Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish Recipe
A light and comforting layered dish featuring tender zucchini slices, creamy ricotta cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil. Perfect for a low-carb, nutritious meal that balances fresh vegetables and rich cheese flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for added spice)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the layered zucchini ricotta melts.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Brush both sides of each zucchini slice with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the zucchini slices evenly in the dish. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the zucchini layer. Next, spoon half of the marinara sauce on top, followed by sprinkling half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella to build the dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the top layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve warm, enjoying the harmonious layers of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess if desired.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: layered zucchini recipe, ricotta melts, marinara bake, low carb Italian dish, zucchini casserole, healthy vegetable bake
