Lasagna Skillet Pie takes the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and simplifies the process into a one-pan masterpiece. No need for tedious layering this dish combines perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a trio of melty cheeses, all baked together in a cast iron skillet for the ultimate cozy meal. The golden, bubbly cheese on top seals in the rich, meaty sauce and creamy ricotta, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests with your Italian comfort food skills, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Two 28-ounce cans whole or diced tomatoes
- One 12-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 10-ounce package lasagna pasta (Mafalda or Pappardelle), regular or gluten-free
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese (about 1 pound)
- 12-inch cast iron skillet
Directions:
- In a large pot, add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the seasonings and cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired texture. If you prefer sausage chunks, blend before adding the meat.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the lasagna pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
- On a cutting board, use a pizza cutter, ravioli cutter, or kitchen scissors to cut each pasta noodle lengthwise into two strips. Keep all broken pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set aside.
Assembly:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir the cooled sauce with half of the mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups). Fold in the cut pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to the cast iron skillet.
- Drop large spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, leaving spaces in between. Gently swirl the ricotta into the pasta and sauce with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes This Lasagna Skillet Pie Special?
1. No-Layering Convenience
One of the most time-consuming aspects of making traditional lasagna is carefully layering each component. You have to cook the noodles, prepare the sauce, and then carefully stack everything in a baking dish. The Lasagna Skillet Pie eliminates this step entirely. The cooked pasta is simply tossed with the sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time for intricate preparations.
2. A One-Pan Meal for Easy Cleanup
Cooking lasagna the traditional way often involves multiple pots and pans—one for boiling noodles, another for the sauce, and a separate baking dish. With this skillet version, everything comes together in a single pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is the ideal cooking vessel because it retains heat beautifully and helps develop a slight crisp on the edges of the pasta, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.
3. Versatile and Customizable
Another great feature of this dish is how easily it can be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. The hearty vegetables will still provide great flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the dish a little heat.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free lasagna pasta or substitute it with broken gluten-free noodles. Brown rice pasta works particularly well in this dish.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: While the recipe includes ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can add provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a richer, more complex flavor.
The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients
Italian cuisine is all about simplicity and quality ingredients, and the Lasagna Skillet Pie is no exception. While the recipe itself is easy to follow, using the best ingredients can take it to the next level.
- Tomatoes: The base of the sauce should be San Marzano tomatoes or another high-quality variety. These tomatoes have a naturally sweet flavor with a hint of acidity, making them perfect for lasagna.
- Pasta: Mafalda or Pappardelle pasta works beautifully for this dish, but if you can’t find them, you can use broken pieces of regular lasagna noodles.
- Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan will melt better and offer a superior taste compared to pre-shredded versions, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Italian Sausage: Using high-quality Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) adds a rich depth of flavor to the sauce. You can also experiment with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Why a Cast Iron Skillet is Perfect for This Dish
Cooking this dish in a cast iron skillet is more than just a convenience—it enhances the overall flavor and texture. Cast iron retains heat well, ensuring an even bake and allowing the edges of the pasta to crisp up slightly. This creates a contrast between the creamy cheese filling and the golden, crispy bits of pasta that form along the sides of the pan.
Additionally, using a skillet allows you to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, making this a truly one-pan meal. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a deep oven-safe pan or a Dutch oven can also work well.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Lasagna Skillet Pie is already a hearty, filling meal, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few carefully chosen side dishes and beverages:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of homemade garlic bread is the perfect way to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: Balance the richness of the lasagna with a simple arugula or Caesar salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese complements the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini to add some extra nutrition to the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Lasagna Skillet Pie stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully. Here are some tips to keep it tasting fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze portions for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Conclusion:
Lasagna Skillet Pie is the ultimate comfort food with a twist all the rich, indulgent flavors of lasagna without the time-consuming layering process. This one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen. The combination of a savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it an instant favorite for both family dinners and casual gatherings.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of lasagna or trying it for the first time, this skillet version is a must-try. Its simplicity, bold flavors, and satisfying textures make it an ideal dish for busy home cooks who want something delicious without the extra work. Try it tonight and enjoy a warm, comforting slice of Italian-inspired goodness!
