Description
Southern comfort meets quick culinary magic in this Summer Skillet Ravioli Lasagna. Layers of cheesy ravioli and zesty marinara create a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) bulk mild or hot Italian sausage
Main Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) whole milk mozzarella, shredded and divided (about 2 cups)
- 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)
Liquid and Herbal Ingredients:
- 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 450°F (232°C), positioning the rack approximately 8 inches (20 centimeters) from the top heating element.
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce Italian sausage and systematically break it into crumbly pieces while cooking until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Incorporate marinara sauce and of water into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing the mixture to reach a bubbling state for 2-3 minutes while simultaneously scraping the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits.
- Carefully fold fresh cheese ravioli into the simmering sauce, allowing them to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pasta becomes tender and plump.
- Transfer the skillet off the heat source and strategically layer half of the ravioli mixture, generously covering with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process by adding the remaining ravioli and topping with an additional layer of mozzarella.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Customize this dish by swapping spicy Italian sausage with mild ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter meal.
- Frozen ravioli works perfectly here, saving time and keeping the recipe super convenient for busy weeknights.
- Fresh mozzarella creates a more luxurious texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, melting into gorgeous golden pools.
- One-skillet meals minimize cleanup, making this recipe ideal for quick family dinners or casual entertaining.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or oregano if basil isn’t available, maintaining the herb’s bright flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg