Go Back
To create a truly memorable Zucchini Delight Pasta Bake, it's essential to understand the key ingredients that contribute to its unique flavor profile. From the star vegetable to the cheese varieties, each component plays a vital role in crafting this dish.

Easy Zucchini Pasta Bake

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Zucchini Delight Pasta Bake, a wholesome dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe combines tender pasta and fresh zucchini with creamy cheeses, aromatic herbs, and savory tomatoes for a delicious, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this pasta bake is a kid-friendly way to sneak more veggies into your meal. Discover how to create this delightful comfort food that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis, spiralized or sliced into thin rounds

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli are great options)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained of excess liquid

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

1 cup creamy ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but recommended)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the Zucchini: If the zucchini isn't spiralized yet, now is the time. You can either spiralize them for a fun texture or slice them into thin rounds if you prefer a more traditional approach.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and releases a delightful aroma.

        Combine Tomato Mixture: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and fragrant.

          Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared zucchini, and the flavorful tomato mixture. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, gently folding everything together until well combined and creamy.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the vibrant pasta-zucchini mixture into a greased baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) and spread it evenly.

              Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the dish, ensuring an even coating for a golden crust.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden top to indicate it’s done.

                  Garnish & Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves before slicing into portions and serving!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve directly from the baking dish, garnished with extra basil leaves. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for a glossy finish.