Banza Chickpea Skillet Lasagna (Gluten-Free)

Introduction

If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy goodness of lasagna without the heavy carbs and long prep time, this Banza Chickpea Skillet Lasagna (Gluten-Free) is about to become your new weeknight favorite. I’m genuinely so excited to share this recipe because it transforms a comfort food classic into a lighter, quicker, and healthier version, thanks to chickpea pasta. With tender noodles, savory marinara, creamy cheese, and hearty flavor, you won’t even miss the traditional version. Plus, you only need one skillet, which means way less cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This skillet lasagna is a total game changer if you:

• Need a quick 30-minute dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl
• Want a gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor
• Are looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal
• Love easy, one-pan recipes that don’t leave a sink full of dishes

It’s also great for meal prepping or casual entertaining when you want something impressive without a ton of effort.

Taste & Texture

Imagine rich tomato sauce clinging to perfectly tender chickpea pasta, layered with melty mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Every bite is hearty, cheesy, slightly tangy from the sauce, and deliciously satisfying. The chickpea pasta adds a slightly nutty, earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with the classic Italian flavors.

Dietary Attributes

• Gluten-Free
• High in protein
• Vegetarian (with simple swaps if needed)
• Easy to make dairy-free if you need

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Banza Chickpea Skillet Lasagna:

• 8 oz Banza chickpea lasagna sheets (or other chickpea pasta)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred or homemade)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Notes on Quality

For the best results, choose a high-quality marinara sauce that you love on its own, because it really shines in this dish. Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully, but pre-shredded works if you’re in a hurry. I recommend Banza chickpea pasta specifically because it holds its shape and texture even after simmering.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version
• Use dairy-free cheeses to make it completely plant-based
• Add ground turkey, beef, or lentils for an extra protein boost
• Use any gluten-free pasta if you can’t find lasagna sheets

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Break the Banza lasagna sheets into rough pieces and add them to the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
5. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover again and cook until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Break the pasta into medium-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to scoop.
• Keep the heat at a low simmer once the pasta is added to avoid scorching the sauce.

Common Mistakes

• Don’t skip stirring every few minutes while the pasta cooks; it helps prevent sticking and ensures everything is evenly coated.
• Avoid adding too much extra liquid; chickpea pasta can get mushy if oversaturated.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-chopped onions and garlic if you’re really short on time.
• Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead to make this a 20-minute dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This skillet lasagna pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
• A loaf of gluten-free garlic bread

Presentation Ideas

Serve right from the skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe. Top with a few more fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan just before bringing it to the table.

Beverage Pairings

Try a glass of red wine like Sangiovese or Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a homemade iced tea would be perfect.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Reheating Methods

• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, covered loosely with a damp paper towel
• Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or extra marinara to keep it from drying out

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the simmer time slightly based on the pasta type. Regular pasta might cook a little faster.

Can I add meat?
Definitely. Brown ground beef, chicken, or sausage with the onions for a heartier version.

Troubleshooting

My pasta is too dry. What happened?
You might need to add a few tablespoons of water or extra marinara if it seems dry before the cheese step. Chickpea pasta can absorb more liquid than traditional pasta.

The pasta didn’t cook through. How can I fix it?
Cover the skillet tightly and add a little splash of water, then let it steam for a few extra minutes.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
• Dairy-Free: Easily swap the cheeses for dairy-free versions without changing the recipe method.
• Low-Carb: Try it with even smaller amounts of pasta and more veggies like zucchini ribbons.

Flavor Twists

• Spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Mix in sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra veggie goodness.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a cozy fall twist, try adding roasted butternut squash cubes. In summer, you can fold in fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for a brighter, fresher taste.

Conclusion

This Banza Chickpea Skillet Lasagna (Gluten-Free) is one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table without a lot of fuss. It’s rich, flavorful, and secretly healthy. Plus, it’s a total lifesaver on busy nights. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and let me know what you think. Be sure to leave a comment and share a photo if you make it.

If you love quick and cozy dinners like this one, you might also want to check out:

• Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi: The Ultimate Easy 30-Minute Dinner
• Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner

Also, don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for even more cozy recipe ideas: Cooking With Callie on Pinterest

Happy cooking!

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