Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna: Your Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
Finding a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together quickly is a culinary quest for many, especially on those hectic weeknights. We all love the rich, comforting layers of a traditional homemade lasagna, a true Italian classic. The tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling create an unparalleled experience. However, the reality of preparing classic lasagna often involves extensive time in the kitchen – precooking noodles, simmering sauces for hours, carefully assembling layers, and then a lengthy bake. This multi-step process, while rewarding, simply isn’t feasible for a spontaneous Tuesday evening meal.
Enter the hero of our story: **Skillet Lasagna**. This innovative recipe captures all the beloved flavors and textures of your favorite lasagna in a fraction of the time, all cooked in a single pan! By cleverly utilizing ready-made cheese ravioli, we bypass the most time-consuming steps, delivering a hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal to your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for anyone craving authentic Italian comfort food without the traditional fuss.
Why Skillet Lasagna is Your New Weeknight Favorite
Traditional lasagna is undeniably delicious, but its preparation can feel like an Olympic event. From boiling the lasagna sheets to meticulously spreading ricotta and meat sauces across multiple layers, it’s a labor of love that often demands a dedicated weekend afternoon. For those of us juggling work, family, and other commitments, such culinary endeavors are a rare luxury.
This easy skillet lasagna recipe completely revolutionizes the experience. The beauty lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Imagine eliminating the need for a separate pot to boil pasta, a baking dish for assembly, and an oven for an hour-long bake. Everything happens in one skillet, drastically reducing both cooking time and cleanup. The secret weapon? Store-bought cheese ravioli. These delightful pasta pockets come pre-filled, saving you the hassle of preparing a cheese mixture and perfectly portioning it between layers. They cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors and becoming tender bites of cheesy goodness.
This isn’t just about saving time; it’s about making gourmet comfort food accessible on any night of the week. You get that same satisfying Italian taste – savory meat, robust tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese – but with a streamlined process that fits effortlessly into your busy schedule. It truly transforms a complex dish into a quick, one-pan marvel.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Lasagna
One of the many advantages of this skillet lasagna is its reliance on readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand, meaning less stress and fewer last-minute grocery runs. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile of this speedy comfort food. Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple yet spectacular dish:
- Italian Sausage: This is the cornerstone of the dish’s savory depth. I highly recommend using ground Italian sausage for its inherent blend of spices like fennel and garlic, which imbue the dish with authentic Italian flavor. You can choose between hot or mild varieties based on your family’s preference for spice. If Italian sausage isn’t available or preferred, ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground substitute can work wonderfully. For a completely meat-free dish, feel free to omit it altogether and perhaps add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish, complementing the richness of the Italian sausage and tomato sauce. When sautéed until translucent, it softens beautifully and integrates seamlessly into the sauce.
- Cheese Ravioli: The star ingredient that makes this “quick lasagna” possible! Whether you choose fresh, refrigerated, or frozen cheese ravioli, this premade pasta eliminates the need for boiling traditional lasagna noodles and preparing a separate cheese filling. Just ensure it’s cheese-filled for that classic lasagna creaminess.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant and pungent flavor, elevating the entire dish. If using pre-minced garlic from a jar, I suggest draining any excess oil to prevent an oily residue. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is always best for a truly aromatic experience.
- Pasta Sauce: The backbone of any good lasagna. You can absolutely use your favorite homemade marinara or Bolognese sauce if you have one on hand. However, for maximum convenience, a high-quality jarred pasta sauce works perfectly. Choose a brand with robust tomato flavor and minimal added sugar for the best results.
- Chicken Stock: This liquid is essential for cooking the ravioli directly in the skillet while preventing the pasta sauce from becoming overly thick or scorching. Using chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option) instead of just water infuses the ravioli with additional flavor as it cooks. I prefer low-sodium stock, as many tomato-based pasta sauces already contain a fair amount of salt.
- Mozzarella Cheese: What’s lasagna without gooey, stretchy mozzarella? Shredded mozzarella cheese creates an irresistible melted topping that beautifully marries all the components. Its mild flavor and fantastic melt complement the rich ravioli filling and savory sauce perfectly.
Say Goodbye to Traditional Layering: The Ravioli Advantage
For many home cooks, the mere thought of layering a traditional lasagna is enough to deter them from making it on a busy day. The process typically involves several meticulous steps: precooking delicate lasagna noodles to al dente, preparing a rich meat sauce, mixing a creamy ricotta cheese filling, and then carefully assembling these components into perfectly even layers in a baking dish. One misstep can lead to torn noodles, uneven cheese distribution, or running out of a key ingredient before the final layer. It’s a culinary puzzle that demands patience and precision.
With our Skillet Lasagna recipe, we gleefully bypass the entire layering dilemma! The ingenious use of premade cheese ravioli eliminates the most cumbersome aspects of traditional lasagna preparation. Instead of painstakingly arranging pasta sheets and spreading cheese, you simply add the ravioli directly to the skillet with your seasoned meat and sauce. This approach not only saves an incredible amount of time but also ensures that every single bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors – savory Italian sausage, vibrant pasta sauce, and tender, cheesy ravioli. No more worrying about the “best” order to layer lasagna; every forkful is perfectly balanced. This method is all about maximizing flavor and comfort with minimal effort, making gourmet-level lasagna accessible to even the busiest cooks.
How to Prepare Your Quick Skillet Lasagna
Get ready to be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly this hearty, well-rounded meal comes to life. In just three straightforward steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a comforting weeknight feast. For the full printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Brown the Italian Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure your skillet is generously sized, as it will need to accommodate all the ingredients later. Add the Italian sausage and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Then, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of your lasagna.
- Combine and Cook the Ravioli: Next, pour in your favorite pasta sauce and the chicken stock. Stir well to combine all the ingredients with the browned sausage, onion, and garlic. Gently add the cheese ravioli to the skillet, ensuring they are as submerged as possible in the sauce mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen ravioli. Cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through, absorbing much of the liquid.
- Melt the Mozzarella and Serve: Once the ravioli is perfectly cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the skillet lasagna. Re-cover the skillet (or if your lid isn’t clear, keep an eye on it) and continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully gooey. For an extra touch, you can briefly place the skillet under a broiler if it’s oven-safe, to achieve a slightly golden, bubbly crust on the cheese, but this is optional.
- Serve Immediately: As soon as the cheese is melted and irresistible, remove the skillet from the heat and serve your Quick Skillet Lasagna hot. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the ultimate melty, cheesy, and satisfying pasta experience!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Skillet Lasagna
While this skillet lasagna recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few clever tips can elevate your dish and make the cooking process even smoother. These suggestions offer flexibility and ways to customize the meal to your taste and pantry availability.
- Embrace Premade Ravioli: The cornerstone of this recipe’s speed is using premade cheese ravioli. Don’t be tempted to make ravioli from scratch for this particular dish, as the goal is efficiency! Fresh, refrigerated ravioli will cook slightly faster than frozen, but both work beautifully. If using frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Choose a Quality Pasta Sauce (or Enhance It): While a good quality jarred pasta sauce is a fantastic shortcut, you can easily enhance its flavor. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, a teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning, a bay leaf during simmering, or even a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for extra depth. Fresh basil added at the end is also a game-changer.
- Go Meat-Free with Confidence: This skillet lasagna adapts wonderfully to a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the Italian sausage. To ensure the dish remains hearty and flavorful, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or a generous handful of fresh spinach during the sautéing step with the onions and garlic. Using a robust, vegetable-rich pasta sauce will further boost the flavor.
- Experiment with Pasta Swaps: No cheese ravioli? No problem! Many other small, quick-cooking pasta shapes can be substituted. Cheese tortellini is a natural fit, offering a similar cheesy filling. Other options include rigatoni, penne, or even elbow macaroni, though you might lose the “lasagna” feel without the filled pasta. Adjust cooking times according to the package directions for your chosen pasta, ensuring it cooks thoroughly in the sauce.
- Double Up for Larger Gatherings or Meal Prep: This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re feeding a crowd or planning for weekly meal prep, simply double all the ingredients. The main consideration will be finding a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to comfortably hold everything. If doubling, you might want to consider transferring it to a large casserole dish for serving, especially if you want to bake it briefly to get a crisper cheese topping.
- A Touch of Freshness: Before serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the lasagna. A final grating of Parmesan cheese is also highly recommended for an extra layer of savory goodness.
What to Serve Alongside Your Skillet Lasagna
This Skillet Lasagna is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience. Just like most traditional Italian meals, a complementary side can cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. The best part? Many of these suggestions can be prepared in the same amount of time it takes for your main course to cook, making dinner even easier.
- Crusty Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A classic pairing! The savory garlic and crisp crust are perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. You can easily bake pre-made garlic bread or warm up some store-bought breadsticks while your lasagna simmers.
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta. It adds freshness and a delightful crunch.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
- Steamed Broccoli: Quick, healthy, and a vibrant green addition.
- Asparagus (Air-Fried or Roasted): Tender-crisp asparagus complements the hearty flavors beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies: Think bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful and easy side.
- Chilled Zucchini Salad: A less common but delightful option, a thinly sliced zucchini salad with lemon and fresh herbs can offer a unique and bright contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the best qualities of many pasta dishes, including this Skillet Lasagna, is that they often taste even better the next day! As the flavors meld and deepen overnight, the Italian sausage and pasta sauce are further absorbed by the ravioli, creating an even more indulgent bite. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers.
Refrigeration: Any leftover Skillet Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions, or gently warm it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: This recipe freezes well, making it excellent for future quick meals. Allow the skillet lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For quicker thawing and reheating, freeze in thinner, individual portions if possible. When freezing, I recommend slightly undercooking the ravioli during the initial preparation if you plan to reheat from frozen. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy upon reheating. To reheat from frozen, you can transfer it directly to a skillet with a splash of liquid, cover, and cook over low heat, or bake in the oven until heated through and bubbling.
More One-Pan Dinner Recipes to Simplify Your Life
If you love the convenience and deliciousness of this Skillet Lasagna, you’re in for a treat! One-pan dinners are a game-changer for busy households, offering flavorful meals with minimal cleanup. Here are some other fantastic one-pan recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Spicy Sausage Spanish Rice Skillet
- Mexican Rice Skillet
- One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo
- Southwest Chicken Skillet
- Pizza Chicken
- Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
- Cajun Sausage Pasta
Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna
Erin Sellin
25
25
5
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz pasta sauce
- 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 9 oz packages cheese ravioli
Instructions
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In a large skillet brown Italian sausage over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until onion is soft.
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Stir in pasta sauce, ravioli, and chicken stock. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is cooked.
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Top with Mozzarella cheese. Heat until melted.
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Serve immediately
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
25
25
Dinner Recipes
American
5
528
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