Name: Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (can substitute turkey Italian sausage); ½ teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 cup diced zucchini; 1 cup diced summer squash; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 25 ounces marinara sauce; 14 ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 cup water; 10 curly edged lasagna noodles (each broken into 4 pieces); 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese (like mozzarella/provolone or 4-cheese Italian); ⅓ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup chopped fresh basil

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dinner that comes together in one pan, the Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe is a total game changer. This dish takes all the best parts of traditional lasagna—the rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and layers of cheese—and blends them with fresh, tender zucchini and summer squash, bringing vibrant color and a light, summery twist. What’s awesome is how effortlessly it all cooks in just one skillet, saving you time and cleanup without skimping on flavor or comfort. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of juicy seasoned meat, melty cheese, and garden-fresh veggies that will keep everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. The largest bowl in the center holds square yellow pasta sheets with ruffled edges. Around it, from top left to bottom right, there are white bowls filled with chopped white onions, a creamy white sauce, a chunky red tomato sauce, shredded white cheese, and thin white cheese slices. A large white bowl contains raw ground beef with some visible texture. Other bowls hold chopped green zucchini, diced red tomatoes, small cubes of white cheese, and a trio of small white square dishes containing salt, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. A glass of water is also placed among the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this skillet lasagna truly shine, you only need a handful of fresh and pantry staples that each play an important role. From the savory ground meat to the fresh summer squash and crisp zucchini, every ingredient adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color to make this dish irresistible.

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: This offers a rich meaty base—feel free to swap in turkey Italian sausage for a lighter touch.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right kick and depth to the meat and veggies.
1 cup diced zucchini: Brings a tender, slightly sweet crunch and adds a fresh green pop of color.
1 cup diced summer squash: Complements the zucchini with its creamy texture and delicate flavor.
½ cup diced yellow onion: Builds a flavorful aromatic foundation for this comforting dish.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Gives a warm, savory aroma that intensifies the sauce.
25 ounces marinara sauce: The luscious tomato base that ties everything together with rich tanginess.
14-ounce can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of natural sweetness throughout the dish.
1 cup water: Helps the noodles cook perfectly within the skillet, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
10 curly edged lasagna noodles (broken into 4 pieces each): The star pasta base, perfectly sized to layer through the skillet.
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops provide luscious richness in every bite.
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese: Mozzarella and provolone meld into a gooey, melty topping you’ll swoon over.
⅓ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that makes the dish extra special.
½ cup chopped fresh basil: Brightens everything with fresh herbal notes and a burst of color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Start by heating a large deep skillet coated with nonstick spray over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy. Season the meat with salt and black pepper, then toss in the diced zucchini, summer squash, onions, and garlic. Let everything cook together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fork tender. This melding of meat and fresh veggies brings the heart and soul to your skillet lasagna.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

While the meat and veggies are cooking, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and water in a medium bowl. This mixture will serve as the luscious liquid base that cooks the noodles right there in the skillet, soaking up all those savory flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Noodles and Sauce

Once the meat and vegetables are ready, scatter the broken lasagna noodles evenly over the skillet to cover the mixture. Pour the marinara and tomato sauce blend evenly over the noodles, making sure the edges are completely covered to ensure the pasta cooks thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 25 minutes—this slow cooking is what softens the noodles perfectly and blends all the flavors harmoniously.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Finish Cooking

After the noodles have cooked through, remove the lid and drop dollops of creamy ricotta cheese across the surface. Sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another five minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into that irresistible gooey topping. Finish by scattering freshly chopped basil over the dish for an aromatic and vibrant touch just before serving.

How to Serve Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe

The images show a black cast iron pan on a white marbled surface, with four stages of making a layered pasta dish. The first layer is square, pale yellow pasta sheets arranged side by side to cover the pan evenly. The second layer is bright red tomato sauce with chunks spread thickly over the pasta, covering most of it. The third image shows the tomato sauce layer smoothed out evenly over the pasta, forming a solid red layer. The last image adds a final layer of shredded white cheese scattered all over the top, with several dollops of soft white cheese placed in clusters across the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a classic finish, adding a bright herbal note and gorgeous green color to your skillet lasagna. If you want an extra pop, try a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for some heat. A dusting of additional shaved Parmesan right before serving also amps up the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheese. Garlicky roasted broccoli or crispy oven-roasted potatoes also complement the dish’s hearty flavors and make the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the lasagna right from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation that’s both inviting and cozy. Alternatively, you can portion it out into individual oven-safe dishes to broil the cheese topping for a minute until golden and bubbly. For casual get-togethers, serve alongside crusty garlic bread for the ultimate Italian comfort food experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making for delicious next-day meals. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the skillet lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through for even warmth. Be mindful not to overheat to keep that cheesy texture silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles for this skillet lasagna?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular lasagna noodles for your preferred gluten-free variety broken into pieces. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster or require slightly less liquid.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to keep that meaty texture and umami. You can also omit the meat entirely and add an extra cup of zucchini or summer squash for a veggie-packed lasagna skillet.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?

While this recipe shines cooked fresh in the skillet, you can assemble the ingredients ahead up to step 3 (layering the noodles and sauce). Cover and refrigerate, then cook it fully when you’re ready for a stress-free dinner.

What cheese combinations work best for the Italian blend?

A blend of mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan works perfectly to create creamy meltiness with a bit of tang and nuttiness. Feel free to use shredded mozzarella and provolone if you want a simpler option.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan?

Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces and making sure the sauce fully covers the noodles helps prevent sticking. Also, using enough water in the sauce mixture and keeping the skillet covered during simmering ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe—it’s comforting, colorful, and effortlessly delicious all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe brings smiles and happy appetites guaranteed. I hope you’ll love making and sharing this easy, flavor-packed lasagna as much as I do! Give it a try soon, and get ready for a new favorite weeknight meal.

Skillet Lasagna with Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need