Discover how to make my tried-and-true zucchini lasagna! Each bite is packed with the flavors of classic lasagna, but with zucchini “noodles” in place of traditional pasta. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure that the zucchini is perfectly tender, avoiding any watery texture or undercooked noodles. Enjoy layers of melty cheese and rich marinara sauce in every delicious slice!
INGREDIENTS
- 4-5 large zucchinis, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2½ cups tomato sauce
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained of excess liquid)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Arrange the zucchini slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the zucchini to “sweat” out excess moisture. Afterward, use paper towels to press and dry the zucchini noodles, removing any extra salt. Bake the noodles in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, then pat them dry again after baking. (This step helps eliminate any excess moisture from the zucchini.)
- Make the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the ricotta filling, mixing until well blended.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a 13×9-inch baking dish, start layering the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of cooked zucchini noodles. Next, add a thin layer of the ricotta filling and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan. Repeat these steps until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Leave the dish uncovered and bake for 40-45 minutes. For an extra touch, broil on high for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, slice, and enjoy!
