Easy Skillet Lasagna: Your Go-To One-Pan Recipe for Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Imagine the rich, comforting flavors of classic homemade lasagna, but without the endless pots, multiple layers, and hours of baking. Sound like a dream? Well, your dream dinner is now a delicious reality with Skillet Lasagna! This innovative recipe brings you all the tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and creamy ricotta cheese you love, all cooked together in a single pan on your stove. It’s the quintessential flavors of traditional lasagna, magically ready for your dinner table in under an hour, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.

We all have those cherished recipes that taste absolutely divine, yet the sheer effort and time involved often relegate them to special occasions or weekend projects. Homemade lasagna, even in smaller portions for two, is a prime example. While the end result is undeniably satisfying, the journey to get there can be a marathon.

The Lasagna Dilemma: Why Traditional Lasagna is a Project

Let’s face it, a traditional lasagna recipe often feels like a culinary endurance test. Even if you wisely save time by using your favorite store-bought jarred pasta sauce, you’re still typically faced with a series of distinct, time-consuming steps:

• First, you must cook the lasagna noodles separately in a large pot of boiling water, adding another item to your cleanup list.
• Next, you prepare the flavorful filling, often involving browning meat and sautéing vegetables in yet another pan.
• Then comes the meticulous process of assembling all the layers – sauce, noodles, filling, cheese, repeat – into a large baking dish.
• And finally, the waiting game: the assembled lasagna needs to bake for a substantial 45-60 minutes in the oven, plus additional resting time.

Beyond the time commitment, traditional lasagna typically yields a massive 13×9 inch pan, which means a mountain of leftovers. While great for a large family or meal prepping, for individuals or smaller households (like when I create recipes for 1-2 people), that’s simply too much. Freezing portions helps, but sometimes you just want a manageable, fresh meal without the commitment of feeding an army.

While I’ve experimented with creative shortcuts like my one-pot lasagna soup, which captures the essence in a different form, there are times when you crave that undeniable, classic lasagna texture and structure.

Enter Skillet Lasagna: Your Weeknight Hero

This brilliant Skillet Lasagna recipe masterfully solves all these culinary challenges! It’s designed for efficiency and convenience, offering a delectable homemade meal without the fuss. Not only does it yield a perfectly reasonable 4 servings (ideal for two generous plates per person, or a couple of lunches for leftovers), but its crowning glory is that it cooks from start to finish in approximately 30 minutes right on your stovetop.

Now that sounds like the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, doesn’t it?

My goal was clear: to make this a true one-pan lasagna. This means absolutely no need to cook the noodles separately, eliminating an extra pot to wash and simplifying the entire process. After a few dedicated trials, I perfected the liquid proportions, ensuring every single noodle emerges tender and perfectly cooked. There’s nothing worse than finding crunchy, undercooked pasta in your dinner!

You don’t even need any special fancy no-boil lasagna noodles for this one-pan skillet creation (though you certainly can use them if that’s what you have on hand!). Regular lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, work beautifully.

While this particular recipe is structured as a delicious meatless lasagna, it’s incredibly versatile. You can effortlessly adapt it to include your favorite lasagna filling, such as seasoned ground beef and ricotta or even a blend with cottage cheese. The layering and cooking method remains fundamentally the same, making it a flexible foundation for your culinary creativity.

Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Lasagna

Crafting this quick and easy one-pan lasagna requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this comforting dish to life:

• Olive oil: The foundational fat for sautéing your vegetables, building a flavorful base for the entire dish.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics are indispensable. They infuse the filling with a savory depth that is characteristic of classic Italian cuisine.
• Mushrooms, carrots, and spinach: A vibrant trio of vegetables (and fungi!) that not only add texture and flavor but also significantly bulk up your lasagna filling, making it hearty and satisfying. Feel free to swap or add other quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Look for petite diced if available, as their smaller size integrates better into the sauce. However, regular diced tomatoes will work perfectly fine if petite diced are unavailable. These provide a tangy, robust tomato flavor and some textural variety.
• Canned tomato sauce: This refers to plain, smooth tomato purée. It’s crucial not to confuse this with pre-seasoned prepared pasta sauce, as the latter might alter the intended flavor profile. This creates the smooth, rich body of your lasagna sauce.
• Oregano and salt: Essential seasonings that impart that quintessential Italian herbaceousness and balance the overall flavor. A good pinch of salt is vital to bring out all the flavors.
• Sugar (optional): Depending on the acidity of your specific brand of canned tomatoes, a small amount of granulated sugar can help balance out any tartness, resulting in a perfectly rounded and mellow sauce. Taste your sauce before adding, and adjust as needed.
• Lasagna noodles: The heart of your lasagna! You can use either regular or oven-ready lasagna noodles. The key here is to break them into smaller, manageable 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly in the skillet and are easier to layer.
• Parmesan and ricotta cheese: You simply can’t have lasagna without a generous amount of cheese! Ricotta provides that signature creamy texture and mild sweetness, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: (Added from recipe card, crucial for stretch and melt). For that classic cheesy pull, shredded mozzarella is a must, melting beautifully into the hot lasagna.

What kind of pan do you use for skillet lasagna?

For this one-pan wonder, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet is your best friend. Pictured in this recipe is a sturdy 12-inch cast iron pan (affiliate link), which is excellent for even heat distribution and retention. However, any large skillet with a minimum 10-inch diameter and high sides will work perfectly. The most critical component? A tight-fitting lid! This is essential for trapping steam and ensuring your noodles cook thoroughly. Don’t have a lid that fits? No problem – a sheet of aluminum foil crimped tightly around the rim will create an effective seal.

How To Make Skillet Lasagna: Step-by-Step Perfection

The idea of cooking everything, including uncooked pasta, in a single pan might sound almost too good to be true, but rest assured, this method is incredibly effective and delivers fantastic results! The key is in the layering and the precise amount of liquid, ensuring your noodles absorb moisture and cook perfectly al dente. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create your flawless one-pan skillet lasagna:

1. Sauté Your Aromatics and Vegetables: Begin by heating the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced carrots along with a generous pinch of salt. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onions are translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.

2. Add Spinach and Garlic: Introduce the minced garlic and fresh spinach leaves to the pan. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring until the spinach has wilted down significantly and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – its flavor can turn bitter if overcooked.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the canned petite diced tomatoes (with their juices), canned tomato sauce (purée), granulated sugar (if using), dried oregano, and the remaining salt. Whisk everything until well combined. Taste the sauce – if your tomatoes are particularly acidic, adding the optional sugar here will help balance the flavors for a smoother, richer sauce.

4. Layer Noodles and Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Take your uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready) and break them into roughly 2-inch pieces. Arrange these noodle pieces evenly over the spinach and vegetable mixture in the skillet. It’s okay if they slightly overlap, but try to spread them out as much as possible. Then, carefully pour the prepared tomato sauce over the pasta, ensuring all the noodle pieces are fully submerged and covered by the liquid. This is critical for even cooking.

5. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with its lid (or aluminum foil) and bring the contents to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady, gentle bubble. Continue to cook, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a gentle stir halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

6. Stir in the Cheeses: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Dot spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Gently fold and stir these cheeses into the filling until everything is beautifully mixed and the cheeses are melted and creamy. This creates that signature luscious texture of lasagna. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and/or oregano for a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Lasagna

To ensure your skillet lasagna turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Ensure Noodles are Submerged: The most crucial step! All noodle pieces must be covered by the sauce for them to cook evenly. If your sauce seems a little dry, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While this recipe is for a single pan, ensure your skillet is large enough (10-12 inches) to comfortably hold all ingredients without overflowing. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Adjust Heat as Needed: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. A rapid boil can cause the sauce to evaporate too quickly before the noodles are fully cooked. A gentle simmer is ideal.
• Check for Doneness: After about 15-20 minutes of simmering, carefully taste a noodle to check for tenderness. If it’s still too firm, continue simmering for a few more minutes, adding a little more liquid if the pan seems dry.
• Room Temperature Cheese: Using ricotta and other cheeses at room temperature helps them melt more smoothly and integrate better into the hot lasagna.
• Let it Rest: Just like baked lasagna, letting your skillet lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld, making it easier to serve.

What To Serve With Skillet Lasagna

To transform your homemade skillet lasagna into a complete and truly satisfying meal, consider pairing it with a few complementary side dishes. A fresh, crisp salad offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the lasagna, while a warm bread can help soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple yet elegant green onion salad or a classic Caesar salad offers a refreshing crunch and cuts through the richness of the pasta.
• Warm Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of warm bread. Whether it’s small batch dinner rolls slathered with butter, or a flavorful homemade garlic bread from Foxes Love Lemons, it’s perfect for dipping.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of greens, consider serving with green beans with almonds or simple roasted broccoli.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

One of the beauties of skillet lasagna is its convenient portion size, but if you do have leftovers, they’re fantastic! Allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can either gently warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for a crispier edge, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until piping hot. A splash of water or broth can help prevent it from drying out.

More One-Pan Meals for Busy Nights

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of this skillet lasagna recipe, then you’re in for a treat! The world of one-pan dinners is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities for quick and easy meals without the mountain of dishes. Explore these other fantastic single-pan recipes that simplify your cooking process:

• One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet: A hearty and comforting meal packed with flavor and minimal cleanup.
• One Pot Pasta Primavera: A vibrant and fresh pasta dish loaded with seasonal vegetables, all cooked in one pot.
• Mediterranean Roasted Chicken Thighs: Flavorful chicken thighs roasted with colorful vegetables and Mediterranean spices.

Skillet Lasagna

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Wishing you could make homemade lasagna as an easy weeknight dinner without a ton of effort or excessive leftovers? Now you can with this incredible one-pan Skillet Lasagna!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced yellow or white onion (roughly half of a small onion)
• 4 white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 (15 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (unflavored purée, not prepared spaghetti sauce)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 5 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or oven ready), broken into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese, room temperature
• Fresh chopped basil and/or oregano, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, mushrooms, carrots, and a big pinch of salt. Cook until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and fresh spinach, along with another small pinch of salt. Continue to cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach has completely wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, stir together the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, the plain tomato sauce (purée), dried oregano, and the remaining salt. If desired, add the granulated sugar to balance any acidity, tasting to adjust.
4. Evenly arrange the broken lasagna noodle pieces on top of the cooked spinach mixture in the skillet. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the pasta, spreading it out carefully with a spoon to ensure all of the noodle pieces are fully covered by the sauce.
5. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (or aluminum foil) and bring the contents to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, covered, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, approximately 20 minutes. Stir gently once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the lasagna with spoonfuls of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese. Gently stir to combine and melt the cheeses into the filling until everything is creamy and well integrated. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and/or oregano before serving.

Notes

• Jarred Sauce Variation: If you prefer to use your favorite jarred pasta sauce for convenience, simply swap out the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, and dried oregano for 3 cups of your preferred premade pasta sauce.
• Beef Skillet Lasagna: To create a delicious meat version, add 1/2 pound of ground beef to the skillet along with the onion, carrots, and mushrooms in step 1. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, then drain any excess grease before proceeding to add the garlic and spinach in step 2.
• Other Vegetable Additions: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped kale. Add them during the sautéing stage with the other vegetables.
• Exploring More: Enjoyed this simple and satisfying recipe? You might also love my Lasagna For Two for a classic small-batch oven-baked version, or my comforting One Pot Lasagna Soup for a deconstructed take on lasagna.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Lid for 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

First published January 21, 2019