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You are here: Home / Recipes / Pasta

Sausage & Pesto Lasagna Skillet

By Susie Weinrich ยท Date Aug 17, 2023ยท Leave a Comment ยท May contain affiliate links.

pesto lasagna with text overlay for pinterest
lasagna in a skillet with text for pinterest
pesto lasagna skillet pin image with text
lasagna in a skillet with text for pinterest
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Making Pesto Lasagna Skillet is a great way to change up a traditional lasagna recipe. The whole “lasagna” is made on the stove top, in one pan, in 30 minutes, no layering or baking required here. This Pesto Lasagna Skillet Recipe is a great family style dinner to make on a busy week night or on a lazy Sunday.

pesto lasagna in a skillet topped with pine nuts

It all starts with onions, garlic, and Italian sausage. Then some tomatoes, fresh pesto and marinara get poured in. While it simmers you add broken up lasagna noodles. They boil to a perfect al dente and then you add some ricotta, mozzarella and pine nuts for an amazing Lasagna dinner!

RELATED: We don’t skimp on Lasagna Recipes here on Mom’s Dinner, check out all our Lasagna Recipes Here!

Pesto

Pesto is an Italian style sauce that is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts and parmesan cheese all blended with olive oil. It is traditionally served over pasta or as a dip or added to soups.

pesto lasagna with mozzarella and pine nuts

You can find pesto in the grocery store in the aisle with the spaghetti sauces/marinara, as a shelf stable jarred sauce. However, if you can find a fresh version that is refrigerated definitely buy that, even if it is $1 or $2 more!!

If you have access to a lot of fresh basil then you can make your own, which is best, but not necessary. Follow this recipe for Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce. Also- FYI you can freeze your fresh pesto!!!

Oven Ready or Traditional Lasagna Noodles

When you buy your lasagna noodles you will have two different options – Oven Ready or Traditional. You can buy either, they both work in this recipe!

We tend to prefer the traditional noodles because they are a little thicker and heartier in the lasagna skillet.

Step By Step Pesto Lasagna

pesto lasagna in a skillet
Cook Sausage, Onions, Garlic and add the seasoning, tomatoes, and liquid/sauce. Nestle in Noodles and cook, covered, for 12 minutes
ricotta added to the lasagna skillet
Add the spoonfuls of ricotta, lightly mixing it in.
mozzarella added to the top of the pesto skillet
Add the mozzarella cheese and cook, covered, for 10 more minutes.
Final pesto lasagna skillet topped with pine nuts
Let the pesto lasagna cool for 5 minutes and then top with pine nuts and serve!

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Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

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pesto lasagna with mozzarella and pine nuts

Pesto Lasagna Skillet Recipe

A delicious pesto lasagna that is made on the stove top in a skillet! Sausage, pesto, tomatoes lasagna noodles, and cheese mixed together for an excellent lasagna dinner.
Listen to the audio recipe or cook along with the player below.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • 12 skillet with lid

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage - Any version you like – spicy, mild, turkey, pork.
  • ยฝ cup yellow or white onion, diced
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, chopped
  • ยผ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 ยพ cup water
  • ยฝ cup pesto - **see notes on pesto below
  • ยฝ cup marinara
  • 8 uncooked lasagna noodles - 10 inch noodles, oven ready or traditional both work.
  • ยฝ cup ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz grated mozzarella
  • ยผ cup pine nuts, toasted

Optional Garnishes

  • dried basil, fresh torn basil, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over low heat toast the pine nuts just until they start to brown, remove from the pan and set aside.
    ยผ cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Set the empty skillet over medium heat and cook/crumble the 1 lb. ground Italian sausage. Drain any excess grease.
    1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
  • Add the ยฝ cup onions, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ยผ teaspoon salt to the pan. Saute for 4-5 minutes.
    ยฝ cup yellow or white onion, diced, 2 fresh garlic cloves, chopped, ยผ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Add the 1 ยพ cup water, drained canned diced tomatoes, marinara and 6-7 oz of Pesto to the pan. Give it a good stir to mix. Bring to a boil over medium high heat.
    15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained, ยฝ cup pesto, ยฝ cup marinara, 1 ยพ cup water
  • Break up 8-10 lasagna noodles, nestle them in the hot liquid. Lower the heat to low.
    Pop the lid on the pan and cook for 12 minutes.
    NOTE- if your pan doesn't have a lid cover with foil or pop a baking sheet over top of the pan.
    8 uncooked lasagna noodles
  • Spoon dollops of the ยฝ cup ricotta all over the lasagna (see photo) and lightly stir them down into the lasagna trying not to completely break up the ricotta, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
    Pop the lid on the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
    ยฝ cup ricotta cheese, 4 oz grated mozzarella
    ricotta added to the lasagna skillet
  • Remove the lid and remove the pan from the heat. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
    Garnish with toasted pine nuts and any other optional garnish.
    dried basil, fresh torn basil, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

Recipe Tips and Notes:

** Pesto – you can make fresh homemade pesto for this recipe.ย 
If you can find store bought pesto that is refrigerated, get that, it will be better than shelf stable pesto.
To make ahead prepare completely. Let cool and then place in the fridge with a tight fitting lid. To warm you can microwave individual portions or set the whole skillet over medium low heat with the lid on for 8-10 minutes.ย 
LASAGNA SKILLET: to try a traditional flavored lasagna skillet pop over to this recipe.
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
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About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

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