The Coziest Three Cheese Broken Lasagna Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Broken lasagna redefines ordinary pasta nights into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

This rustic Italian-inspired dish breaks traditional lasagna rules with delightful texture and unexpected charm.

Layered with rich, melty cheese and hearty ingredients, the recipe promises a comforting meal that defies conventional cooking expectations.

cheese lovers will appreciate the luxurious blend of flavors melting together in each messy, delectable bite.

The unconventional approach celebrates imperfection, turning pasta fragments into a canvas of gastronomic creativity.

Robust and satisfying, this recipe invites you to embrace culinary spontaneity with a playful twist on a classic favorite.

Creative Takes on Classic Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace crushed tomatoes with sun-dried tomato paste and add crumbled feta cheese alongside the existing cheeses. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend for an extra Mediterranean kick.
• Rustic Vegetable Blend: Mix in roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers before adding cheese. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves for added nutrition and color complexity.
• Herbaceous Woodland Style: Substitute some basil with fresh thyme and rosemary. Incorporate wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake for an earthy depth of flavor. Use fontina cheese in place of mascarpone for a richer taste profile.
• Protein-Packed Version: Fold in cooked ground lamb or pancetta before layering cheeses. Include pine nuts for additional texture and nutty undertones, creating a heartier meal experience.

Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Unleash Cheesy Comfort: This broken lasagna transforms traditional layers into a rustic, easy-to-devour dish packed with three different cheeses that melt beautifully and create incredible flavor combinations.
• Speed Up Dinner Magic: The one-pan method eliminates complex layering, cuts cooking time to under 15 minutes, and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum deliciousness.
• Customize Your Heat Level: Adding chili flakes provides flexible spice control, allowing each person to enjoy their perfect balance between rich cheese and subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate tomato sauce.
• Break Pasta Boundaries: Intentionally breaking lasagna noodles creates a playful, deconstructed approach that makes the meal feel spontaneous and less formal, perfect for casual family dinners or quick weeknight meals.

What Goes Into Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic Italian pasta that forms the hearty foundation of the dish, broken into rustic pieces for a unique texture.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich, smooth base that provides a classic Italian sauce with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Whole Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that adds aromatic brightness and authentic Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste and balances the tomato's natural acidity.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and creates creamy, luxurious texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Smooth, rich Italian cream cheese that adds silky decadence to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that provides intense savory notes and delightful salty finish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality Italian oil that adds richness and helps create a glossy, appetizing appearance.
• Chili Flakes: Spicy element that brings subtle heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Three Cheese Broken Lasagna from Scratch

Step 1: Prep the Broiler and Boiling Water

Heat the broiler and fill a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil, preparing to cook the lasagna noodles.

Step 2: Break and Cook Noodles

Crack lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. Cook the noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes.

Step 3: Create Tomato Sauce Base

In a large oven-proof pan, heat crushed tomatoes over medium heat. Season with salt and add whole basil leaves. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Use tongs to transfer partially cooked noodles directly from water into the tomato sauce pan. Remove pan from heat.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layers

• Mozzarella (squeezed and chunked)
• Mascarpone
• Grated Parmesan

Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle chili flakes across the top.

Step 6: Broil and Melt Cheese

Place the pan under the broiler for 1 minute. Cook until cheese melts and develops a light brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Immediately serve the lasagna hot from the oven. Grate additional Parmesan over each serving for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Helpful Hints for Making Perfect Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Break Noodles Strategically: Snap lasagna sheets into rustic, uneven pieces to create delightful texture and capture more sauce in each bite.
• Timing is Key: Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the tomato sauce, preventing mushy noodles.
• Cheese Placement Matters: Tear mozzarella and mascarpone into different-sized chunks for varied melting patterns and visual appeal.
• Pan Selection Crucial: Use a heavy, oven-proof skillet that can transition smoothly from stovetop to broiler without losing heat.
• Broiler Technique: Watch closely during the final minute of broiling to achieve golden-brown cheese without burning, rotating pan if needed for even browning.

Tips for Storing and Warming Up Leftover Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a sealed lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
• Freezing: Wrap portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve Alongside Three Cheese Broken Lasagna

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, tangy tomato sauce and creamy cheeses.
• Crisp Salad Side Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty lasagna and cut through its richness with fresh, peppery greens.
• Crusty Bread Partner: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the melted cheeses.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Boost: Scatter fresh basil or parsley on top to add brightness and elevate the dish's aromatic profile, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Three Cheese Broken Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic Three Cheese Broken Lasagna shatters traditional pasta expectations with its delightful, imperfect charm. Generous layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan dance between irregular pasta shards, promising a comforting meal seasoned with Italian countryside spirit.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ box lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 handful basil
• 1 pinch chili flakes

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 pinch salt
• Olive oil
• Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler and fill a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Carefully fragment the lasagna noodles into rustic, bite-sized pieces.
2. Position a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and pour in crushed tomatoes. Season with a delicate pinch of salt and allow the sauce to gently simmer and concentrate its flavors. Tenderly fold whole basil leaves into the vibrant sauce.
3. Submerge the fragmented noodles into the boiling water and cook for approximately 4 minutes until they reach an al dente consistency. Using tongs, transfer the partially cooked pasta directly into the simmering tomato sauce, removing the skillet from heat.
4. Create a decadent cheese layer by hand-shredding fresh mozzarella into rustic chunks. Dollop creamy mascarpone across the noodles and sauce, ensuring an even distribution of rich, velvety cheese.
5. Generously blanket the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious covering. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a light, circular motion and sprinkle red chili flakes for a subtle, warming kick.
6. Slide the skillet under the broiler for 60-90 seconds, watching carefully until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust with enticing browned edges.
7. Immediately transfer the skillet to the serving area, garnishing with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity. Serve piping hot, directly from the oven.

Notes

• Break lasagna noodles into smaller, uneven pieces for a rustic, homemade appearance that adds texture and visual interest to the dish.
• Use an oven-proof pan to simplify the cooking process, reducing the number of dishes and creating a seamless transition from stovetop to broiler.
• Choose fresh basil leaves to infuse the tomato sauce with a vibrant, aromatic flavor that complements the rich cheese blend.
• Select high-quality cheeses like fresh mozzarella, creamy mascarpone, and sharp Parmesan to create a luxurious and complex taste profile.
• Broil the dish briefly to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust that adds a delightful crispy texture and enhances the overall visual appeal.
• Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle chili flakes for a personalized touch that introduces subtle heat and depth to the classic lasagna.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling, Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg