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Zucchini Parmesan

A delightful bake that layers zucchini with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a comforting yet healthy dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Choose high-quality or homemade for best results.
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Feel free to substitute with other cheeses.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided for sautéing and drizzling.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice the zucchinis into ¼-inch rounds. Optionally, salt them lightly and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Sautéing
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the zucchini slices, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender, then remove from the skillet. Repeat with remaining slices.
Assembly
  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  2. Layer sautéed zucchini, followed by marinara sauce, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
  3. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
Baking
  1. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  2. Let cool for about 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.

Notes

For best results, use quality marinara sauce and consider adding cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Ensure zucchini is adequately sautéed to avoid excess moisture.