If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly easy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the magic of traditional lasagna flavors, all brought together in one pan without the fuss of layering noodles and multiple dishes. The perfect harmony of Italian sausage, gooey cheeses, and tender pasta makes this dish a weeknight hero that’s quick to prepare yet rich in flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe has a role that enhances the overall taste, texture, and color. From the savory Italian sausage to the blend of cheeses, these simple staples come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is straightforward.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Provides a robust, savory foundation packed with Italian herbs and spices, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a mild onion sweetness that infuses the dish without overwhelming it.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic offers that essential aromatic punch that elevates all the flavors.
- 8 oz campanelle pasta: A unique, curly pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and cooks perfectly in the skillet.
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Brings that classic tangy tomato base full of herbs and depth.
- 2 cups water: Ensures the pasta cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- 1 (16-oz) container cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and moisture, balancing the dish’s richness.
- ½ (8-oz) container onion and chive cream cheese, softened: Introduces a mild onion flavor and extra creaminess to the cheese layer.
- 5 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Imparts a sharp, nutty taste that deepens the cheese mixture.
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes: Offers a subtle herbal note to brighten the cheese filling.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy classic that crowns the dish with cheesy goodness.
How to Make One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the Italian sausage until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building that savory base flavor for your lasagna. Once cooked, drain any excess grease so the final dish isn’t too oily but still full of meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Combine Ingredients
Immediately add the minced garlic to the skillet, letting it cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it might turn bitter. Next, throw in the dried minced onion flakes, uncooked campanelle pasta, your jar of spaghetti sauce, and the water. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the dish simmer. This should take around 15 minutes. Keep an eye to make sure the pasta absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender. At this stage, season with salt and black pepper to taste—your sauce and sausage may already provide some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Cheese Mixture
While the pasta simmers, whisk together cottage cheese, softened onion and chive cream cheese, grated parmesan, and dried parsley in a medium bowl. This creamy blend is like the lasagna’s heart—rich, flavorful, and irresistible. Once the pasta is cooked, dollop spoonfuls of this cheese mixture evenly over the skillet.
Step 5: Top With Mozzarella and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cheese dollops. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, just long enough for the mozzarella to melt into gooey perfection. This final step transforms your dish into a true one-pot lasagna experience, all melted and melded beautifully.
How to Serve One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your skillet lasagna by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. These simple greens add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cheesy layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread can round out the meal. The salad adds needed crunch and acidity, while garlic bread offers an extra dose of comfort food satisfaction for dipping in the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe inside individual ramekins straight from the pan for an elegant, personalized presentation. You can also layer extra mozzarella on top and broil for a minute or two for a golden, bubbly crust that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover skillet lasagna keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before cooking or after it’s completely cooled post-cooking. Freeze for up to 2 months, making busy nights a lot easier.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the pasta from drying out. Covering loosely while reheating helps the cheese stay melty and moist.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes if I don’t have campanelle?
Absolutely! While campanelle holds sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or small shells work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta’s shape and size.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Can I add extra vegetables to the One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred in during the simmering step to add more nutrition and variety without losing that classic lasagna feel.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in the sauce?
Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally while it’s simmering so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Using a non-stick skillet also helps immensely.
What can I use if I don’t have onion and chive cream cheese?
Plain cream cheese works just fine! You could also add a little extra minced onion or chives to the mixture to replicate the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves classic lasagna but wants the ease of one-pan cooking. It’s quick, comforting, and delivers all those rich, layered flavors without the hassle. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’re going to wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way!
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One-Pot Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot skillet lasagna combining Italian sausage, campanelle pasta, and a creamy cheese mixture. This easy-to-make recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering, thanks to a simple stovetop cooking method that cooks the pasta and sauce together before topping it with a delightful blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dry and Pasta
- 8 oz campanelle pasta
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water
Cheeses and Herbs
- 1 (16-oz) container cottage cheese
- ½ (8-oz) container onion and chive cream cheese, softened
- 5 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure the dish isn’t too oily.
- Add Aromatics and Pasta: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the dried minced onion flakes, uncooked campanelle pasta, spaghetti sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the pasta simmers, in a medium bowl combine the cottage cheese, softened onion and chive cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley flakes. Stir until the cheeses are well blended.
- Add Cheese Topping: Once the pasta is cooked and liquid mostly absorbed, drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the cheese mixture to finish layering.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and cook on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly. This step brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: For an added fresh touch, garnish the lasagna with fresh basil or fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your quick and comforting one-pot skillet lasagna!
Notes
- Use campanelle or other tubular pasta to ensure the sauce clings well to each bite.
- Drain excess sausage grease thoroughly for a less oily dish.
- If you prefer a spicier lasagna, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried parsley flakes if available.
- Covering the pan during simmering is key to cooking the pasta evenly and melting the cheese properly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
