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Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

Name: Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet brings together the warm, toasty flavors of garlic bread and the comforting, cheesy layers of lasagna — all made in one pan. It smells of garlic and melted cheese, with a bubbly golden top and soft, saucy noodles beneath. This skillet is easy to make, great for weeknights, and perfect when you want something hearty without fuss. If you love garlic-forward breads, you might also enjoy this best garlic bread focaccia guide for more ideas.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 390 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

This recipe is a winner because it combines two favorites — garlic bread and lasagna — into one quick skillet. You get gooey, melty cheese, a fragrant garlic-scented sauce, and tender noodles with a crisped edge where they meet the pan. It’s fast, comforting, and family-friendly. The skillet method saves time and dishes, and the recipe scales easily for casual dinners or small gatherings.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

This skillet version keeps classic lasagna flavors but skips layering a full casserole and the oven time. You’ll sauté garlic, simmer a seasoned marinara, then nestle cooked noodles in the sauce and top with creamy ricotta and melting cheeses. Cover and cook until bubbly. The result is creamy, saucy, and full of garlic-cheesy aroma.

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Make sure they are tender but still hold their shape. Pre-measure cheeses and chop the parsley so everything is ready.

Step 2: Sautéing Garlic and Building Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30–60 seconds). Add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, reduce heat slightly, and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Layering and Cooking

Layer the cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in the skillet. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, about 10–15 minutes. The steam will finish melting the cheeses and warm the noodles through.

Step 4: Finishing and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, and let sit a minute before serving. Slice or scoop portions so each serving gets a mix of sauce, ricotta cream, and gooey cheese.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. For a garlic-bread vibe, offer garlic-buttered toast or focaccia on the side to soak up extra sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra grated Parmesan at the table.

How to Store Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer: Portion into an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating tip: Add a splash of marinara or a tablespoon of water before reheating to keep the cheese creamy and prevent dryness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet

Use pre-shredded or freshly shredded cheese? Freshly shredded melts better and can give a creamier texture.
Prevent soggy noodles: Don’t overcook noodles during the boiling step. Al dente noodles hold up better in the skillet.
Even cheese melt: Covering the skillet traps steam and ensures even melting — keep the heat low to avoid scorching.
Salt carefully: Parmesan and ricotta can be salty; taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Crispy edges: For a slight crisp around the noodles, uncover the skillet and cook on medium-low for a few more minutes to dry the edges slightly.

Delicious Variations

Meat-lover’s: Brown 1/2 pound Italian sausage or ground beef after sautéing the garlic, drain, then add marinara for a meaty sauce.
Veggie-packed: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini with the marinara for more vegetables.
White version: Swap marinara for a garlic-butter cream sauce and omit the red pepper flakes for a white lasagna skillet.
Spicy kick: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
Lower-fat option: Use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cheeses to cut calories and fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip boiling the noodles and use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes. No-boil noodles will work if you add a little extra sauce or liquid to ensure they soften. Layer them slightly overlapping and allow a few extra minutes covered so they absorb steam and become tender.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: You can assemble in a skillet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before heating. You may need to add a few extra minutes when warming to ensure the cheese melts fully.

Q: My cheese didn’t melt evenly. What went wrong?
A: Melting issues come from too-high heat or a cold skillet. Use low heat and cover the skillet so steam helps melt the cheese evenly. If using thick layers, give more time under the cover.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Choose low-sodium marinara, use less Parmesan, or rinse the cooked noodles briefly. Also adjust added salt after tasting the sauce and cheese layered.

Q: Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
A: Absolutely. Add about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or basil to the sauce when simmering, or sprinkle fresh basil just before serving for a bright flavor.

Q: What if I want a crispier top?
A: Place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes just until the cheese browns. Make sure your skillet is broiler-safe before doing this.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Skillet is a cozy, melty dish that’s quick enough for weeknights and flavorful enough for company. It brings together the garlicky aroma and crisp warmth of garlic bread with the creamy, cheesy comfort of lasagna. For more ideas on garlic-bread-style sides to pair with this skillet, try the Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe – The Kitchn. Give it a try — the bubbling cheese and garlic scent alone will make the whole kitchen feel like home.