Skillet Lasagna: The Easiest One-Pan Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Balsamic chicken slow cooker recipes are a weeknight dinner champion, and I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite version with you! Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of tender, juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Sounds divine, right?

Balsamic vinegar, originating from Modena, Italy, has been prized for centuries for its complex flavor profile. While its exact origins are shrouded in history, it’s believed that balsamic vinegar production dates back to the Middle Ages, initially used for medicinal purposes before becoming a culinary staple. This recipe brings that rich heritage to your table in a modern, convenient way.

What makes this balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of ease and flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly flavorful – the balsamic glaze creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, coating the chicken in a luscious sauce. Plus, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and moist, practically falling apart with each bite. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal any night of the week. Get ready to experience the magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our skillet lasagna – the meat sauce! This is where all the delicious flavors begin to meld together. Trust me, taking your time with this step will pay off big time in the end.

1. Brown the Sausage: First, grab your largest skillet (preferably cast iron, but any large skillet will do) and drizzle in the olive oil. Place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. You want to see some nice color on the sausage – that’s where the flavor is! Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. Don’t drain the grease! That’s flavor gold right there. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Combine and Simmer: Now, return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. Then, add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it another good stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually let mine simmer for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

While the meat sauce is simmering away, let’s get the ricotta mixture ready. This creamy layer adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the lasagna.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and lightly beaten egg. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The egg helps to bind the ricotta mixture together and prevents it from being too dry.
2. Season (Optional): If you like, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the ricotta mixture. I usually don’t, as the other components of the lasagna are already quite flavorful, but feel free to adjust it to your liking.

Assembling the Skillet Lasagna:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens, and you start to see your skillet lasagna taking shape.

1. Add Noodles to the Sauce: Stir the broken lasagna noodles into the simmering meat sauce. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out. You want the noodles to be able to cook properly in the sauce.
2. Cook the Noodles: Cover the skillet and continue to simmer over low heat until the noodles are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the noodles cook evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick during this process, add a little more water or broth. The noodles should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to them.
3. Add Ricotta Mixture: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top of the noodles and sauce. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the ricotta mixture into an even layer.
4. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta mixture. You want a nice, generous layer of cheese to create that gooey, melty topping we all love.

Baking or Broiling:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to melt that cheese and finish off our skillet lasagna. You have two options here: baking or broiling. Both work great, so choose whichever you prefer.

1. Baking (Option 1): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Broiling (Option 2): If your skillet is oven-safe (and most cast iron skillets are), you can broil the lasagna to melt the cheese. Turn on your broiler and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown. Watch it very carefully, as it can burn quickly under the broiler. I prefer this method because it’s faster and gives the cheese a nice, slightly browned crust.

Serving:

Congratulations, you’ve made a delicious skillet lasagna! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven or broiler and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the lasagna for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the lasagna into wedges and serve hot. This skillet lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Skillet Lasagna is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just crave that comforting lasagna flavor without all the fuss. I know, I know, lasagna can seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe simplifies everything without sacrificing any of that rich, cheesy goodness we all adore. It’s a must-try because it delivers all the classic lasagna flavors in a fraction of the time, using just one skillet for easy cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?

Why is this Skillet Lasagna a must-try? It’s simple: it’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s incredibly satisfying. The layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the skillet method ensures that every bite is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Forget spending hours layering and baking; this recipe gets dinner on the table in under an hour!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. If you’re a vegetarian, swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. You could also add some Italian sausage for an extra kick, or use a different type of cheese, like provolone or parmesan, for a unique flavor profile. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna.
* A crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* For a lighter option, serve it with steamed green beans or asparagus.
* If you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
* Want to make it even easier? Use pre-made marinara sauce instead of making your own.
* For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini slices in place of the noodles.

I truly believe that this Skillet Lasagna will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a potluck. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your amazing Skillet Lasagna creations. Happy cooking!