Lazy Lasagna Pasta
Lazy Lasagna is an easy-to-make version of the classic dish, combining rigatoni pasta with a rich meat sauce, mushrooms, and onions. Topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and melted mozzarella, this dish offers the comforting flavors of lasagna without the layering and long baking time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Rigatoni Pasta or any pasta with grooves
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 lb ground sausage mild or hot
- 1 onion diced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced thin
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 jars 24 oz each pasta sauce
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- In a large pot, add salt and water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before straining.
Prepare Ingredients:
- While pasta is cooking, chop the onions, mushrooms, and mince the garlic.
Cook Sausage:
- Return the pot to the stove over medium heat and add some avocado oil.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add Vegetables:
- Once the sausage is about halfway cooked, add mushrooms and onions.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
Mix Ricotta:
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Combine Ingredients:
- When sausage, mushrooms, and onions are almost cooked, add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Slowly add pasta sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Fold in the pasta and mix until well combined.
- Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water if the mixture needs thinning.
- Gently press down the pasta and top with the ricotta mixture. Spread it evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Melt Cheese:
- Place the lid on the pot and turn heat to low-medium.
- Let the cheese melt completely.
Serve:
- Serve hot, alongside Focaccia Parmesan Breadsticks if desired.