Name: Delicious Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara in 40
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you just CRAVE lasagna, right? That warm, gooey, cheesy goodness? But then you remember all those carbs… Oof. That’s where this **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** comes in, and trust me, it’s a total game-changer! It’s like regular lasagna’s cool cousin – all the comfort, none of the guilt.

I stumbled upon zucchini lasagna years ago when my garden went absolutely bonkers with zucchini. I mean, seriously, I was giving it away to everyone I knew! I was desperate for new ways to use it, and let me tell you, this recipe was a lifesaver. I tweaked it and played around with it until I got it *just* right. Now? It’s a regular in our dinner rotation.

Honestly, you won’t even miss the pasta! The zucchini slices get perfectly tender, and layered with that rich marinara and creamy cheese? Mwah! It’s the perfect healthy comfort food, and I can’t wait for you to try my **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara**! Seriously, get ready to be amazed.

Why You’ll Love This Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Seriously, what’s not to love? This zucchini lasagna is a total winner. It’s got all the flavors you crave without all the carbs. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together – even on a busy weeknight! And if you’re like me and always have way too much zucchini, this is the *perfect* way to use it up. Here’s why you NEED this recipe in your life:

Reasons to Make the Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Packed with Flavor

Easy to Make

Healthy and Nutritious

Great Way to Use Zucchini

Ingredients for the Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too crazy here, just fresh, simple ingredients that come together to make something truly amazing. Here’s what you’ll need for this **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara**:

Grab 3 medium zucchini. And listen, they need to be sliced *lengthwise* and pretty thin, okay? Like, 1/8 inch or so. A mandoline slicer makes this super easy, but be careful!
You’ll need 1 (24 ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce. I usually grab my go-to, but hey, feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
15 ounces of ricotta cheese. Full fat is my preference, for that extra creaminess, but part-skim works too.
Just 1 large egg to bind it all together.
Don’t forget 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. And you’ll want a little extra for topping, because, well, cheese!
A sprinkle of freshness with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Season it up with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
And finally, the star of the show (besides the zucchini, of course!), 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Got all that? Great! Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare the Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Okay, now for the fun part – putting it all together! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** in no time. Trust me, your house is about to smell amazing!

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get organized. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! While the oven’s heating up, let’s tackle the zucchini. If you haven’t already, slice those zucchini lengthwise into thin slices. Remember to pat them dry with paper towels. This gets rid of extra moisture, and it really helps keep your lasagna from getting watery later. Trust me on this one!

Next, in a medium bowl, mix together your ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything’s nicely combined. This cheese mixture is what makes this lasagna so creamy and delicious!

Layering the Zucchini Lasagna

Alright, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1/2 cup of your marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents the zucchini from sticking and adds a nice layer of flavor. Now, arrange a single layer of zucchini slices over the marinara. Try to overlap them slightly so you don’t have any gaps. Next, spread half of your ricotta mixture evenly over the zucchini. Top that with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Ooey, gooey goodness!

Repeat those layers! Add another layer of zucchini, then spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over it. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture, and top with another 1/3 of the mozzarella. Finally, add your last layer of zucchini slices. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan. Because why not?

Baking your Zucchini Lasagna

Carefully place your masterpiece in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be a little temperamental! Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This is super important! It lets everything set up, so your lasagna doesn’t turn into a soupy mess. Patience, my friend, patience!

Tips for the Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara Success

Okay, so you wanna make *the best* zucchini lasagna ever, right? Of course you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure yours is absolutely perfect. These are total game-changers, trust me!

Getting the Best Results from Your Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Removing Excess Moisture

Seriously, don’t skip this! Patting those zucchini slices dry is KEY. If you don’t, all that extra water will end up in your lasagna, and nobody wants a watery lasagna, am I right? Lay the slices out on paper towels and gently press down. You’ll be amazed at how much water comes out!

Avoiding Overbaking

Keep a close eye on your lasagna while it’s baking. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but you don’t want it to get too brown or burnt. If you notice it’s browning too quickly, just tent a piece of foil over the top. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides. That’s when you KNOW it’s ready!

Allowing it to Rest

I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but resist! Letting your zucchini lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes (but even longer is better!) is so important. It gives the cheese a chance to set up, so it won’t be a soupy mess when you slice it. Plus, it’s easier to serve pretty slices if you let it rest. Who doesn’t want pretty lasagna?

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Zucchini Lasagna

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient, or you just wanna mix things up a little? No problem! This **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** is super flexible. Here are a few ideas for swaps and additions:

Swapping Ingredients in Your Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Cheese Variations

Don’t have ricotta? Try cottage cheese! Just make sure to drain it really well first. You can also use a mix of ricotta and mozzarella for extra cheesiness. And hey, a little provolone never hurt anyone!

Marinara Options

Store-bought marinara is totally fine (that’s what I usually use!), but if you’re feeling fancy, go for homemade! Or, try a different flavor profile – pesto would be AMAZING. Even a creamy tomato sauce would be delicious!

Adding Vegetables or Protein

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be great additions. And if you’re not vegetarian, feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken to the marinara sauce. Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Your Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** ready to go… but what do you serve with it? A simple side salad is always a winner! Or how about some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce? Roasted vegetables are another great option – broccoli, asparagus, or even some grilled zucchini would be perfect!

Storing and Reheating Your Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!), or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes. Just don’t let it dry out!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist! The nutritional information for this **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** is just an estimate. It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how big your zucchini are! So, if you’re watching your macros super closely, it’s always a good idea to do your own calculations, just to be safe, okay?

Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara**. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I freeze this Zucchini Lasagna?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it as directed. Just be aware that the texture *might* change a little bit after freezing. But it’ll still be delicious!

How do I prevent the Zucchini Lasagna from being watery?

Okay, this is a big one! The key is to get rid of as much moisture as possible from the zucchini *before* you assemble the lasagna. Patting those slices dry with paper towels is super important. You can even sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out even more moisture. Then, pat them dry again. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

Can I add meat to this recipe for the Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara?

You bet! Cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken would be delicious additions. Just brown the meat and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the marinara sauce. It’s a great way to make this lasagna even heartier and more satisfying!

Enjoy Your Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara!

Alright, that’s it! Go make this **Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Marinara** and tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!