Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grill or roast the zucchini slices for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, then spread some ricotta mixture, add marinara, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara and the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top, if desired.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips
- Salt the zucchini slices for 15 minutes before cooking, then pat dry to reduce excess moisture.
- Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread if you’re not following a low-carb diet.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
