Skillet Lasagna
Skillet Lasagna is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug. Imagine layers of delicious Italian sausage mingling with hearty marinara sauce, tender pasta, and a melty blanket of cheese—a delightful combination that excites the senses. This one-pan wonder not only saves on cleanup but also ensures that dinner is on the table in less than an hour. It’s a homey meal perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends.

I first discovered the joy of Skillet Lasagna while searching for a way to enjoy my favorite pasta without the fuss of traditional baking. The layers of flavors come together effortlessly, and every bite brings a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will quickly turn this recipe into a favorite in your household. If you’re on the lookout for an easy, budget-friendly meal that pleases a crowd, this Skillet Lasagna is just the ticket. It’s time to create delicious memories around the dinner table!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up this dish in just 50 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, rich marinara, and ooey-gooey cheese is simply mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it hot from the skillet, and watch everyone gather around the table for a hearty feast.
- Flexible Serving: It’s great for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or even a comforting lunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute turkey sausage or use gluten-free pasta for a customized version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This oil is ideal for sautéing. Feel free to use avocado oil for a different flavor.
- 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage: Look for high-quality sausage for the best flavors. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage if going lighter.
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced: The onion adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip it! Shallots can be a nice alternative if you have them on hand.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for a robust flavor but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce: Your favorite store-bought variety works well. Homemade sauce can elevate this dish even further!
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: This adds moisture and flavor to the noodles. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute.
- 3 cups mini farfalle noodles: These fun little pasta pieces hold onto the sauce wonderfully. You can substitute with any small pasta like elbows or penne.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, at room temperature: Ricotta adds creaminess. If you prefer, cottage cheese gives a similar texture but with a slightly different taste.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend boosts the herbal notes in the dish. A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works as a DIY alternative.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Choose whole milk mozzarella for better meltiness. You can also mix in provolone for added flavor!
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: This final touch adds a salty, nutty kick. Freshly grated cheese is worth it!
How to Make Skillet Lasagna
Cook onion and meat: In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of uncooked Italian sausage, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and ½ diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease and return to the pan.
Add liquids and noodles: Pour in a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, bringing it to a light boil. Stir in 3 cups of mini farfalle noodles, ensuring they are covered with the liquid as much as possible.
Cook: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. If you notice the noodles absorbing too much liquid, add ¼ cup of water as needed.
Add cheeses: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of room temperature ricotta cheese with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Remove the skillet from heat and dollop the ricotta mixture over the lasagna without stirring. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated parmesan over the top.
Rest: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Alternatively, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Serve: Add a finishing touch by sprinkling with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the Skillet Lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for a couple of hours, but refrigeration is best, where it will last for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze your lasagna for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so feel free to stir in a splash of chicken broth or a bit of olive oil to refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Check for doneness: Ensure the pasta is tender by tasting it about 20 minutes into cooking.
- Drain excess grease from the sausage to avoid a greasy sauce.
- For creamier cheese layers, allow your ricotta to sit out and soften a bit before using.
- Want extra flavor? Add red pepper flakes for a kick!
- This dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for busy nights.
- Consider adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers when sautéing for added nutrition and flavor.
This dish captures the essence of Italian comfort food with a simple twist that you’ll absolutely love. It’s budget-friendly, packed with flavor, and requires minimal clean-up—a true win-win in the kitchen! As you savor each bite, know that experimenting with ingredients is always encouraged. Feel free to make this recipe your own!

Recipe FAQs
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Skillet Lasagna
This Skillet Lasagna offers an irresistible flavor and simple preparation. With layers of Italian sausage, rich marinara, and creamy cheese, it’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any night.
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 50 minutes
- Yield 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound uncooked italian sausage
- ½ medium yellow onion , diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 cups mini farfalle noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese , at room temperature, or cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the uncooked Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked.
- Drain the grease and return the skillet to the heat.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a light boil.
- Stir in the mini farfalle noodles, ensuring they’re mostly covered by the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Add water if necessary to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture over the lasagna without stirring. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Cover the skillet and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt, or broil briefly until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped spinach or mushrooms with the sauce.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




