Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but sometimes you need a quicker option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. This quick high-protein skillet lasagna delivers all the delicious layers you love, with a boost of protein to keep you satisfied. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Steps
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat and cook half a pound of Italian sausage until fully browned. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour a 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce, half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and one cup of water into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Break nine lasagna noodles into pieces measuring one to two inches and stir them into the sauce in the skillet. Cover the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir the contents of the skillet briefly, replace the lid, and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the noodles to simmer and occasionally stir until they become tender, which should take around 15 minutes. If needed, add more water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- In a separate bowl, mix one cup of ricotta cheese, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper until well combined.
- After the noodles have cooked, top them with dollops of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
- For a melted and slightly browned cheese topping, place the skillet under the oven’s broiler for a few minutes, ensuring you use an oven-safe skillet. Alternatively, cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking on medium-low heat until the cheese melts.
- Serve the skillet lasagna hot, ideally with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping. Enjoy the dish as a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 722kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 1710mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for skillet lasagna?
- Yes, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with other pasta shapes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time might vary depending on the pasta type you choose.
- What are some variations I can try with skillet lasagna?
- Skillet lasagna is versatile, allowing for various add-ins or substitutions. You can incorporate sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, swap Italian sausage for other meats like ground beef or chicken, and experiment with different pasta sauce flavors.
- How do I prevent my skillet lasagna from becoming too dry?
- If the sauce reduces too much before the noodles are fully cooked, simply add a bit more water to the skillet and continue to simmer until the noodles are tender.
- Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet for this recipe?
- If you plan to melt and brown the cheese under the oven’s broiler, an oven-safe skillet is required. Alternatively, you can melt the cheese by covering the skillet with a lid and cooking over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted.
- What sides pair well with skillet lasagna?
- A simple side salad can complement the richness of the lasagna, and garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Break the Noodles: Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the skillet. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly, and makes them easier to stir into the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: Keep an eye on the sauce’s consistency as the noodles cook. If it becomes too thick before the noodles are tender, add a bit more water to keep it from drying out.
- Broil for a Perfect Finish: For a beautifully browned and melty cheese topping, place the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes. Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet and keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like sautéed vegetables or different meats to make the dish your own. Adjust seasoning when substituting Italian sausage with other proteins to maintain the flavor balance.
Equipment
- Large Deep Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is recommended since you may need to place it under the broiler to melt and brown the cheese.
- Broiler: While this is typically part of an oven, if you don’t have one, you might look for a countertop broiler or a similar appliance.
