If you have been searching for a comforting dish that brings together the rich, deep flavors of caramelized onions, creamy sauce, and the satisfying heartiness of pasta, you are in for a treat. This Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, cooked entirely in one pan to marry all those layers of flavor without any fuss. It perfectly balances savory notes with a touch of brightness and umami, making it a meal that’s both elegant and cozy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to wow your taste buds and become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to the success of this dish, and each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the sweet caramelized onions to the creamy cashew-based sauce, every component harmonizes beautifully in this recipe.
- 2 medium Yellow onions (Thinly sliced): These slowly caramelize to provide a sweet and savory foundation.
- 2 tablespoons Vegan butter (Or olive oil): Adds richness and helps the onions cook evenly without sticking.
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced): Offers a fragrant depth that complements the onions perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances umami): Brings an earthy note that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly cracked): Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar or red wine (For acidity): Brightens the dish and helps with caramelization.
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (Thinly sliced): Contribute a meaty texture and extra savoriness.
- 1 cup Raw cashews (Soaked for at least 20 minutes): The base for a creamy, luscious sauce that mimics cheese.
- 1 cup Broth (Vegetable broth recommended): Keeps the sauce silky and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (Adds brightness): Lifts the sauce’s flavor and balances richness.
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast (Infuses cheesy flavor): Offers a cheesy depth in this dairy-free creation.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Herb blend): Adds classic Mediterranean herbiness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Taste as you go): Fine-tunes the sauce’s seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Miso (Adds depth): Provides a subtle umami boost that makes the sauce irresistibly savory.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (A dash for warmth): Ensures every bite is perfectly spiced.
- 8 sheets Lasagna pasta sheets (Broken into pieces): The base of the layers that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- 4 cups Spinach (Packed tightly): Adds freshness and a vibrant contrast.
- 2 cups Broth or water (For cooking pasta): Helps the lasagna sheets soften and absorb flavor during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Optional for spice): Offers a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and melting the vegan butter. Toss in the thinly sliced yellow onions and let them cook slowly for about eight minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll notice the onions soften, become translucent, and release a sweet, fragrant aroma that signals the start of something incredible.
Step 2: Build Deep Flavors
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper to the onions. Stir everything together and continue cooking until the onions turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step is crucial because it develops the rich, savory base that defines this Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe.
Step 3: Add Acidity and Caramelize Further
Pour in balsamic vinegar or red wine and mix well, letting the liquid reduce as the onions slowly caramelize for another five minutes. The balance of sweetness and tanginess here will make the dish shine, so keep an eye on the skillet as the onions transform into a luscious caramelized topping. Reserve three-quarters of this mixture to use as a garnish later.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and stir them in, cooking for an additional minute or two until tender. This adds a wonderful earthiness and hearty texture to your lasagna layers.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Cashew Sauce
While your veggies are simmering, blend soaked cashews, vegetable broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, miso, and black pepper until perfectly smooth and creamy. This sauce is a standout feature of our Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe, delivering richness without any dairy.
Step 6: Combine and Cook
Pour the luscious cashew sauce into your skillet with the onion and mushroom mixture. Gently fold in the broken lasagna sheets along with 2 cups of broth. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the pasta to soften and soak up all the fantastic flavors.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Finish
Once the pasta is tender, fold in the packed spinach leaves and cover again for about 3 minutes to let the greens wilt beautifully. Finally, top your skillet lasagna with the reserved caramelized onions and, if you like a hint of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. Your dish is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
While the caramelized onion topping gives this dish a beautiful finish, adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan can enhance both the presentation and flavor. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top right before serving adds a subtle richness that invites your guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This skillet lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for cooling contrast. If you want something warm, sautéed green beans or roasted root vegetables bring extra texture and complement the dish’s deep savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style right out of the skillet. The rustic presentation creates a cozy, inviting vibe perfect for dinner parties or casual meals. Alternatively, scoop portions into individual ovenproof dishes, sprinkle some extra nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and pop them under the broiler for a bubbly top layer that mimics classic lasagna gratin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe tastes just as incredible the next day. Transfer your cooked lasagna to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this recipe freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight so it reheats evenly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or warm individual servings in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water when reheating helps keep the pasta soft and creamy, just like freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of nutritional yeast?
Absolutely! If you are not vegan, substitute nutritional yeast with shredded mozzarella or parmesan for a similar cheesy richness. Just adjust the recipe accordingly since the texture of cheese differs from nutritional yeast.
Do I have to soak the cashews before blending?
Soaking the cashews softens them enough to create a creamy sauce when blended. If you’re short on time, soaking in hot water for 20 minutes works, but longer soaking or overnight soaking yields the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular lasagna sheets for gluten-free ones. Make sure to check the cooking time as it can vary. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have miso paste on hand?
Miso adds a nice depth of umami, but if you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce or tamari can be a good substitute. Just adjust salt accordingly since these add saltiness as well.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant before adding the pasta sheets. Just keep in mind extra moisture may require adjusting the broth amount.
Final Thoughts
This Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe is a treasure in the kitchen — full of flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing on any night you want something special without the fuss. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Savory French Onion Skillet Lasagna is a delightful, easy-to-make plant-based twist on traditional lasagna, featuring caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a creamy cashew-based sauce. Cooked entirely in a skillet, it combines bold umami flavors with tender spinach and perfectly cooked pasta sheets for a comforting meal that will wow your taste buds in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium Yellow onions (Thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (Thinly sliced)
- 4 cups Spinach (Packed tightly)
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons Vegan butter (Or olive oil)
Liquids & Broth
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar or red wine
- 1 cup Broth (Vegetable broth recommended for sauce)
- 2 cups Broth or water (For cooking pasta)
Dry Goods & Pantry
- 1 cup Raw cashews (Soaked for at least 20 minutes)
- 8 sheets Lasagna pasta sheets (Broken into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt (plus 1 teaspoon more for sauce, adjust taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (plus a dash more for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Miso
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the vegan butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until onions develop a golden color.
- Deglaze with Vinegar or Wine: Pour in balsamic vinegar or red wine and mix well. Cook another 5 minutes until onions caramelize. Reserve three-quarters of this mixture separately for garnish.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Cashew Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, 1 cup vegetable broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, miso, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Sauce with Vegetables: Pour the creamy cashew sauce into the skillet with the onion and mushroom mixture. Gently fold in the broken lasagna sheets and 2 cups of broth or water.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the sauce.
- Add Spinach: Fold in the packed spinach gently, then cover and let sit for 3 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the skillet lasagna with the reserved caramelized onion mixture and optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Soak cashews for at least 20 minutes to ensure a smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially since broth and miso add saltiness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This recipe is completely vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for vegan diets.
- If you have gluten intolerance, use gluten-free lasagna sheets.
- Make sure to break lasagna sheets into smaller pieces for even cooking in the skillet.
