Elevate your dinner table with this irresistible Zucchini and Basil Lasagna, a lighter, veggie-forward twist on the classic Italian favorite. Perfect for summer or anytime you crave a fresh, comforting meal, this recipe swaps traditional pasta for thinly grilled zucchini slices, creating a gluten-free and low-carb masterpiece. Layers of creamy ricotta infused with fresh basil and garlic, velvety marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese melt together for a dish bursting with vibrant, herbaceous flavor in every bite. Ready in just over an hour, this lasagna is perfect for weeknight dinners or an impressive addition to your next gathering. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a truly show-stopping presentation.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the zucchini by slicing them lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. Lay the slices on a clean kitchen towel, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with another towel.
Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the zucchini strips with olive oil and grill them for about 2 minutes per side, until softened and lightly charred. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer 1/3 of the grilled zucchini slices over the marinara sauce, overlapping them slightly.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture, followed by a couple of spoonfuls of marinara sauce.
Repeat the layering process two more times (zucchini, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara) until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Serving size | 1851.2 grams (1851.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2227 |
Total Fat 151.50g | 194% |
Saturated Fat 72.30g | 362% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.70g | |
Cholesterol 659mg | 220% |
Sodium 11092mg | 482% |
Total Carbohydrate 97.70g | 36% |
Dietary Fiber 9.60g | 34% |
Total Sugars 55.60g | |
Protein 136.80g | 274% |
Vitamin D 90IU | 450% |
Calcium 3945mg | 303% |
Iron 6mg | 33% |
Potassium 2084mg | 44% |
Source of Calories