Lasagna, Straight From the Hearth

The hearth oven at each full-service California Pizza Kitchen location is where the magic happens for the brand’s signature line of pizzas. But with the recent Hearth Oven Short Rib Lasagna LTO, “We saw an opportunity to take one of our strongest categories—pasta—and bring it into the flame,” says Paul Pszybylski, executive chef and VP of culinary innovation. “Using the hearth oven for the lasagna allows us to introduce depth of flavor and a different kind of texture that you don’t typically get with a traditional preparation. It gives the dish a visual and sensory ‘Wow!’ moment when it comes out: crispy, bubbling and meant to be seen across the dining room.”

This modern take on classic lasagna employs two large delicate sheets of pasta made with extra egg yolk for a deeper richness. Greater surface area leads to more of the craveable golden brown, crispy top and caramelized edges. “You get that coveted ‘end piece’ in every bite,” explains Pszybylski. Tender braised short rib, silky garlic sauce, Parmesan and fresh mozzarella nestle between the noodle sheets. The garlic cream, a departure from a conventional red sauce, further elevates the indulgence factor.

The LTO made its debut in spring 2026. “To me, the dish represents what CPK does best today: honoring what people love about classic dishes while rethinking how we prepare and present them in a way that feels new, elevated and worth talking about,” he says.

Read more Best of Flavor 2026