Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach
A quick stovetop lasagna layering Italian sausage, fresh spinach, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella for comfort food without the oven. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casings removed, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups marinara sauce and 2 cups water, then add 8 oz broken lasagna noodles. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-18 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Remove the lid, sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium yellow onion, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Skillet Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
