Contributed by: Quincy L. Vidrine, M. Ed, CHC

To help families bring the new Dietary Guidelines recommendations from the USDA into everyday meals, Nutrition & Community Health Agents with the LSU AgCenter are spotlighting dishes that deliver comfort without compromising nutrition. A one‑pan twist on a familiar favorite that swaps heavy layers for a lighter, veggie‑forward approach is:

Vegetable Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups sliced zucchini or yellow squash
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 cup of low-sodium broth
• 6 whole‑grain lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• ½ cup part‑skim ricotta or small‑curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and vegetables in olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and broken lasagna noodles. Cover and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in spinach until wilted. Dollop ricotta on top, sprinkle with mozzarella, cover briefly to melt, and finish with herbs. If your family isn’t ready for whole-grain pasta yet – just use regular or use ½ whole-grain and ½ regular.

The dish reflects several pillars of the new USDA guidelines: more vegetables, more whole grains, and fewer processed ingredients — all without losing the warmth and familiarity Louisiana families expect from a weeknight comfort meal. This recipe includes a little something from each food group – all in one dish!