There’s something instantly soothing about a warm, cheesy dinner bubbling straight from the skillet. This cottage cheese lasagna skillet is that kind of meal — a simple, fuss-free dish that feels like a hug on a plate. When the day drags on and the craving for comfort food kicks in, this recipe becomes my go-to. No endless boiling or multiple pans; just one skillet, layered with tender noodles, tangy marinara, and that creamy cottage cheese goodness.
One evening, after a long day filled with back-to-back meetings and a drizzle outside, I pulled out my skillet and got to work. The aroma of simmering marinara filled the kitchen, mingling with the warm scent of garlic and Italian herbs. As the noodles softened in the sauce, I could already imagine the first bite — gooey, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Sitting down to eat, the steam rising from the skillet, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. It’s those simple moments, with food that’s easy yet rich, that make weeknight dinners feel special without the stress.
Why You’ll Love It:
– One-pan convenience means less cleanup and more time to relax.
– Creamy cottage cheese adds a light, tangy twist to traditional lasagna.
– No-boil noodles save time but absorb all the delicious marinara flavor.
– Perfectly balanced with Italian seasoning and fresh basil for brightness.
– Ready in about 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
If you’re worried about the cottage cheese texture or whether the noodles will cook through, don’t be. The slow simmer in the saucy skillet softens the noodles just right, and the cottage cheese melts gently into the mix, creating a luscious, creamy layer. It’s a friendly recipe that welcomes a little improvisation — feel free to sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top.
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Cottage Cheese Lasagna Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
A quick and easy one-pan lasagna skillet featuring creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender lasagna noodles, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup water
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, combine the marinara sauce and water. Stir to mix well.
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the skillet, spreading them evenly in the sauce mixture.
Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the noodles in the simmering sauce for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
In a small bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Remove the skillet from heat. Dollop the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles in the skillet.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat, allowing the cheeses to melt slightly.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
Serve the cottage cheese lasagna skillet warm, straight from the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
FAQ
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil? Yes, but cooking times will vary. You might need to pre-cook the noodles or add extra liquid and cook longer.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the cottage cheese and noodles may change.
Can I swap cottage cheese for ricotta? You can, but cottage cheese gives a lighter, creamier texture that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
How do I reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave until warm.
Ready to turn your busy nights into cozy comfort moments? Give this cottage cheese lasagna skillet a try and enjoy the ease of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.