Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty richness of Italian sausage, the fresh crunch of zucchini, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese - all prepared in a single skillet in less than 45 minutes! This Sausage and Zucchini Skillet Lasagna is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing zucchinis into thin rounds, measuring out marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until zucchini begins to soften slightly.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the sausage and zucchini mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour marinara sauce over the skillet contents, reducing heat to medium-low and stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Dollop ricotta cheese across the surface of the skillet, creating small pockets of cheese throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the entire skillet surface.
- Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Remove sausage from casings for better texture and faster cooking.
- Don't overcook zucchini - you want it tender, not mushy.
- For extra flavor, use homemade marinara sauce if possible.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or lean ground meat.
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough when browning sausage to develop a nice caramelized flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 725kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 55g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 170mg
