If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s ready in no time and doesn’t leave your kitchen in chaos… enter my One Skillet Lazy Lasagna.

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I made this recipe (100% as written) today after seeing it on Today this morning. Oh my goodness! It’s fabulous! I’m a pretty decent home “chef,” and I’ve made many tasty dishes, but this one stands out among 40+ years of cooking.

Susan
(5 stars) 18 ratings
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This comforting dish packs all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a simplified stovetop version that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines hearty ground turkey (you can also use lean ground sirloin or a plant-based alternative), tender penne, nutrient-packed spinach, and gooey cheeses—all in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your preferences and pantry staples.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • One-pan magic: No layering, no baking, and minimal clean-up!
  • Waaaay faster than traditional lasagna: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Totally customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your preferences.
  • Family-approved: Comforting, cheesy, and packed with hearty goodness.
Step 1: Cook ground turkey, then add spinach and seasonings.
Step 2: Add marinara and mix, allowing the spinach to wilt.
Step 3: Stir in the ricotta cheese.
Step 4: Fold in the pasta, let it soak up all that saucy goodness, and finish with a blanket of melty mozzarella.

I dreamed this up in my head, creating it right before dinnertime. We all nearly freaked out when we dug in. It’s got all the comfort food lasagna feels, plus it comes together in no time and you’re not left with a lot of stuff to clean. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of my traditional oven-made lasagna recipes (like my Cheesy Spinach Lasagna and No-Noodle Lasagna)… but this one wins the prize for ease. It’s a great time-saving recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort.

Not only does this one-skillet lasagna check all the boxes for convenience and flavor, but it also packs a nutritional punch. The lean protein from turkey, sirloin or plant-based ground meat helps keep you full and satisfied, while the spinach adds an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And let’s not forget the fiber-filled carbs from legume- or whole wheat-based pasta, fueling your body with energy while keeping the meal balanced.

With minimal prep, easy clean-up, and endless customization options, it’s a keeper! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish has you covered. Yay!

Try my Baked Penne Alla Vodka!

(5 stars) 18 ratings

Skillet Lazy Lasagna

This comforting dish packs all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a simplified, stovetop version that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound ground turkey or lean sirloin, 90 to 94% lean
  • 4 cups 4 large handfuls spinach leaves
  • 2 to 4 cloves minced garlic, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, any preferred brand and seasoning
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • ½ to 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups cooked penne pasta, I used barilla protein penne
  • Fresh torn basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Mist a 10-inch-wide, deep skillet with nonstick oil spray (or add 2 teaspoons oil), and warm over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or sirloin and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Add in the spinach, garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Give it a stir.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly, allowing the spinach to wilt, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s evenly distributed and the mixture is creamy and rich. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring all the pasta is coated with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the lid, garnish with fresh torn basil, and serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Variations
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
• Experiment with different vegetables: Try kale, arugula, or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
• Use any pasta shape you’d like –rotini, farfalle, or a gluten-free brand.
• To kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Storage Tips
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freeze: Let the dish completely cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1.5 cupsCalories: 330Carbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gTotal Fat: 12g— Unsaturated Fat: 8g— Saturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 640mgFiber: 4gTotal Sugar: 5g— Natural Sugar: 5g— Added Sugar: 0gVitamin A: 2010IUCalcium: 222mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!