Pesto Skillet Lasagna: A One-Pan Comfort Food Masterpiece

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? But let’s face it—traditional lasagna can be time-consuming and leave your kitchen looking like a war zone. That’s where Pesto Skillet Lasagna steps in, giving you all the cheesy, layered goodness you crave with a fraction of the effort. Plus, this recipe adds a bright, herbaceous twist with pesto, making it a fresh and satisfying weeknight meal. You’ll only need one skillet, and we’re here to guide you through every step!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pesto Skillet Lasagna

Picture this: tender pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and the earthy kick of pesto, all cooked together in one skillet. No need for multiple pots or hours in the kitchen. You can enjoy restaurant-quality lasagna with minimal cleanup—and who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your ingredients ready. This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	1 Tbsp
Fresh baby spinach	8 oz
Unsalted butter	1/4 cup (1/2 stick)
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup
Whole milk (warmed)	2 cups
Pesto (homemade or store-bought)	1/2 cup
Kosher salt	1 tsp
No-boil lasagna noodles	10 pieces, broken into 2-inch pieces
Whole-milk ricotta cheese	1 cup
Grated mozzarella cheese	1 cup
Fresh basil leaves	For topping
Lemon zest	2 tsp

How to Make Pesto Skillet Lasagna

Let’s break down this recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your broiler to preheat with the oven rack positioned about 5 inches from the heat source. This ensures the perfect golden-brown finish for your cheesy topping.

2. Prepare the Spinach

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the spinach in two batches, tossing constantly until wilted (about 2 minutes per batch).
• Transfer the spinach to a bowl and set it aside.

3. Create the Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in the same skillet.
• Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes, until the mixture turns light brown.
• Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warmed whole milk. Cook the mixture for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Mix in 1/2 cup of pesto and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for a vibrant, flavorful sauce.

4. Add the Pasta

• Return the spinach to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce.
• Add 3/4 cup of water to loosen the mixture slightly.
• Using tongs, submerge the broken lasagna noodle pieces in the sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the noodles simmer for 14–15 minutes, or until tender.

5. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

While the noodles cook, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 2 teaspoons of lemon zest in a medium bowl. The zest adds a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the pesto.

6. Assemble the Skillet Lasagna

• Once the noodles are tender, dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

7. Broil to Perfection

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler.
• Broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

8. Garnish and Serve

• Top your Pesto Skillet Lasagna with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Tips for the Best Pesto Skillet Lasagna

Use High-Quality Pesto

Homemade pesto adds a rich, fresh flavor, but a good-quality store-bought version works just as well if you’re short on time.

Warm the Milk

Warming the milk before adding it to the skillet ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Customize the Greens

If spinach isn’t your thing, swap it out for kale or arugula for a slightly different twist.

Go Heavy on the Basil

Fresh basil isn’t just a garnish—it elevates the dish with its fragrant, peppery flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	15g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	750mg

FAQs About Pesto Skillet Lasagna

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. You can even add plant-based ricotta or mozzarella for a vegan option.

2. Can I use traditional lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes, but you’ll need to pre-cook them first. No-boil noodles are ideal for this one-pan method.

3. What can I substitute for spinach?
You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained) as substitutes.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the spinach in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

6. Can I add protein?
Certainly! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage can be added for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

With its creamy pesto sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness, Pesto Skillet Lasagna is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight treat.

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