Serve up this 30-minute, one-pan Skillet Lasagna for those days when you want yummy comfort food…but in less time and with less work! Plus: The recipe has only five ingredients.
This is one of my family’s favorite recipes from my cookbook, Dinnertime SOS: 100 Sanity-Saving Meals Parents and Kids of All Ages Will Actually Want to Eat. We make it almost every week and it’s great for the entire family or as an easy toddler dinner.
Skillet Lasagna has the traditional ingredients of lasagna, with tender noodles, creamy cheese, and tons of yummy flavor—but is so much faster and easier to make.
My daughter’s review? “The textures…the textures! It’s like they are exploding in my brain!”
Why this Recipe Works
I love this one-pan pasta recipe because it’s such a good example of the recipes in the book: short ingredient list with items you can find in any grocery store, easy cooking method that’s mostly hands off, and really yummy flavor.
Enjoy the easy pasta recipe and find more doable recipes for your everyday in my bok, Dinnertime SOS, available everywhere books are sold.
(You may also like Ricotta Meatballs, One-Pot Taco Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce, and Lentil Sauce for Pasta.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Skillet Lasagna so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Lasagna noodles: Use traditional lasagna noodles, not the no-boil kind, in this recipe.
- Marinara sauce: You can use any tomato or pasta sauce you like including marinara sauce, meat sauce, garlic sauce, or other variety.
- Ricotta cheese: This cheese gives the Skillet Lasagna the classic flavor and texture we crave, so be sure it use it. I prefer whole-milk ricotta.
- Shredded mozzarella: We add this cheese to the pot once the noodles are softened for ultimate cheesiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds extra flavor in the Skillet Lasagna recipe. You can also use shredded Parmesan, though grated often has more flavor.
- Fresh basil, for topping if you’d like a burst of fresh herb flavor.
Featured Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Thank you so much for this recipe! I added ground chicken. My 3 year old got to help making it and he absolutely loved it! He kept saying “yummy it’s good!” And asked for seconds. Will definitely make it again.” —Carina
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Skillet Lasagna so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Break up lasagna noodles using a rolling pin and bag.
Step 2. Add the sauce and water to a wide skillet.
Step 3. Add the noodles to the skillet and cook until soft, stirring often.
Step 4. Add the cheese and basil, if using, and cover until melty. Serve warm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can use a 10- or 12-inch wide skillet or pan with a lid to make this recipe.
If your gluten-free noodles instruct you to rinse them after cooking, prepare them as directed. Then, warm the marinara in the pan, omitting the additional water, and add the cooked gf noodles. Proceed with the recipe.
Yes, you can easily add beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to this easy lasagna recipe. See the Notes at the end of the recipe for the information.
Serving Suggestions
Try with a salad kit, sliced cucumbers, Roasted Frozen Broccoli, garlic bread, or another simple side your family enjoys.
How to Store
Store leftover Skillet Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to warm through and serve.
Best Tips for Success
- Use a marinara sauce that you love—it’s the primary flavoring in this recipe. (You can use meat sauce if desired, too.)
- At the end of Step 3, you can also stir in 1 cup cooked broccoli florets, cauliflower, or carrot rounds.
- You can make this with meat, if you like. Before starting Step 1, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or ground Italian sausage in a little olive oil. Drain off any excess fat and continue as directed.
- If your gluten-free noodles instruct you to rinse them after cooking, prepare them as directed. Then, warm the marinara in the pan, omitting the additional water, and add the cooked g-f noodles. Proceed with the recipe.
- Try my Easy Sloppy Joe’s for another easy skillet dinner, too!
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Easy Skillet Lasagna
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles
- 25 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-size pieces. (Helping with this may be fun for the kids!)
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the marinara sauce and water and bring to a simmer.
- Add the noodles to the skillet and stir to coat. Cover, turn the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring once or twice, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the noodles are just soft. (They may stick a little in the middle of the pan so be sure to stir them. Add a little water if needed if the liquid is absorbed before the noodles are completely soft.)
- Top with dollops of the ricotta and sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Or place under a broiler on high heat for 3 to 5 minutes to melt the cheese and brown it slightly.
- Top the lasagna with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to warm through and serve.
- Use a marinara sauce that you love—it’s the primary flavoring in this recipe. (You can use meat sauce if desired, too.)
- At the end of Step 3, you can also stir in 1 cup cooked broccoli florets, cauliflower, or carrot rounds.
- You can make this with meat, if you like. Before starting Step 1, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef or ground sausage. Drain off any excess fat and continue as directed.
- If your gluten-free noodles instruct you to rinse them after cooking, prepare them as directed. Then, warm the marinara in the pan, omitting the additional water, and add the cooked g-f noodles. Proceed with the recipe.
Nutrition
This post was first published August 2024.
Thank you so much for this recipe! I added ground chicken. My 3 year old got to help making it and he absolutely loved it! He kept saying “yummy it’s good!” And asked for seconds. Will definitely make it again ☺️