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Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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3.9 from 21 reviews

This Skillet Lasagna is a quick and delicious one-pan Italian-inspired meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender mini farfalle noodles, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfect for a comforting dinner in around 50 minutes, this recipe uses a cast iron skillet to sauté, boil, and simmer everything to perfection, delivering all the flavors of traditional lasagna with less fuss and fewer dishes.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquids and Pasta

  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups mini farfalle noodles

Cheeses and Seasonings

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics and sausage. In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
  2. Add liquids and pasta. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a light boil. Stir in the mini farfalle noodles, making sure they are as submerged in the liquid as possible.
  3. Simmer the pasta. Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. If the noodles absorb too much liquid and it becomes dry, add 1/4 cup water as needed during cooking.
  4. Prepare the cheese mixture. While the pasta cooks, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning in a small bowl until well combined.
  5. Add cheeses and melt. Once the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Dollop the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta without stirring. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the surface.
  6. Let the cheese melt. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, letting the cheeses melt and meld into the dish. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes to brown the cheese until bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve the skillet lasagna. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve hot straight from the skillet for an easy, hearty meal.

Notes

  • If you prefer a cheesier crust, broil the skillet lasagna for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Mini farfalle noodles mimic the bite-sized pasta pieces in traditional lasagna and cook quickly; substitute with other small pasta shapes if needed.
  • Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste.
  • For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or omit sausage and add mushrooms or vegetables.
  • Letting the dish rest with the lid on allows the pasta to finish cooking gently and the cheese to melt properly.
  • Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet if planning to broil the cheese topping.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian