This is a lighter, low-carb twist on classic lasagna—layers of zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, baked in a loaf pan for easy slicing.
🍽️ Servings
- 4–6 slices
Ingredients
Zucchini “Noodles”
- 3–4 medium zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating zucchini)
Vegetable Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 250 g (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Tomato Sauce Layer
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg (helps bind filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh basil (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.
Sprinkle with salt and let sit:
- 10–15 minutes
This removes excess moisture.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Optional: lightly grill or pan-sear strips for firmer texture.
2. Cook Mushroom & Spinach Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan.
Add:
- onion
- mushrooms
Cook:
- 6–8 minutes
until browned and moisture evaporates.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add:
- spinach
- salt
- pepper
- Italian seasoning
Cook until wilted.
Set aside.
3. Make Cheese Mixture
In a bowl mix:
- ricotta (or cottage cheese)
- egg
- Parmesan
- salt and pepper
Mix until smooth.
4. Prepare Sauce
Mix marinara with:
- oregano
- basil
- garlic powder
Set aside.
5. Assemble the Lasagna Loaf
Preheat oven:
- 180°C (350°F)
Grease loaf pan.
Layer in this order:
Layer 1:
- thin layer marinara
- zucchini slices
Layer 2:
- cheese mixture
- mushroom-spinach mix
- mozzarella
Repeat layers until pan is full:
- sauce
- zucchini
- filling
- cheese
Finish with:
- marinara
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake:
- 30 minutes
Then uncover and bake:
- 15–20 minutes
until:
- bubbly
- golden on top
7. Rest & Slice
Let rest:
- 10–15 minutes
This helps it set like real lasagna.
Slice into thick pieces.
Serving Ideas
- Side salad
- Garlic bread (or keto bread)
- Roasted vegetables
- Extra marinara for dipping
Variations
High-Protein Version
Add:
- cooked chicken
- turkey mince
Keto Version
Use:
- extra cheese layers
- sugar-free marinara
Spicy Version
Add:
- chili flakes
- jalapeños
Creamy White Version
Replace marinara with:
- Alfredo-style sauce
Storage
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheat in oven for best texture.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: 250–380
- Protein: 14–22 g
- Carbs: 10–18 g
- Fat: 15–25 g
