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–+ servings
Close-up of a bubbling, cheesy lasagna in a baking dish, perfect for weeknight dinner recipes.

Quick Sausage and Ricotta Lasagna

This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses broken lasagna noodles for a quicker cooking time and comes together in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Pasta Cooking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lasagna
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter plus more for sheet
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 16 oz. Italian sausage casings removed
  • 5 garlic cloves coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil coarsely chopped
  • 2 (24-oz.) jars marinara sauce such as Rao’s
  • Kosher salt
  • 24 oz. lasagna noodles broken into 3" pieces
  • 16 oz. whole-milk ricotta
  • 4 oz. Parmesan finely grated (about 2 cups), divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 oz. mozzarella such as Galbani, shredded

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

  1. Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease bottom and sides of an 18" x 13" baking sheet with butter.
  2. In a large (at least 12"), high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and basil and cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute more. Pour in sauce and bring to a simmer.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook lasagna noodles, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until very al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan and 2 Tbsp. butter and toss to combine. Add pasta mixture to skillet with sauce.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta and remaining 1 1/2 cups Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour pasta mixture into prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Dollop ricotta mixture over.
  6. Bake lasagna until cheese is bubbly and golden, and edges are lightly crispy, 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes

This recipe is a great base for customization. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sausage mixture, or experiment with different cheeses.

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