Skillet Lasagna with Ravioli: Quick & Easy 30-Minute Comfort Food for Weeknights

Life can be hectic, and getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table during busy weeknights often feels like a monumental task. We all crave that comforting warmth of a classic lasagna, but the lengthy process of layering noodles, preparing multiple sauces, and enduring a long bake time can deter even the most enthusiastic home cooks. What if we told you that you could enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of your favorite lasagna, but in a fraction of the time, and all in one pan?

Enter our game-changing **Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna with Ravioli**. This recipe is designed to bring pure comfort food to your dinner table in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those evenings when time is short but your craving for Italian goodness is strong. Forget the complex assembly; with a clever shortcut – using refrigerated or frozen ravioli – you’ll have a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that everyone will adore, all without sacrificing that beloved homemade taste.

Traditional lasagna is indeed a labor of love, a dish often reserved for special occasions or lazy weekends. While we love a classic, baked-from-scratch lasagna (and highly recommend our Homemade Lasagna Recipe for when you have the time!), this skillet version is your secret weapon for everyday deliciousness. It streamlines the entire process, allowing you to create a deeply flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly simple yet incredibly satisfying skillet wonder.

Why This Skillet Lasagna is Your Weeknight Hero

What makes this Skillet Lasagna stand out in the crowded world of easy dinner recipes? It’s the intelligent combination of speed, simplicity, and irresistible flavor. We’ve taken all the essential components of a classic lasagna – savory meat, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese – and reimagined them for a single-pan, quick-cooking method. The key innovation lies in using pre-made cheese ravioli, which eliminates the need to boil separate lasagna noodles or prepare a ricotta cheese filling. This not only drastically cuts down on prep time but also significantly reduces the number of dishes you’ll have to wash!

Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing that a hearty, Italian-inspired meal is just minutes away. This 30-minute lasagna recipe means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with your family. It’s truly a comfort food masterpiece, delivering layers of taste in every bite without the traditional fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining impromptu guests, or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal, this ravioli skillet lasagna is guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients for Your Easy Skillet Lasagna

Crafting this incredibly easy skillet lasagna requires just a few readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. This means fewer trips to the grocery store and more time enjoying delicious food. Here’s a breakdown of the simple staples that come together to create this comforting dish:

Italian Sausage: We highly recommend ground Italian sausage for its incredible depth of flavor. The blend of fennel and garlic inherent in Italian sausage elevates the entire dish, giving it that authentic, robust taste. You can choose between hot or mild varieties depending on your family’s preference for spice. If Italian sausage isn’t available or if you prefer a different protein, ground beef or ground turkey make excellent substitutes. For a delicious meat-free option, feel free to omit the sausage completely and boost the seasoning in your sauce.
Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a crucial aromatic base, adding a subtle sweetness and a tender texture that beautifully complements the savory sausage and rich tomato sauce. It’s a fundamental flavor builder in many Italian dishes.
Cheese Ravioli: This is the star ingredient that makes this lasagna “skillet” and “quick”! Using pre-made cheese ravioli bypasses the need for traditional lasagna noodles and a separate cheese filling. You can use refrigerated, dried, or frozen ravioli for this recipe; just ensure you check the cooking times on the package, as they might vary slightly. Fresh ravioli will cook the fastest.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the most vibrant and pungent flavor profile. If using jarred minced garlic, remember to drain any excess oil before adding it to the skillet to prevent an oily residue. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh garlic truly makes a difference here.
Pasta Sauce: Your favorite pasta sauce is key! Whether you pride yourself on a homemade marinara or rely on a high-quality jarred store-bought sauce for ultimate convenience, choose one you love. A good quality sauce forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor, so don’t skimp here.
Chicken Stock: Instead of just water, chicken stock adds an extra layer of savory flavor as the ravioli cooks directly in the skillet. It helps to create a richer sauce while ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly without scorching the tomato sauce. We recommend low-sodium chicken stock, as many tomato-based sauces already contain a fair amount of salt.
Mozzarella Cheese: What’s lasagna without gooey, stretchy mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella cheese is essential for achieving that iconic melty, cheesy goodness that cascades over the ravioli, blending seamlessly with the cheese already tucked inside the pasta. It provides the perfect finishing touch.

Say Goodbye to Traditional Lasagna Layering

For many home cooks, the thought of assembling a traditional lasagna is enough to make them reach for a takeout menu. The intricate process of pre-cooking noodles, meticulously mixing a ricotta filling, precisely layering each component, and then hoping it all holds together without tearing can be incredibly time-consuming and frankly, frustrating. It’s a delicate dance to ensure you have just the right amount of sauce, cheese, and noodles for each layer, from start to finish.

But with our Skillet Lasagna, we revolutionize the concept. We’ve completely bypassed the tedious layering process! The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity: by incorporating pre-made cheese ravioli directly into the skillet, you eliminate the need for delicate pasta sheets and a separate cheese mixture. The ravioli already come perfectly filled, providing that essential cheesy core in every bite. Everything cooks together in one pan, ensuring that each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and rich tomato sauce, all smothered in melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a classic comfort food experience.

How To Make Your Easy Skillet Lasagna: Step-by-Step

For exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring this hearty, well-rounded meal to your table. Just follow these three simple steps:

Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: Begin by browning your Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the sausage cooks and crumbles, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Once browned, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics until the onion becomes soft and translucent, typically just a few minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors for your entire dish, so don’t rush it! Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients later on – a deep 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven works perfectly.
Combine and Cook the Ravioli: Next, stir in your pasta sauce, the cheese ravioli, and the chicken stock into the skillet with the cooked sausage and aromatics. Make sure the ravioli are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the ravioli are tender and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re using fresh, refrigerated, or frozen ravioli, so refer to the package instructions as a guide. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Melt the Cheese and Serve: Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet lasagna. Replace the lid and continue to cook on low heat for a few more minutes, just until the mozzarella is beautifully melted and gooey. Once the cheese is bubbling and wonderfully stretched, your skillet lasagna is ready!
Enjoy Immediately: Serve your melty, cheesy pasta masterpiece immediately. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Skillet Lasagna Pro Tips and Tricks

Making this Skillet Lasagna even easier and more versatile is possible with a few smart tips and tricks. These suggestions will help you adapt the recipe to your preferences, save even more time, and ensure consistent delicious results:

Embrace Premade Ravioli: The core of this recipe’s “quick and easy” promise lies in using premade ravioli. While homemade ravioli are a culinary delight, this dish is specifically designed to be a shortcut. Don’t hesitate to grab a bag of your favorite store-bought cheese ravioli – whether fresh, frozen, or dried. This single choice dramatically cuts down on preparation time and effort, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Opt for Quality Jarred Sauce: We all appreciate the deep, nuanced flavors of a homemade marinara sauce, especially those passed down through generations. However, for a truly 30-minute meal, a high-quality jar of premade pasta sauce is your best friend. Choose a brand you trust and enjoy, as the sauce will be a primary flavor component. Don’t be afraid to enhance it with a pinch of Italian seasoning or a touch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Go Meat-Free: This skillet lasagna is incredibly adaptable for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the Italian sausage. To ensure the dish remains hearty and flavorful, you can sauté extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onion and garlic, or add a can of drained and rinsed lentils to the sauce for a protein boost. A robust and well-seasoned pasta sauce will carry the dish beautifully on its own.
Swap Out the Pasta: Don’t have ravioli on hand? No problem! This recipe is forgiving. Cheese tortellini is an excellent substitute, offering a similar texture and cheesy filling. You could also experiment with other small, filled pasta shapes. The cooking time might vary slightly, so always follow the package directions for your chosen pasta to ensure it’s cooked perfectly al dente.
Double Up for Larger Gatherings or Meal Prep: This recipe scales wonderfully. If you’re cooking for a larger family, hosting guests, or looking to prepare meals for the week, it’s easy to double or even triple the ingredients. The main consideration will be finding a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overcrowding. While serving directly from a beautiful skillet is charming, you can also prepare it in a larger pot and transfer it to a serving dish for a more elegant presentation if desired.

What To Serve With Your Skillet Lasagna

While this Skillet Lasagna is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side can elevate your dining experience. Classic Italian pairings often involve something fresh and light to balance the richness of the pasta, or a crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Here are some fantastic ideas that can be prepared quickly, often in the same amount of time it takes for your main course:

Crusty Garlic Bread: A timeless choice! A warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and adding another layer of comfort.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and adds a healthy touch to your meal.
Steamed Broccoli: Quick, easy, and nutritious. Steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green and a subtle bitterness that pairs well with the savory flavors.
Air Fryer Asparagus: Roasted or air-fried asparagus spears are elegant, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare while your lasagna simmers.
Roasted Veggies: A medley of oven-roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be tossed with olive oil and herbs and roasted alongside for minimal effort.
Soft Breadsticks: Similar to garlic bread, soft breadsticks are always a crowd-pleaser and excellent for scooping up sauce.
Chilled Zucchini Salad: A light, refreshing zucchini salad, perhaps with a lemon-herb dressing, offers a delightful cool counterpoint to the warm, hearty skillet lasagna.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best qualities of this Skillet Lasagna is that it often tastes even better the next day! As the rich, savory flavors from the Italian sausage and pasta sauce continue to meld and absorb into the tender ravioli overnight, each bite becomes even more indulgent. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.

To store leftovers, allow the skillet lasagna to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For reheating, you can gently warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce appears too thick.

If you’re looking to extend its shelf life, this recipe also freezes well. Once cooled, transfer the lasagna to a freezer-safe container. For optimal defrosting and reheating, consider freezing it in a relatively thin layer if possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as usual. If preparing this dish specifically for future meal prep, we recommend slightly undercooking the ravioli during the initial preparation. This prevents the pasta from becoming overcooked or mushy during the reheating process, ensuring perfect texture every time.

Discover More Delicious One-Pan Dinner Recipes

If you love the convenience and minimal cleanup of this Skillet Lasagna, you’re in for a treat! One-pan meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. They allow you to spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Explore some of our other fantastic one-pan creations:

Spicy Sausage Spanish Rice Skillet
Mexican Rice Skillet
One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo
Southwest Chicken Skillet
Pizza Chicken
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Cajun Sausage Pasta