Introduction to the Recipe
Sheet Pan Lasagna is the ultimate combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires multiple pans and layers of careful assembly, this recipe allows you to enjoy all the deliciousness of classic lasagna in one single sheet pan. With Italian sausage, a savory tomato-garlic Calabrian chile spread, creamy cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella, every bite is a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep, as it’s easy to assemble and bake all at once. The use of Mafalde Corte pasta or broken lasagna noodles ensures that each bite captures sauce, cheese, and sausage, creating that classic lasagna taste without the fuss of layering noodles individually. To enhance your lasagna experience, consider exploring this guide to Italian sausages or tips on perfect homemade marinara.
Not only is Sheet Pan Lasagna straightforward to prepare, but it also allows for flavor customization. You can adjust the heat with Calabrian chile spread, swap in vegetables for added nutrition, or experiment with different cheese blends. This Sheet Pan Lasagna recipe is guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults, offering that classic lasagna comfort in a modern, simplified form. Its generous portions, rich flavors, and ease of cooking make it a go-to recipe for home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
Description
Delicious Sheet Pan Lasagna with Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and rich marinara—perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 19 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 Tbsp Good & Gather Signature Tomato Garlic and Calabrian Chile Spread
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb Mafalde Corte pasta, or broken lasagna noodles
- ½ cup pasta water
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup grated parmesan, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large sheet pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Combine sauces: In a bowl, mix marinara, tomato-garlic Calabrian chile spread, and minced garlic. Stir in ½ cup pasta water to create a pourable sauce.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, basil, parsley, and ¼ cup parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread half of the sauce evenly across the sheet pan. Sprinkle half the pasta over the sauce, then dollop half of the cheese mixture across the pasta. Top with half the cooked sausage. Repeat the layers with remaining sauce, pasta, cheese, and sausage.
- Add final cheeses: Sprinkle remaining parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Mafalde Corte pasta or broken lasagna noodles works best to ensure even sauce coverage.
Letting the pan rest after baking helps the lasagna set and slice cleanly.
For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving.
Advanced Techniques
1. Enhance Sausage Flavor
For more depth, sauté sausage with onions, bell peppers, or fennel before adding to the lasagna. Slowly browning the meat releases fats and intensifies the flavor.
2. Achieving Creamier Cheese Layers
Blend cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone to create a silkier texture. Adding a splash of milk can also help the cheese mixture spread evenly without curdling.
3. Prevent Pasta from Sticking
Toss broken lasagna noodles lightly with olive oil before layering. This prevents clumping and ensures the pasta cooks evenly throughout the casserole.
4. Boost Sauce Flavor
Simmer the marinara with additional garlic, Italian herbs, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for 10 minutes before assembly. This elevates the sauce, making every bite more flavorful.
5. Perfectly Golden Cheese Top
Broil the sheet pan lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This creates a golden, bubbly, slightly crisp top layer without drying out the casserole.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Refrigeration
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture and flavor.
2. Freezing for Later
Cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
3. Make-Ahead Preparation
Assemble lasagna a day in advance but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day to save time while keeping flavors intact.
4. Maintaining Moisture
If the lasagna dries during reheating, add a few tablespoons of water or extra marinara sauce over the top and cover with foil. This restores moisture without diluting flavor.
5. Portioning for Serving
Use a sharp knife or spatula to cut clean squares. Allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing so the layers set properly.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and verify the sausage and marinara are gluten-free. This creates a lasagna safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
2. Lower-Fat Version
Swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives. Reduce cheese amounts or use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter dish.
3. Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptation
Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based sausage. Use a tofu-based or cashew cream cheese mixture to replace cottage cheese and egg. Vegan cheese can replace mozzarella and parmesan.
4. Spicy Variations
Add extra Calabrian chile spread or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick. Pair with milder cheeses to balance heat.
5. Dairy-Free Modifications
Use plant-based cheese and milk substitutes. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure all ingredients are verified as dairy-free.
FAQs About the Recipe
1. Can I Make This Sheet Pan Lasagna Ahead?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Pre-baking the noodles slightly can ensure even cooking.
2. Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, but they should be broken or slightly undercooked so they fit the sheet pan and cook fully with the sauce.
3. How Do I Keep It from Being Soggy?
Ensure the sausage is drained, and the pasta water is measured carefully. Avoid excess sauce and allow the lasagna to rest after baking.
4. Can I Freeze Individual Portions?
Yes, slice the lasagna into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly and reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.
5. Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be layered with the sausage for added nutrition and flavor. Cook vegetables lightly before layering to prevent excess moisture.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The Sheet Pan Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights or family dinners. It simplifies the traditional lasagna process while maintaining all the classic flavors of layered pasta, rich marinara, sausage, and melty cheeses. Its ease of preparation, combined with the ability to customize flavors and adapt for dietary needs, makes it a versatile and reliable recipe for home cooks.
By baking everything on a single sheet pan, cleanup is minimal, and each bite captures a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this sheet pan version delivers incredible taste without the stress of traditional lasagna. Its golden cheese topping, savory layers, and aromatic herbs make it not only a meal but a centerpiece on the dinner table.
From freezer-friendly portions to make-ahead assemblies, the recipe adapts seamlessly to your schedule while keeping flavors intact. It’s an approachable yet indulgent dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike. Once you try this Sheet Pan Lasagna, it’s likely to become a staple in your rotation—offering comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing taste all in one delicious pan.