Description
This Spicy Sausage and Kale Skillet Lasagna is a hearty and flavorful dish combining spicy Italian sausage, nutritious kale, and whole wheat lasagna noodles, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The recipe balances wholesome ingredients with rich cheeses and a zesty marinara sauce, offering a comforting, easy-to-make one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 medium-sized head curly green kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite)
- 4 to 6 ounces freshly grated mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano) for topping
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare a pot of water for the noodles and bring it to a boil. Cook the broken lasagna noodles in the boiling water for about 5 to 6 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Kale: While the pasta cooks, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the hot Italian sausage along with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to crumble and break apart the sausage. Cook until browned. Add the chopped kale and minced garlic, stirring gently. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the kale is wilted, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce into the sausage and kale mixture, stirring well to combine. Turn off the heat. Stir in about one-third cup of the grated mozzarella or provolone cheese into the sauce mixture for extra creaminess.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Fold the drained noodles into the sauce mixture in the skillet using a spatula or spoon. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated and mostly submerged in the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella or provolone cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Ricotta and Bake: Drop scoops of ricotta cheese over the top of the noodle and sauce mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Using whole wheat noodles adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to avoid transferring the mixture to a baking dish.
- If you prefer less spice, substitute hot Italian sausage with mild or sweet sausage.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or swiss chard if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American