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Comforting Skillet Lasagna Recipe with Ricotta and Italian Sausage Made Easy

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A quick and easy skillet lasagna that combines Italian sausage, ricotta, and noodles cooked together in one pan for a comforting, cheesy meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, stirring to submerge them in the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until noodles are tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until cheeses melt and bubble.
  6. Remove from heat, scatter chopped fresh basil over the top, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much before noodles are tender, add a splash of water or broth. Stir noodles occasionally to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, substitute noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini ribbons. For lighter version, replace half the ricotta with Greek yogurt. Cast iron skillet adds a nice crust but keep heat moderate.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet lasagna, ricotta, Italian sausage, easy lasagna, one-pan meal, comfort food, quick dinner