Easy One-Pan Skillet Lasagna: Your Ultimate Stovetop Recipe

Forget the oven and complicated layering! This **Skillet Lasagna** is a weeknight wonder that brings all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna to your table with minimal effort. Imagine tender sheets of pasta, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and a luscious, creamy cheese filling, all prepared and cooked right in a single skillet on your stovetop. It’s the perfect solution for a comforting, satisfying meal without the fuss.

If you love innovative takes on traditional Italian dishes, be sure to explore other favorites like our Taco Lasagna for a spicy twist, or the incredibly convenient one-skillet Baked Ravioli Lasagna.

Effortless Skillet Lasagna: A Weeknight Game-Changer

Traditional lasagna is undeniably delicious, but it often demands a significant time commitment and leaves a mountain of dishes. That’s where our “lazy” one-skillet version shines! It drastically cuts down on both prep and cleanup, transforming a weekend project into a feasible weeknight dinner. While you’ll still need a couple of bowls for mixing, they’re quick to wash, making this recipe a true winner for busy cooks.

Despite its simplified approach, this Skillet Lasagna delivers the authentic taste and comforting layers you expect from the classic dish. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory marinara, hearty Italian sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and generously melted cheese. It’s a truly delicious treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to create. What’s more, you can easily slice and serve it directly from the skillet, eliminating the need for transfer and further reducing cleanup – making it the ultimate no-fuss meal for families.

Mastering Skillet Lasagna: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this magnificent one-skillet lasagna is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:

1. Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce: Begin by sautéing diced onion in olive oil until softened. Then, add ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked, stir in minced garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and your favorite marinara sauce. Allow this flavorful mixture to simmer briefly, letting the aromas meld beautifully, before transferring the majority of it to a separate bowl, leaving just enough to start your layers in the skillet.
2. Craft the Creamy Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, two large eggs (which help bind the mixture), and fresh basil ribbons. Season this creamy blend with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor that complements the robust meat sauce.
3. Layer with Precision: The magic of lasagna lies in its layers. Start by spreading a portion of the meat sauce at the bottom of your skillet. Follow this with a layer of the creamy cheese mixture, then carefully arrange uncooked “oven-ready” lasagna pasta sheets on top. Break the pasta as needed to fit the pan, ensuring a single, even layer without overlapping. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce. Don’t forget to drizzle a little hot water over the pasta layers to aid in cooking!
4. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (or foil if a lid isn’t available) and bring the contents to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the lasagna to cook, covered, for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. The key here is a steady, gentle simmer. After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for a few minutes. This crucial resting period allows the pasta to fully soften and the lasagna to set, making it easier to serve. Finally, uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheeses, cover again briefly to melt, and get ready to enjoy!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Skillet Lasagna

The success of this one-skillet lasagna lies in selecting quality ingredients. Here are a few components worth highlighting to ensure maximum flavor and ease:

• High-Quality, Thick Marinara Sauce: The marinara forms the backbone of your sauce, so choose wisely! A robust, flavorful, and thick marinara sauce, such as Rao’s®, can significantly elevate the dish, giving it a homemade taste without extra effort. Many premium marinara sauces already contain a delightful blend of olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, pepper, and oregano, meaning you won’t need to add many additional seasonings. Feel free to choose any brand you personally enjoy and trust for its flavor.
• Fire-Roasted Crushed Tomatoes: These tomatoes are a secret weapon for adding depth and a subtle smoky, sweet complexity to your sauce. They are cooked over an open flame before being canned, which imparts a unique flavor profile that standard diced or crushed tomatoes simply can’t replicate. This small upgrade makes a big difference in the overall richness of your meat sauce.
• Ground Italian Sausage: This ingredient is key for that classic Italian flavor. You have the flexibility to choose either spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick, or mild Italian sausage for a gentler, more traditional taste. For those who like to customize their heat level, consider serving red pepper flakes on the side, allowing everyone to adjust to their preference. You can even combine mild and spicy for a balanced warmth.

Ingredient Spotlight: Making Every Element Count

Beyond the core components, a few other ingredients play crucial roles in ensuring your Skillet Lasagna is nothing short of spectacular:

• Fresh Basil: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! Fresh basil introduces a vibrant, aromatic freshness that brightens the entire dish. Tossing in ribbons of fresh basil to your cheese filling, or as a garnish, adds layers of flavor without requiring a multitude of extra ingredients, further simplifying the preparation of this easy Skillet Lasagna.
• “Oven-Ready” or “No-Boil” Lasagna Pasta: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for stovetop lasagna. Traditional lasagna noodles require pre-boiling, which adds another pot to wash and an extra step. “Oven-ready” or “no-boil” pasta sheets are specifically designed to cook directly in the sauce, absorbing liquids and softening to perfection right in your skillet. Ensure your package explicitly states “oven-ready” or “no cook/boil” for the best results. A recommended brand is Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagne Pasta.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, for the absolute best melting consistency and flavor, we highly recommend grating your own mozzarella and Parmesan. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch that can prevent them from melting into that smooth, gooey perfection you desire in a lasagna. Taking a few extra minutes to grate your own will yield a noticeably superior texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Lasagna

Pro Tips for Skillet Lasagna Success

To ensure your Skillet Lasagna turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:

• Add Hot Water Over Pasta Layers: This might seem counterintuitive, but drizzling a small amount of hot water (about 2 tablespoons per pasta layer) directly over the uncooked pasta sheets before covering is critical. This extra moisture helps ensure the “no-boil” noodles have enough liquid to fully hydrate and cook through, resulting in perfectly tender pasta throughout the dish.
• Master the Gentle Simmer: The ideal simmering temperature is key. You’re looking for a gentle, consistent bubble only around the edges of your skillet. If there’s no movement, your heat is too low, and the pasta won’t cook. If it’s bubbling vigorously in the center, the heat is too high, risking a dry lasagna with burnt edges. Avoid the temptation to frequently lift the lid, as this releases valuable steam needed for cooking the pasta. Remember, the pasta will continue to soften and the flavors will meld beautifully during the crucial resting period after simmering.
• Customization for Dietary Preferences or Flavor Variations:
  • For a Lighter Option: Easily transform this hearty dish by substituting ground turkey for the Italian sausage. To maintain that classic Italian flavor profile, be sure to add spices like a pinch of paprika, a few fennel seeds (crushed), a dash of garlic powder, and extra Italian seasoning to the turkey as it browns.
  • Boost Your Veggies: To incorporate more greens, stir about 3 cups of chopped fresh spinach directly into the meat sauce with the sausage before simmering. The spinach will wilt down beautifully and add a nutritional boost without compromising flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers, or let individuals sprinkle them on their serving.
• Don’t Overlap Pasta Sheets: When placing your oven-ready lasagna noodles, ensure they are laid in a single, even layer, breaking them to fit the skillet if necessary. Overlapping pasta sheets will prevent them from cooking through properly, leaving you with crunchy, undercooked spots.

Explore More Delightful Pasta Dishes

If you loved the comfort and flavor of this Skillet Lasagna, you’re sure to enjoy these other saucy and satisfying pasta recipes:

• Creamy Chicken Pasta: Indulge in a rich, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a luxurious cream sauce.
• Ultra-Creamy Vegetable Pasta: A surprisingly rich pasta that gets its creamy texture without any dairy, packed with wholesome vegetables.
• Butternut Squash Pasta: A seasonal favorite, featuring sweet butternut squash sauce topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible combination.
• 20-Minute Zucchini Pasta Sauce: A quick and light pasta dish showcasing the fresh flavors of summer squash and zucchini with Parmesan and lemon.
• Creamy Sausage Pasta: A hearty and flavorful dish featuring savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce.

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

By

Chelsea Lords

Skillet Lasagna has it all—tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese—made easily in one skillet on the stovetop, no oven needed!

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Equipment

• Large pan
  nonstick, 10 to 12 inches

Ingredients

Meat Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (1/2 of an onion)
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (I love Rao’s!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Filling

• 2 large eggs
• 1-1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (cut in ribbons, or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Pasta

• 8 to 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles (no cook/boil, see note 1)
• 1/4 cup hot water (divided)

Instructions

1. In a large nonstick pan (10–12 inches), heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add in diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Increase heat to high and add ground Italian sausage, along with salt and pepper to taste (I typically add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Cook, breaking and crumbling the sausage with a wooden spoon until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. If there is an excess of grease, carefully drain it off or dab the meat with a paper towel. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes and marinara sauce to the pan. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the cheese filling. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt or pepper). Transfer all but 1 cup (approximately 135g) of this rich meat sauce to a separate bowl.
4. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs lightly with a fork. Stir in the ricotta cheese, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup (50g) of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup (15g) of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and season to taste with salt and pepper (I usually add 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt).
5. Now, begin layering in the skillet. Spread 1 cup (220g) of the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce already in the pan. On top of this, add 1 and 1/2 cups (395g) of the reserved meat sauce. Carefully place 3–4 of the uncooked “oven-ready” lasagna noodles over the meat sauce. Break the pasta as needed to ensure it forms an even, single layer (avoid overlapping, as this will prevent the pasta from cooking properly). Drizzle 2 tablespoons of hot water evenly over the pasta sheets.
6. Add the remaining cheese mixture on top of the pasta. Follow with another 1-3/4 cups (455g) of the meat sauce, spread in an even layer. Place the remaining 3–4 uncooked pasta noodles (broken to fit the pan) on top of the meat sauce. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of very hot water evenly over this final pasta layer. Finally, add the last of the meat sauce (approximately 1-3/4 cups; 370g) on top.
7. Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, aiming for a gentle simmer only at the edges of the pan. Cover the pan tightly with a lid (or foil if a lid is unavailable). Simmer, covered, for 20–25 minutes (refer to Note 2 for simmering tips). Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the pasta to finish cooking and the lasagna to set. Finally, remove the lid and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup (50g) mozzarella cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Cover again for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. Cut into slices (it might be a little messy, but delicious!), serve immediately, and enjoy your effortless Skillet Lasagna!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: No-cook/boil lasagna pasta: For the pasta to cook thoroughly and efficiently within the specified time, it is essential to use the correct type of lasagna noodles. Look for packages explicitly labeled “oven ready” or “no boil/cooking required.” These noodles are specially formulated to soften and cook directly in the sauce.

Note 2: Perfect Simmering Technique: When simmering the lasagna, observe the edges of the pot; there should be a gentle, consistent bubble. If there is no movement, the temperature is too low, and the lasagna noodles will not cook through properly. Conversely, if there is too much movement and vigorous bubbling, the heat is too high, which can cause the sauce to dry out prematurely and potentially burn the bottom layers. Also, resist the urge to check the pasta frequently, as lifting the lid releases valuable steam necessary for efficient cooking.

Storage: Allow the Skillet Lasagna to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen in an airtight container or wrapped securely in foil for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 1118kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 63g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 295mg | Sodium: 2950mg | Potassium: 1438mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2154IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 1081mg | Iron: 6mg

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

Loved this recipe? Leave a comment below!