Name: Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 3 cups mini farfalle noodles; 1 cup ricotta cheese, at room temperature (or cottage cheese); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

There is nothing quite like the comforting hug of a well-made Skillet Lasagna Recipe to brighten up any mealtime. This one-pan wonder combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna—rich Italian sausage, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella—without the fuss of layering and baking. Imagine stirring together bubbling marinara, perfectly cooked mini farfalle noodles, and a blend of cheeses all in a cast iron skillet, resulting in a dish that is as quick to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving cozy comfort food, this Skillet Lasagna Recipe is sure to satisfy and become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and dishes on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. There is one large white bowl filled with uncooked bowtie pasta that is yellow and textured with ridges. Next to it is a small white bowl with a light brown spice and another small white bowl filled with a pale yellow powder. A square white bowl holds a rich red tomato sauce with a smooth but slightly chunky texture. Another small white bowl is filled with a creamy, white sauce. A white bowl contains shredded white cheese with a soft, stringy texture. A larger white bowl has raw red ground meat shaped into a loose mound. There is a clear glass measuring cup with light brown broth, and an unpeeled yellow onion and a whole garlic bulb rest nearby. The arrangement is clean and bright, with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients work beautifully together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your skillet lasagna. Each one plays a crucial role in building a dish that feels hearty and homemade.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the sausage and onion, adding a subtle richness and preventing sticking.

Italian sausage: Provides a savory, slightly spiced meaty base that fills the dish with flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the sausage.
Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth to the dish’s foundation.
Marinara sauce: The tangy tomato sauce that ties everything together with its herby tomato goodness.

Chicken broth: Creates the perfect cooking liquid for the noodles and infuses subtle savory notes.
Mini farfalle noodles: Their petite bow-tie shape cooks quickly and holds sauce beautifully.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild flavor to balance the robust meat and sauce.

Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the ricotta’s flavor without overpowering.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness on top.
Grated parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty finish to complete the cheesy topping.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna Recipe

The image shows a white pan with a black rim sitting on a white marbled surface, filled with cooked ground meat mixed with light golden diced onions. The meat is brown and crumbly, covering most of the pan, with the onions scattered evenly throughout. There are small bits of cooked onion visible in the spaces between the meat. The pan has a smooth white interior and is viewed from above, showing the texture and color contrast between the browned meat and the pale onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, minced garlic, and diced yellow onion. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and the onion turns translucent. This step creates a flavorful base with perfectly browned meat and softened aromatics to build from. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease before moving on to keep the dish from getting too oily.

Step 2: Add Sauce, Broth, and Noodles

Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce along with the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the mini farfalle noodles, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. The combination of broth and marinara forms a rich cooking liquid that will tenderize the pasta and absorb all those savory flavors. Cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium for the noodles to cook evenly.

Step 3: Simmer the Lasagna

Let the noodles simmer covered for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to distribute the sauce evenly. Pay attention as the noodles absorb the liquid—you may need to add small amounts of water if it seems to be drying out. This slow simmer ensures that the noodles are perfectly al dente and infused with the hearty tomato and sausage flavors.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

While the noodles finish cooking, mix the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning in a small bowl to create a lightly herbed, creamy topping. Once the skillet comes off the heat, gently dollop this mixture over the noodles without stirring it in—this lets you get pockets of creamy richness throughout. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly on top. Cover the pan and let it sit for about 5 minutes so the cheeses melt beautifully. For a golden, bubbly finish, briefly broiling just before serving works wonders.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that really brightens the richness of the lasagna. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also complements the flavors nicely if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Because this skillet lasagna recipe is so hearty, fresh green sides work best. Try a crisp garden salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, steamed broccoli for a touch of bitterness, or garlic bread to mop up every last cheesy, saucy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, eye-catching presentation. Or layer the final dish in a large shallow serving bowl, allowing each guest to scoop out their perfect share of noodles, meat, and cheese melt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover skillet lasagna to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it ideal for enjoying as next-day comfort food.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this lasagna in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the noodles from drying out.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Covering the pan helps melt the cheese again and keeps everything nice and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a bit of spice and seasoning, ground beef works well if you prefer a milder flavor. You can always add extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to compensate.

Are there substitutions for mini farfalle noodles?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orecchiette, or even broken-up lasagna noodles can be used in this skillet lasagna recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap the sausage for plant-based meat crumbles or simply increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

Why do I need to cover the skillet while cooking?

Covering traps steam and heat evenly, which cooks the noodles thoroughly while allowing them to absorb the flavorful liquids. It also prevents the sauce from drying out too quickly.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms added during the sauté step are great ways to sneak in more veggies and layer on extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Lasagna Recipe turns all the best parts of classic lasagna into a quick, satisfying one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. Don’t wait—grab your skillet and start sautéing your way to cheesy, saucy bliss tonight!

Skillet Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need