Zucchini Lasagna Recipe by Pioneer Woman That’s Hearty and Light

Zucchini lasagna revolutionizes comfort food with its ingenious vegetable-powered twist on a classic Italian favorite.

Slender zucchini ribbons replace traditional pasta, creating a lighter, nutrient-dense masterpiece that dances between healthful and decadent.

Low-carb warriors and wellness enthusiasts rejoice at this vibrant culinary innovation.

The dish transforms humble garden vegetables into a symphony of flavors and textures.

Each carefully crafted layer promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Melted cheese and rich sauce elevate humble zucchini into a show-stopping meal that will make you forget all about conventional lasagna.

Healthy Tips and Tasty Twists for Zucchini Lasagna

Unleash Culinary Creativity

Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different nutrient-packed green twist that adds unique flavor and texture.

Incorporate ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to boost protein content and create a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.

Experiment with ricotta, goat cheese, or pecorino romano instead of cottage cheese to transform the lasagna’s flavor profile and create a personalized cheesy experience.

Explore fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or sage to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity and introduce exciting taste dimensions that surprise your palate.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Lasagna

• Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Complement the rich, savory lasagna with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors will balance the lasagna's hearty and creamy texture.
• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal by serving warm, toasted garlic bread on the side. The crunchy bread will help soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add an extra layer of comfort to the dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top of the lasagna just before serving. These vibrant green herbs will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich mushroom and cheese flavors. The wine's acidity will cut through the lasagna's creamy texture, creating a perfect dining experience.

How to Store or Prep Zucchini Lasagna for Later

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers will maintain their delicious texture and flavor when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal that's ready when you need it.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through.
• Portion and Protect: Slice lasagna into individual servings before storing. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and make it easier to grab a quick, delicious meal whenever hunger strikes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 5

Pioneer Woman Zucchini Lasagna: What Goes In

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for a rich, fruity undertone.
• Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished cremini or white button for intense earthiness.
• Garlic: Pick plump, firm cloves with tight, papery skin for maximum punch.
• Spinach: Look for bright green, crisp leaves without wilting or yellowing.

• Cottage Cheese: Opt for small-curd variety for smoother texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated for deeper nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Choose low-moisture version for better melting.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room temperature eggs for smoother blending.

• Fresh Basil: Select vibrant green leaves with no dark spots.
• Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves for fresh flavor.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense aroma.
• Marinara Sauce: Select robust, thick sauce with minimal preservatives.
• Zucchini: Pick firm, medium-sized squash with smooth, unblemished skin.

Equipment Guide for Zucchini Lasagna

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and creating those golden-brown, flavor-packed bites.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cheese, herbs, and creating a creamy, delicious blend.
• 13×9 Inch Baking Dish: The star player for layering and baking your zucchini lasagna to perfection.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting zucchini strips dry and ensuring a non-watery lasagna.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing zucchini and chopping fresh herbs with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Your go-to tool for precise zucchini and herb preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing and spreading layers smoothly.
• Oven Mitts: Protect your hands while handling hot dishes.

Cooking Zucchini Lasagna the Right Way

• Fire Up the Cooking Station

Get your oven warmed to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a mouthwatering zucchini lasagna adventure.

• Transform Mushrooms into Gold

Sizzle olive oil in a skillet and dance sliced mushrooms around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, releasing incredible flavor depths.

• Weave in Green Companions

Sprinkle minced garlic into mushroom wonderland and quickly invite fresh spinach to join the party, letting it softly wilt and mingle with other ingredients.

• Prepare Zucchini Ribbons

Slice zucchini into delicate, paper-thin strips, gently patting away excess moisture to ensure a perfect, light texture.

• Craft Dreamy Cheese Mixture

Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, eggs, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper into a luxurious creamy mixture that will make taste buds dance.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Spread a generous layer of mushroom and spinach mixture across the baking dish, creating a robust base for your culinary masterpiece.

• Create Zucchini Canvas

Drape zucchini strips like elegant ribbons, slightly overlapping to form a beautiful, seamless layer. Drizzle marinara sauce to add moisture and depth.

• Layer Cheese Magic

Alternate layers of cheese mixture and mozzarella, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will make everyone swoon.

• Seal with Spectacular Finish

Crown your lasagna with remaining mushroom mixture, a lavish marinara splash, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake until bubbling with excitement, then let it rest and settle its flavors for pure culinary bliss.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired zucchini lasagna delivers robust layers of flavor without traditional pasta noodles. Hearty vegetable slices replace standard ingredients, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large zucchinis (about 1 ½ lbs or 680 g)
• 20 oz (567 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 15 oz (425 g) spinach, rinsed and drained
• 1 lb (454 g) mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups (680 g) low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 24-oz (680 g) jars marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal thermal environment for lasagna preparation.
2. Mushroom Foundation: In a skillet, caramelize sliced mushrooms in olive oil over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, releasing deep, earthy flavors. Introduce minced garlic and fold in fresh spinach until delicately wilted.
3. Zucchini Preparation: Slice zucchinis lengthwise into ultra-thin strips, approximately 1/16 inch thick. Carefully blot moisture with paper towels to ensure structural integrity during baking.
4. Cheese Mixture: Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, eggs, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, creating a harmonious herbed cheese amalgamation.
5. Layering Technique: In a 13×9 inch baking dish, create a strategic layering approach. Begin with a third of the mushroom-spinach mixture, followed by marinara sauce, zucchini strips arranged in slightly overlapping formation.
6. Cheese Stratification: Distribute herbed cheese mixture and grated mozzarella across layers, repeating the process to build complexity and depth of flavor.
7. Final Assembly: Top with remaining mushroom-spinach mixture and a generous drizzle of marinara sauce. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese as the crowning element.
8. Baking and Resting: Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and heated through. Allow the lasagna to rest for 35 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Blot zucchini slices thoroughly with paper towels to prevent excess liquid, ensuring a firm and non-soggy lasagna texture.
• Cheese Blend Tip: Mix cheese ingredients well to create a uniform, creamy consistency that enhances overall flavor and binding.
• Layering Strategy: Overlap zucchini strips slightly to create a solid base that mimics traditional pasta layers, maintaining structural integrity.
• Resting Period: Allow lasagna to rest for 35 minutes after baking, enabling flavors to meld and helping the dish set for cleaner, more defined slices.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg