no need to bake it beforehand.

How do you keep lasagna from sticking to the pan? ›

The most important step is to always add a layer of sauce to the pan before assembling lasagna, the sauce acts as a barrier between the noodles and prevents them from sticking to the pan, according Lisa Cericola, Southern Living's deputy editor.

How do you keep the bottom of lasagna from burning? ›

First, you should add a bit of olive oil and a splash of sauce to the bottom of the pan (via Today). Remember that the lasagna will be in the oven for around 45 minutes, so having oil and sauce keeps the bottom from burning and sticking to the baking dish.

How do I make sure my lasagna doesn't stick? ›

How To Cook Lasagna Noodles Without Sticking
  1. Use Plenty of Water. When boiling your lasagna noodles, make sure to use a large pot and fill it with plenty of water. ...
  2. Add Salt to the Water. ...
  3. Stir the Noodles Often. ...
  4. Cook Al Dente. ...
  5. Rinse with Cold Water. ...
  6. Use Olive Oil or Cooking Spray. ...
  7. Layer with Sauce and Cheese.
Feb 7, 2024

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