Skillet Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Name: Skillet Spinach Lasagna
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage roll; 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 cups torn fresh spinach; 0.5 cup ricotta cheese; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This simple and delicious lasagna-inspired dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender noodles, and fresh vegetables, all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups torn fresh spinach
cup ricotta cheese
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, breaking it into smaller pieces until it is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are evenly mixed with the sausage.

Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Add the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, then cover the skillet and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Before serving, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	633
Total Fat	33g (42%)
Saturated Fat	14g (71%)
Cholesterol	80mg (27%)
Sodium	1685mg (73%)
Total Carbohydrates	52g (19%)
Dietary Fiber	5g (17%)
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	34g (69%)
Vitamin C	26mg (29%)
Calcium	404mg (31%)
Iron	6mg (32%)
Potassium	1007mg (21%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Skillet Spinach Lasagna is a modern twist on the beloved Italian dish that traditionally takes hours to prepare. This version simplifies the process, turning lasagna into a one-pan meal thats perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory sausage, hearty lasagna noodles, rich tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish provides the flavors of classic lasagna without the need for extensive preparation. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal that cooks in just about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy families.

History of Lasagna

The origins of lasagna date back to ancient times, with some historians tracing the dish to the Greeks. Early forms of lasagna, known as "Laganon," were made from layers of pasta-like dough and meat sauces, very different from todays tomato-based recipes. The modern lasagna we know today evolved in Italy, particularly from the region of Emilia-Romagna. Italian immigrants later brought their lasagna recipes to America, where it became a beloved comfort food.

Regional Variations

Lasagna recipes vary widely across Italy. In the northern regions, particularly Emilia-Romagna, lasagna is traditionally made with rich rag sauce (a meat-based sauce), bchamel (a creamy white sauce), and fresh egg pasta. In contrast, southern Italian variations may use ricotta cheese and a tomato-based sauce. The Skillet Spinach Lasagna diverges from these traditional methods by simplifying the process and using ingredients that are more accessible for busy cooks, like store-bought tomato sauce and pre-cooked lasagna noodles.

How Skillet Spinach Lasagna Differs from Traditional Lasagna

What makes this Skillet Spinach Lasagna different from the classic baked version is the cooking method. Traditional lasagna requires multiple layers to be assembled in a baking dish, then cooked for up to an hour. In contrast, this recipe uses a skillet, where the ingredients are simmered together in one pot. Additionally, the Skillet Spinach Lasagna incorporates spinach into the dish, providing a fresh, nutritious boost, while maintaining the richness of the original lasagna. The result is a dish that captures the essence of lasagna in a fraction of the time.

Where Skillet Spinach Lasagna is Typically Served

Skillet Spinach Lasagna is perfect for home-cooked family meals, especially when time is short. It is often served as a main dish for dinner, accompanied by a simple salad or garlic bread. This recipe is also a great choice for potlucks, casual gatherings, and weeknight dinners. Its hearty nature and ease of preparation make it a crowd-pleaser in virtually any setting.

Interesting Facts About Lasagna

The world's largest lasagna was made in Italy in 2012, weighing over 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs).
Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes worldwide, often representing Italy in international culinary competitions.
In Italy, it is traditionally a dish served during special occasions, particularly at Easter and Christmas.
Different countries have put their spin on lasagnaAmerican versions often add layers of ground beef, while in Greece, a lasagna called "Pastitsio" is made with bchamel sauce and pasta.

Conclusion

Skillet Spinach Lasagna provides a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of a classic lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. Whether youre serving it for a casual weeknight meal or preparing a dish for a larger gathering, this simplified version brings all the comfort and deliciousness of lasagna in a quick and easy skillet meal.

FAQ about Skillet Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Yes, you can make the lasagna ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, but instead of serving immediately, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Store leftover Skillet Spinach Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles in this recipe. Simply cook the gluten-free noodles according to the package directions and follow the recipe as usual. Be aware that some gluten-free noodles may require a little extra time to cook, so keep an eye on the sauce consistency.

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream. Both options will give the lasagna a creamy texture, though the flavor may slightly differ.

Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to your Skillet Spinach Lasagna. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. Simply sauté them with the sausage before adding the noodles and sauce.

Yes, you can use ground turkey or even ground chicken as a substitute for the sausage. For added flavor, consider seasoning the turkey with Italian seasoning, garlic, and fennel seeds to mimic the taste of sausage.

To prevent the noodles from becoming too chewy, ensure that the sauce is sufficiently liquid and that the lasagna has enough time to simmer. If necessary, add a bit more water or broth to keep the sauce moist during cooking. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles cook evenly.

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water in the dish.

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or divide the mixture between two skillets. Cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the noodles and sauce as they cook.

The lasagna is done when the noodles are soft and the sauce has thickened. The cheese should be melted, and the lasagna should be bubbling around the edges. If you're unsure, you can check by tasting a piece of noodle to ensure it's fully cooked.

Comments

Eric Mitchell

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Lowkey, this recipe deserves an award.

Kathleen Davis

06/06/2020 02:08:44 AM

So simple but tastes like something fancy.

Matt C

06/15/2020 11:09:57 PM

First go at it. I used lean ground turkey and seasoned with fennel and Italian spices to give a sausage flavor. Used frozen chopped spinach which I added at the simmer step, about 6 ounces. Used whole grain lasagne noodles. They need more simmer time to get soft (chewable al dente). The validation is my 11 year old had three bowls and he can be picky.

Grass Lake Gus

05/11/2020 10:29:52 PM

Added Italian seasoning and garlic powder, mixed the Ricotta thoroughly before covering with the Mozzarella. Sprinkled dried Basil and shredded Parmesan on top. Quick, easy and filling. Going to add to my "Don't know what to make" collection

tmlc

09/29/2023 08:33:39 PM

This is a pretty good recipe, but it needs some dressing up. I added some olive oil, and softened some chopped onion and garlic. Also added some basil, oregano and thyme to the sauce.

Andrea

09/07/2017 11:53:40 PM

Normally I always like to make a recipe as written before completing a review, but based on all of the reviews and the ingredient list, I really felt it was going to be bland, so instead of the crushed tomatoes, I used prepared spaghetti sauce with 3 small cans of tomato sauce, minced garlic and some additional basil. I also used ground beef instead of sausage since I didn't have any on hand. I think I would consider using maybe half sausage and half beef next time. I used low fat ricotta and added an additional cup of spinach. To make it even more healthy, I used high fiber lasagna noodles. It was very good and easy to throw together.

Jay Braun

05/29/2019 01:49:22 AM

Taste is wonderful, but directions leave a bit to be desired. When you say large skillet, you mean LARGE skillet. I started with a 10" cast iron skillet, browned sausage, added noodles, tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pan was FULL, so I dumped it all in a dutch oven and continued. I added a Tbsp of Italian seasoning before adding spinach and cheeses. Let it sit for an hour, It was very, very good.

Tracey Hortin Creamer

04/14/2021 12:04:39 PM

Quick & easy. I made a few changes to add a bit more zest: sautéed garlic & small amount of onion in olive oil the added the sausage. Only used 15 oz can of diced tomatoes ( that’s what I had), but made up the difference in liquid with chicken broth & white wine. Also added some Italian seasoning & fresh basil.

kristy

09/20/2020 12:01:23 AM

I really liked this recipe but did add garlic and basil. Felt as if it could have used a bit more spinach, too. Also I had to add some water about halfway through cooking time because the sauce was too thick. Maybe the heat was a little too high. Otherwise very tasty!!

Kristy E.

04/26/2020 11:51:56 PM

So good! I tweeted the recipe by making a Cuban sofrito (diced green pepper, diced onion, and muddled garlic that you sauté in oil for 10 minutes) to the sauce. I also cooked the sausage in television sauce with the sofrito for about 25 minutes. Delicious!

cleo

05/06/2018 05:53:47 PM

LOVED this recipe. Used tomato sauce with Italian seasoning and sautéed some onion, garlic & mushrooms before browning the meat. My husband and 18 month old loved it too. I may make it two weeks in a row!

Jerry Martin

05/14/2025 11:39:33 PM

Quick, easy, and everyone loved it.

Kelandry Yemrot

10/06/2024 09:27:38 PM

This recipe has become a favorite with my family. Everyone loves the taste and I love how easy it is to make. It's great as written, and I made it that way for a long time (with extra spinach). However, I found that the noodles cook better if I double the tomato sauce. I've also used shredded mozzarella a few times because it's all I had, and while I prefer the block, the shredded works well enough. Turkey sausage also works. It's an easy recipe to adjust to your needs.

novice cook

12/05/2023 02:20:43 AM

Super easy and very tasty. The recipe looked a little bland so I sautéed a garlic clove with the sausage and threw in a heaping TBSP of Italian seasoning. A definite keeper given the ease and the taste.

patyoung

08/05/2023 10:42:28 PM

Easy recipe …delicious result!

VAFamilyCook

05/02/2023 12:26:37 AM

Surprisingly like baked lasagna! The whole family loved it. I doubled the cheese for this recipe, and I have no regrets. It's a great week night option for getting lasagna on the table in about half the time.

virg

04/30/2023 07:39:20 PM

I used campanelle noodles instead and par boiled before adding. Instead of 24oz crushed I did 12 oz with 1/2 jar of tomato basil pasta sauce. I also added minced garlic and minced onion along with 2 t. of italian spice blend. Famly loved it!

jradams67

07/26/2022 12:41:49 AM

This was delicious and easy to make. I will make it again.

Pamela Fender

07/15/2022 02:25:17 AM

I definitely would not use canned tomatoes. A better choice would've been a jar of marinara sauce. The noodles never really softened up. I would not make this again.

CleverBao3517

07/15/2022 02:11:04 AM

Easy and delicious!

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 390 minutes