Name: One Pot Lasagna Pasta: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 9 lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (15 ounce) can ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

One Pot Lasagna Pasta: Imagine twirling your fork around a mountain of cheesy, meaty lasagna, but without the fuss of layering and baking! That's precisely what this recipe delivers – all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna, simplified into a single, glorious pot. Forget spending hours meticulously assembling layers; this is lasagna reimagined for the modern, busy cook.

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved over centuries. While its exact origins are debated, variations of layered pasta dishes have been enjoyed since ancient Roman times. The modern lasagna we know and love, with its rich ragu, creamy béchamel, and generous layers of cheese, is a testament to Italy's dedication to hearty, flavorful food. But let's be honest, sometimes we crave that comforting taste without the all-day commitment.

That's where this One Pot Lasagna Pasta comes in. People adore this dish because it captures the essence of lasagna – the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta (or cottage cheese!), and the gooey mozzarella – in a fraction of the time. It's the perfect weeknight meal: quick, easy to clean up, and utterly satisfying. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors, resulting in a creamy, intensely flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, who can resist the allure of a one-pot wonder? Less dishes, more flavor – it's a win-win!

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
9 lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetable Base:

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don't have large chunks.
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onions should be nicely softened and starting to caramelize slightly.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of the garlic will really enhance the flavor of the dish.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if you like.

Combining the Ingredients and Cooking the Pasta:

Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Make sure the noodles are broken into manageable pieces, about 2-3 inches long. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together too much.
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to ensure that the noodles are submerged in the liquid. The broth will cook the pasta and create a delicious sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Check the noodles for doneness – they should be al dente, with a slight bite.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The egg will help bind the ricotta mixture together and prevent it from being too runny.

Assembling and Baking (Optional - Can be served directly from the pot):

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is only necessary if you want to bake the lasagna for a more browned and bubbly top. If you prefer, you can skip this step and serve the lasagna directly from the pot.
Once the noodles are cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a cheesy and gooey base for the ricotta mixture.
Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the top of the pasta. Spread it evenly over the surface. The ricotta mixture will add a creamy and rich layer to the lasagna.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture. This will create a golden and bubbly topping when baked.
If baking, transfer the pot (if oven-safe) or the lasagna mixture to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving:

Remove the lasagna from the oven (if baked) and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. The fresh basil will add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Serve hot and enjoy! This one-pot lasagna pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, or use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
Add spinach: Stir in a bag of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
Use different pasta: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make it ahead: This lasagna can be made ahead of time and baked later. Simply assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Broth Substitution: If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work.
Tomato Paste: For a richer, more intense tomato flavor, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the sauce along with the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
Fat: 25-35 grams
Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Fiber: 5-7 grams
Sugar: 10-15 grams
Protein: 25-35 grams

Enjoy this delicious and easy One-Pot Lasagna Pasta! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This One Pot Lasagna Pasta isn't just a recipe; it's a weeknight dinner revolution. Forget layering, baking, and mountains of dishes. This recipe delivers all the comforting, cheesy, tomato-y goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. Seriously, what's not to love?

I know what you might be thinking: "Can it really taste like lasagna if it's all cooked in one pot?" And the answer is a resounding YES! The key is layering the flavors and allowing the pasta to absorb all that delicious sauce. The ricotta dollops melt into creamy pockets of joy, and the mozzarella creates that perfect, gooey cheese pull we all crave. Trust me, even the most discerning lasagna aficionado will be impressed.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While this One Pot Lasagna Pasta is fantastic on its own, there are tons of ways to customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef. Simply brown the meat before adding the other ingredients. If you're a veggie lover, feel free to toss in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the pasta so they can cook down in the sauce.

Looking for a lighter option? Use whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version. You can also swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a slightly tangier flavor. And for those who like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. I personally love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of freshness.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That's the beauty of cooking, right? It's all about creating something that you and your family will enjoy. And I have a feeling this One Pot Lasagna Pasta will quickly become a family favorite.

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe it's a game-changer for busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Plus, the one-pot cleanup is a major bonus. Once you've made it, I'd absolutely love to hear what you think. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below! Let's create a community of One Pot Lasagna Pasta lovers!

So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won't regret it. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it's sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

I can't wait to see your culinary creations. Remember to tag me in your photos so I can see your amazing One Pot Lasagna Pasta masterpieces. Enjoy!