Zucchini Italiano

Transform your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for **Zucchini Italiano**, a baked vegetable dish bursting with Mediterranean charm. Tender zucchini rounds are layered with a rich, garlic-infused cherry tomato sauce, irresistibly seasoned with dried oregano and basil for a true Italian flair. Topped with a melty duo of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this oven-baked delight offers the perfect balance of healthy comfort and indulgence. Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, Zucchini Italiano is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and anyone craving a taste of Italy. Serve it as a mouthwatering side or a light main dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a stunning finish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or date nights, this recipe is your new go-to for celebrating simple, fresh ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium Zucchini
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.75 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Wash the zucchini and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set them aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.

Step 6

Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer in a large baking dish, slightly overlapping them.

Step 7

Pour the tomato and garlic mixture evenly over the zucchini slices, spreading it gently to coat all the zucchini.

Step 8

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1009.6 grams (1009.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1012

Total Fat 65.30g	84%
Saturated Fat 26.10g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 114mg	38%
Sodium 8849mg	385%
Total Carbohydrate 61.50g	22%
Dietary Fiber 8.40g	30%
Total Sugars 48.80g
Protein 51.50g	103%

Vitamin D 18IU	91%
Calcium 1382mg	106%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 2005mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.5%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 23.7%