Welcome to the ultimate solution for your weeknight dinner dilemma: our incredibly Easy One-Pan Lasagna! Forget the lengthy process of layering and baking traditional lasagna; this revolutionary skillet version brings all the comforting flavors you love to your table in just about 30 minutes. Imagine tender Italian sausage, a rich and savory tomato sauce, perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, and a generous topping of melted, gooey cheese – all prepared in a single pan. This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, making it a true game-changer for busy families and seasoned home cooks alike.
This “lazy lasagna” is designed for those evenings when time is scarce but the craving for hearty, homemade Italian comfort food is strong. Serve it alongside a classic side of Easy Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce, or opt for simple Garlic Butter Breadsticks for an extra touch of indulgence. No matter how you pair it, this one-pan wonder promises a satisfying meal that will quickly become a regular in your rotation.
Effortless One-Pan Lasagna: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Making a delicious lasagna has never been simpler. The secret to this recipe’s incredible speed and ease lies in the use of oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles. These innovative noodles cook directly in the sauce, absorbing the liquid and flavors as they soften, eliminating the need for a separate boiling step and the traditional oven baking. This means less prep time, fewer dishes, and a faster path to a satisfying meal.
The sauce itself is a marvel of simplicity and flavor. A robust blend of crushed tomatoes, rich chicken or vegetable stock, and aromatic Italian seasoning forms the perfect base. As the noodles cook, they draw in just the right amount of liquid, leaving behind a perfectly thick and flavorful tomato sauce that coats every strand. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider using hot Italian sausage or sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes – it adds a delightful kick that elevates the entire dish.
Imagine coming home after a demanding day and having a warm, comforting meal on the table in under an hour. This one-pan lasagna delivers exactly that: a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent but requires minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces, perfect for a bustling weekday or a relaxed weekend evening. My family absolutely adores this dinner, and I’m confident yours will too!
How to Prepare Lazy Lasagna in a Single Skillet
Preparing this one-pan lasagna is a straightforward process that breaks down into a few simple steps, ensuring a delicious outcome every time:
- Build the Flavor Base: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a deep, large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and shredded carrot. Sauté these aromatics for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the carrot begins to soften. This initial step is crucial for developing a rich depth of flavor for your sauce.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage (casings removed, if applicable) to the skillet. Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary, although Italian sausage typically renders just enough for flavor.
- Introduce Liquids and Noodles: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly. Then, break the oven-ready lasagna noodles into smaller, manageable pieces (roughly 2-3 inches long) and add them to the skillet. It’s important to stir well at this stage, ensuring that no noodle pieces are sticking together and that they are mostly submerged in the liquid. This allows them to cook evenly.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir the mixture a few times during the simmering process to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the noodles. The noodles will absorb the liquid, creating a thick, luscious sauce.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Once the noodles are done, stir in the fresh baby spinach. The heat from the lasagna will quickly wilt the spinach. Evenly top the entire dish with shredded mozzarella cheese. In a separate small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Drop spoonfuls of this creamy cheese mixture over the mozzarella.
- Melt and Serve: Cover the skillet again with the lid and let it stand for just a few minutes, typically 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible topping. Once melted, garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra zest, and serve immediately.
Chef’s Note: While the ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture is optional, it is highly recommended. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of ricotta are, in my opinion, essential for an authentic lasagna experience!
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Lasagna
This recipe relies on a few core ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish:
- Italian Sausage: The star protein, adding savory depth and a hint of spice. You can choose mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: The key to the “one-pan” method, these noodles cook directly in the sauce without pre-boiling.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce. Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Provides the necessary liquid for the noodles to cook and infuses the sauce with extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the sausage.
- Garlic: An indispensable aromatic that brings a pungent, sweet flavor.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce, often unnoticed but essential.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic, stretchy, melty cheese layer on top.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy element, essential for traditional lasagna flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty, umami kick to the cheese topping.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Introduces a touch of green, freshness, and nutrients to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) that gives the lasagna its authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little extra heat and spice.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lasagna
One-pan lasagna is a complete meal in itself, but a few thoughtfully chosen sides can truly elevate the dining experience. The most classic and beloved accompaniment is, without a doubt, a generous portion of garlic bread or breadsticks. They are not just for crunch; they are perfect for mopping up every last bit of the rich, savory tomato sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna, adding a crisp texture and balancing the flavors. For a beverage pairing, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the Italian flavors beautifully, while sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips for One-Pan Lasagna
This skillet lasagna is wonderfully adaptable for meal prepping or preparing in advance. You can cook the entire dish up to 2 days ahead of time. Once it has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or keep it covered tightly in the skillet with a lid, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bring the lasagna to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. For best results, reheat it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly and heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes. If you want that fresh, melty cheese pull, add the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese mixture right before baking, not when initially making it, for optimal texture and appearance.
Leftovers also store beautifully. Allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if the sauce appears too thick.
Creative Variations for Your One-Pan Lasagna
One of the best aspects of this easy skillet lasagna is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand:
- Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a meat-free marvel. Simply omit the Italian sausage and instead, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the garlic and carrots. You can also add a can of drained lentils for extra protein and heartiness. Ensure to use vegetable stock to keep it fully vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, swap out traditional oven-ready lasagna noodles for a high-quality gluten-free variety. Most major brands now offer no-boil gluten-free lasagna noodles that perform just as well in this one-pan method. Always double-check that your chicken or vegetable stock is certified gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Twist: If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, you can skip the noodles entirely. Instead, use thinly sliced zucchini strips or eggplant slices layered into the sauce. Be aware that these vegetables release more water, so you might need to adjust the amount of stock, or simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the sauce to thicken appropriately.
- Different Proteins: Not a fan of Italian sausage? Ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken can be excellent substitutes. Brown them just as you would the sausage and season them with a pinch of fennel seed and red pepper flakes to mimic the Italian sausage flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or even frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrients and color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making one-pan lasagna:
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones?
A: While technically possible, it’s not recommended for this specific recipe. Regular lasagna noodles require pre-boiling, which defeats the purpose of the “one-pan” and “30-minute” aspect. Oven-ready noodles are designed to cook in the sauce, making this recipe quick and simple.
Q: What kind of skillet should I use?
A: A deep, large (10-12 inch) skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, or a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan will work best for even heat distribution and preventing sticking.
Q: My sauce seems too thin/thick. What should I do?
A: If the sauce is too thin after the noodles have cooked, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken or vegetable stock (about ¼ cup at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, this one-pan lasagna freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A: You can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Be sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet to avoid watering down your sauce.
More Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes to Try
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this one-pan lasagna, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other fantastic pasta dishes that are equally easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week:
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
- One Pan Cheesy Tortellini and Meatballs
- Instant Pot Baked Ziti
- Eggplant Lasagna
- Baked Gnocchi with Sausage
We hope this expanded guide to our Easy One-Pan Lasagna inspires you to create incredible meals with minimal stress. This recipe is a testament to the fact that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly delicious. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a truly remarkable meal that will earn rave reviews!
If you create this recipe and love it, please share your experience! Snap a photo and post it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can see your delicious creation and leave a comment! Happy cooking!
Easy One Pan Lasagna
Quick and easy skillet version of everyone’s favorite dish. Made in just 30 minutes with Italian sausage, delicious sauce, lasagna noodles and topped with cheese!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium carrot shredded (or 5 baby carrots, shredded)
- 4 Italian sausage links casings removed
- 1 and ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock (see note)
- 1 and ½ cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat up oil in a deep skillet. Add minced garlic and shredded carrots. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Italian sausage (casings removed). Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable stock, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Break lasagna noodles into 2-3 inch pieces and add them to the pan, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring a few times, until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in fresh baby spinach until wilted. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. In a small bowl, mix ricotta and Parmesan cheese, then drop spoonfuls over the mozzarella. Cover the dish and let stand for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, more Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Notes
If you don’t have chicken or vegetable stock on hand, you can use water with 2 small or 1 large chicken bouillon cube for flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 883kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1098mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3580IU | Vitamin C: 5.9mg | Calcium: 305mg | Iron: 3.1mg
This post was originally published on March 3rd, 2017, and has been comprehensively updated on May 28th, 2019, and further expanded for improved clarity, SEO, and user experience.