Go Back
The rise of zucchini noodles in modern cooking reflects a broader trend towards healthier eating habits. As people become more aware of the nutritional content of their meals, the demand for low-carb options has surged, prompting creative alternatives to beloved dishes. Zucchini, often hailed as a "superfood," is a fantastic substitute for traditional pasta, allowing us to enjoy our favorite comfort foods without the excessive carbs.

Parmesan Zucchini Noodle Bake

Discover the delicious world of the Parmesan Zucchini Noodle Bake, a healthy twist on classic comfort food. This recipe incorporates zucchini noodles, making it an ideal low-carb option without compromising on taste. Enjoy the creamy ricotta, nutty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella layered with zesty marinara for a visually stunning and satisfying dish. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this bake proves that healthy eating can also be indulgent and flavorful.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for drizzling

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander and generously sprinkle them with salt. Allow the noodles to rest for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, gently pat the noodles dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.

      Make the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until everything is creamy and well combined.

        Assemble the Layers: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start by evenly spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the zucchini noodles on top of the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat this layering process with the remaining zucchini noodles and cheese mixture. Finish by pouring the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer.

          Add the Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the final layer to create a luscious cheesy crust.

            Drizzle with Olive Oil: To promote browning and enhance flavor, lightly drizzle olive oil over the top of the dish.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

                Cool and Serve: Once done, let the dish cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the bake on individual plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for added flavor. A sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and some fresh basil adds a delightful touch to the presentation. Enjoy!