Who says making lasagna has to be a long and complicated process? This Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a game-changer! All the traditional flavors of a classic lasagna rich tomato sauce, layers of pasta, creamy cheese, and hearty protein come together in just one pan, with no need for baking or layering. Plus, by swapping ricotta for cottage cheese, we make this dish extra creamy while keeping it high in protein and lower in fat. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, this one-pan lasagna is a must-try. The broken lasagna noodles soak up all the rich flavors, while a cheesy, melty topping makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate cozy meal. You won’t believe how simple and satisfying this dish is!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 9–10 fresh red chilies (optional), finely chopped
- 1 lb (454g) lean ground chicken
- ½ TSP kosher salt (to season chicken)
- 25.5 oz (722g) jar tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 2 cups (500ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ – 1 TSP kosher salt, to taste
- ½ TSP black pepper
- 1 TSP Italian seasoning
- ½ TSP dried oregano
- ½ – 1.5 TSP ground cayenne pepper, to taste
- ½ – 1.5 TSP crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 TSP smoked paprika (hot or sweet)
- 9 oz (255g) traditional lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
- 2 cups (66g) baby spinach
- ¾ cup (200g) low-fat cottage cheese
- ¾ cup (84g) shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or Parmesan)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and red chilies (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, season with salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, water, and seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, cayenne, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika).
- Add broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are spread evenly and submerged in the sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 16-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt.
- Mix in the cottage cheese until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes. (Optional: Broil for 3-4 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.)
- Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 565 kcal | Servings: 5
Why This Skillet Lasagna Works
This dish is more than just a time-saver; it’s a complete nutritionally balanced meal that packs flavor, protein, and essential nutrients into one pan. Here’s why it’s so popular:
1. A One-Pan Meal for Easy Cooking & Cleanup
Traditional lasagna requires multiple steps boiling noodles, making sauce, assembling layers, and baking. This skillet version eliminates the need for multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze. By cooking everything in one pan, you not only save time but also reduce the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans.
2. High-Protein & Healthier Than Traditional Lasagna
By using cottage cheese instead of ricotta, this lasagna is packed with extra protein while being lower in fat and calories. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you full longer. This makes it a great option for those looking to maintain muscle, lose weight, or simply add more protein to their diet.
Additionally, lean ground chicken is used instead of beef or sausage, making this dish lower in saturated fat while still being rich in flavor. You can also customize the protein source by using ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives.
3. No Baking Required
One of the biggest deterrents to making lasagna is the baking process. It takes time to layer the ingredients and even longer to bake. This skillet lasagna skips the baking step entirely, allowing you to cook everything on the stovetop in under 40 minutes.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is highly versatile. You can modify it based on dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or available ingredients. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or extra spicy, there are plenty of ways to adjust this dish.
How to Customize This Skillet Lasagna
Make It Vegetarian
If you’re looking for a meat-free version, simply swap the ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and lentils all work well as substitutes.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute them with short pasta like gluten-free penne or rigatoni. Brands like Jovial and Chickapea offer great gluten-free pasta options that work well in this dish.
Make It Dairy-Free or Vegan
To make a dairy-free version, swap the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives. Brands like Daiya, Violife, and Miyoko’s offer dairy-free cheeses that melt well.
To make it fully vegan, in addition to using dairy-free cheese, replace the ground chicken with plant-based meat crumbles, tofu, or extra vegetables.
Add Extra Vegetables for More Nutrients
While this lasagna already includes baby spinach, you can add more vegetables to increase its nutritional value. Consider tossing in:
- Mushrooms – for a meaty texture and umami flavor
- Bell Peppers – for a natural sweetness
- Carrots & Celery – for a classic Italian soffritto base
- Zucchini or Eggplant – for extra fiber and a heartier texture
Adjust the Spice Level
If you love a little heat, keep the red chilies, crushed red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper in the recipe. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the spicy ingredients and use sweet smoked paprika instead of hot smoked paprika.
What to Serve with Skillet Lasagna
Even though this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with simple side dishes to make it even more satisfying.
1. Garlic Bread
A slice of buttery garlic bread or toasted baguette is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich lasagna sauce.
2. Side Salad
A fresh salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty lasagna. Try a simple arugula salad with olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan shavings, or go for a classic Caesar salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish that complements the lasagna flavors without overpowering them.
4. Wine Pairing
If you’re serving this dish for a dinner gathering, pair it with a glass of Chianti, Sangiovese, or a light-bodied Pinot Noir for the perfect Italian meal experience.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This skillet lasagna is great for meal prep because it stores well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh:
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Freezing
This lasagna is freezer-friendly! After cooling completely, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or stovetop.
Make-Ahead Option
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can fully cook it, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when ready to serve. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
Conclusion:
If you love lasagna but hate the hassle of traditional preparation, this Easy Skillet Lasagna with Cottage Cheese is a must-try recipe. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, comforting flavors of a classic lasagna but with less effort, fewer dishes, and more protein. By swapping ricotta for cottage cheese, it offers a healthier alternative while still being creamy and satisfying. The one-pan cooking method saves time and cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables, and enjoy an easy, delicious, and nutrient-packed meal in just 40 minutes.
