Delicious One-Pan Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna (Gluten-Free Option): An Easy Weeknight Meal

Say goodbye to multiple pots and endless cleanup! This incredibly flavorful vegetarian lasagna cast iron skillet lasagna brings all the comfort of classic lasagna to one pan. Packed with wholesome ingredients like tender zucchini, fresh spinach, vibrant tomatoes, and a generous blend of aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a meal that truly satisfies. Best of all, it’s easily made gluten-free by using your favorite compliant lasagna noodles!

If you’re anything like me, a quick and easy one-pan meal is a weeknight lifesaver. Dishes like my chicken sausage sheet pan dinner are a regular staple. The idea of perfectly seasoned ingredients coming together with minimal cleanup is simply irresistible!

This delightful one-pan vegetarian lasagna skillet is prepared in one of my all-time favorite kitchen heroes: the Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet. These versatile pans can handle just about anything, from my cast iron skillet green beans to a hearty lasagna. They are particularly perfect for a vegetable lasagna like this because you can cook every single component, including the noodles, in the very same pan. This allows the flavors to meld and build upon each other, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly rich and deeply satisfying.

If you appreciate lightened-up (and gluten-free) comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor, much like this vegetarian lasagna recipe, then you absolutely must try my spaghetti squash spaghetti bowls!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe

• A True One-Pan Wonder: The highlight of this recipe is that the lasagna noodles cook directly in the cast iron skillet on your stovetop – no oven needed! This ingenious method ensures all the flavors infuse into the noodles, creating a cohesive, delicious meal with significantly less washing up. If you’re a fan of fuss-free cooking, my chicken kale soup is another one-pan gem you’ll adore!
• Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add some protein? Browned ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage would be a delicious addition. Have different vegetables lingering in your fridge? Feel free to swap them in! Craving a unique spice blend? Experiment to your heart’s content. This skillet lasagna is designed to adapt to your preferences.
• Hearty, Healthy & Clean: In just 30-40 minutes (or even faster if you prep your ingredients ahead of time!), you can have a wholesome, hearty, and “clean” weeknight meal on the table. “Clean” in this context means focusing on real, unprocessed ingredients, free from excessive added sugars or artificial additives, providing nourishment without sacrificing that beloved comfort food feel.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Enjoy all the deliciousness of lasagna without the gluten. Simply opt for your preferred gluten-free lasagna noodles, and you’re all set. It’s the perfect solution for those with dietary restrictions who still crave classic Italian comfort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Lasagna

Ingredient Notes and Expert Substitutions

While a complete list of ingredients and their precise amounts can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below, here are some important call-outs and helpful tips for selecting the cleanest, most flavorful options.

LASAGNA NOODLES: My personal preference for this recipe is gluten-free lasagna noodles, as they cook beautifully in the skillet and allow everyone to enjoy this dish. However, traditional regular lasagna noodles will work just as well if gluten isn’t a concern for you.

Clean Food Tip: When choosing regular lasagna noodles, look for options made with whole wheat, ideally organic, to ensure you’re getting more fiber and fewer pesticides. For gluten-free varieties, brown rice noodles are an excellent choice – again, organic is preferred. I highly recommend Delallo Organic Whole Wheat Lasagna and Jovial Organic Brown Rice Pasta Lasagna for their quality and taste.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE: The quality of your marinara or spaghetti sauce truly shines in this dish, so pick a brand you love. Any of your favorite varieties will work to create a rich tomato base.

Clean Food Tip: Opt for spaghetti sauces made with simple, recognizable, whole food ingredients. Carefully check the label to ensure there’s no added sugar and that it’s preferably organic. My top pick is Organico Bello, which is widely available at most Target stores and health food markets, known for its pure ingredients and delicious flavor.

DICED TOMATOES: Canned chopped or diced tomatoes contribute essential texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor to the sauce. They thicken the lasagna and provide a robust foundation.

Clean Food Tip: Just like with spaghetti sauce, prioritize canned diced tomatoes with minimal, simple ingredients. Avoid those with added sugars, artificial preservatives, or any unnecessary fillers. I typically reach for Organico Bello Organic Chopped Tomatoes for their consistent quality.

VEGGIES: This recipe features a colorful and nutritious blend of yellow onion, zucchini, red bell pepper, and fresh spinach. This combination offers a fantastic array of textures and flavors. However, feel free to get creative and use any vegetable combination you prefer or whatever fresh produce you have on hand in your refrigerator!

Clean Food Tip: For the freshest and healthiest vegetable choices, consult the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list. This guide helps you identify which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic due to higher pesticide residues.

SHREDDED MOZZARELLA: For the best melt and creamiest texture, I highly recommend buying a block of mozzarella and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder its melting capability, though it will still work in a pinch. If you’re looking for a flavor variation, shredded Parmesan cheese can also be a wonderful substitute for mozzarella, adding a salty, nutty depth.

Clean Food Tip: When selecting dairy products like mozzarella, prioritize pasture-raised, organic, and whole or raw milk options. These choices generally indicate a more pure and cleaner product, often with a better nutrient profile.

How to Make This Effortless Skillet Lasagna

Creating this delicious vegetarian lasagna skillet is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly on your stovetop. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

1. Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: Begin by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in your trusty 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, swirl it gently to coat the bottom of the pan. Add your finely minced garlic, chopped yellow onion, vibrant red bell pepper, and fresh zucchini. Sauté these ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, which typically takes about 5 minutes.

2. Build the Flavor Base: Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to infuse them with rich Italian flavors. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and fine sea salt. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and their aromas are fully released, creating a fragrant base for your lasagna.

3. Add the Sauce and Spinach: Next, pour in the spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes, then add the generous helping of packed spinach. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a low boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the spinach to wilt down into the sauce.

4. Incorporate the Lasagna Noodles: Now for the magic! Carefully break your lasagna noodles into smaller, manageable pieces (roughly 2-3 inches long) and stir them directly into the simmering sauce. It’s crucial to ensure that all the noodle pieces are as fully submerged and covered by the sauce as possible. This step is key to ensuring they cook through evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.

5. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, ensuring the sauce is at a gentle simmer, then place a tight-fitting lid on your skillet. Continue to cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and cooked to your desired consistency. About halfway through the cooking time, lift the lid and give the lasagna a good stir. This helps to prevent any veggies from sticking to the bottom and ensures that all noodles remain fully immersed in the sauce for even cooking.

6. Melt the Cheese and Garnish: Once the lasagna noodles are perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella, allowing it to begin melting into the rich sauce. Then, artfully arrange the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella over the top of the lasagna. If using, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the cheese. Cover the skillet again and continue cooking over low heat for about 2-5 minutes, or just until the fresh mozzarella is beautifully melted and gooey.

7. Serve and Savor: Your incredible vegetarian skillet lasagna is now ready! Ladle generous portions onto plates, garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, and prepare to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that was surprisingly easy to make.

Expert Tips for the Best Skillet Lasagna

• I highly recommend using a Lodge cast iron skillet for this recipe. Their superior heat distribution ensures even cooking and helps develop a richer flavor profile. However, if you don’t own one, a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet will also work effectively.
• Don’t skip that crucial halfway stir! This step is vital for two main reasons: it prevents the delicious vegetables from potentially burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan, and more importantly, it ensures all your lasagna noodles are completely covered in sauce, guaranteeing they cook through perfectly and evenly.
• Want to give your vegetarian skillet lasagna a little kick? You can easily make it spicy by incorporating some finely diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes along with your other seasonings.
• If you appreciate a beautifully crisp and golden cheese topping, you have an alternative to stovetop melting. After stirring in the shredded mozzarella and layering the fresh slices, you can carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and melt the cheese under the broiler for a few minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning, and add the chopped fresh basil after broiling.
• Remember, making this dish gluten-free is as simple as selecting your favorite compliant lasagna noodles. The cooking method remains exactly the same, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
• This quick and easy vegetable lasagna is also fantastic for meal-prepping to simplify a busy week! Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It reheats beautifully for lunches or effortless dinners. For more brilliant meal prep ideas, try my easy oven-baked fajitas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Easy Dinners for You to Try!

If you make this delicious one-pan vegetarian lasagna skillet, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don’t forget to share a photo of your creation on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama! Your feedback and shares truly make my day.

Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara