Lasagna with noodles and zucchini Recipe

Lasagna is undeniably one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. It combines layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese to create a dish that’s both satisfying and hearty. However, as much as we all love traditional lasagna, sometimes it’s nice to have a healthier option without sacrificing the flavors we adore. Enter the lasagna with zucchini noodles—a delightful twist on the classic recipe. This version blends the richness of traditional lasagna with the freshness and lightness of zucchini, making it not only lower in carbs but also full of vibrant flavors. So, whether you’re trying to eat healthier, sneak more vegetables into your diet, or simply explore new culinary adventures, this zucchini lasagna recipe is a fantastic option you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients for Lasagna with Zucchini and Noodles

Creating the perfect zucchini noodles lasagna begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. The combination of zucchini and traditional lasagna noodles brings together the best of both worlds—healthy vegetables and satisfying pasta. But, let’s not stop there. We also need the right cheeses, a flavorful tomato sauce, and fresh herbs to make this dish truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

Zucchini: Large, firm zucchini are ideal. They will hold their shape better when sliced into noodles, providing the perfect texture to balance the other ingredients.
Lasagna Noodles: Depending on your dietary needs, you can choose traditional lasagna noodles or opt for gluten-free varieties.
Cheese: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is key to achieving that creamy, indulgent texture that makes lasagna so irresistible. The ricotta adds creaminess, the mozzarella provides a gooey layer, and the Parmesan brings a sharp, salty finish.
Tomato Sauce: A robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano is essential. It complements the mild flavor of the zucchini and ties all the elements of the lasagna together.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, dried tarragon or oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg enhance the dish’s depth of flavor, making every bite more interesting.
Lemon Zest: This might seem like an unusual addition, but lemon zest adds a surprising brightness to the dish, which helps balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.

By combining these ingredients, you create a harmonious blend of flavors that make this zucchini and noodles lasagna not only delicious but also satisfying. The zucchini brings a light, fresh element, while the noodles ensure the dish remains hearty and filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zucchini and Noodles Lasagna

Preparation

First things first, you’ll need to prepare your zucchini noodles. Zucchini, as you may know, is naturally high in water content. This can make your lasagna watery if the zucchini isn’t handled correctly. However, with the right preparation, you can prevent this issue and enjoy a perfectly textured lasagna. Let’s dive into the steps:

Slice the Zucchini: Begin by using a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the zucchini into thin, even noodles. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for the best results. It’s important to keep the slices uniform to ensure even cooking.
Roast the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lay the zucchini slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Then, roast them for 10-12 minutes. Roasting helps to draw out excess moisture, which is crucial for preventing a watery lasagna. Plus, it enhances the natural flavor of the zucchini.
Prepare the Noodles: While the zucchini is roasting, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using gluten-free noodles, be sure to cook them slightly less than al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.

Making the Tomato Sauce

Next up is the tomato sauce—a vital component that brings richness and depth to your zucchini noodles lasagna. A homemade tomato sauce not only tastes better but also allows you to control the consistency, which is crucial for this recipe. Here’s how to make it:

Saute Garlic: Start by heating two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add three minced garlic cloves. Saute the garlic until it’s fragrant, which should take about a minute. The aroma of garlic is a wonderful foundation for any tomato sauce.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs: After the garlic is sautéed, stir in one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Next, add your dried basil, tarragon (or oregano), a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Thicken the Sauce: To avoid a watery lasagna, it’s important to thicken the sauce. Mix two teaspoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir this into the simmering sauce. This step ensures that the sauce has the right consistency, which helps keep the lasagna firm and sliceable.

Cheese Mixture Preparation

The cheese mixture is what makes lasagna so creamy and indulgent. For this zucchini and noodles lasagna, you’ll want to prepare a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Here’s how to do it:

Ricotta Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1½ cups of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. To this, add 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. These additional ingredients elevate the flavor of the cheese mixture, making it more complex and delicious.
Stir Well: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. The mixture should be smooth and easy to spread. This cheese blend will create the creamy, rich layers that are essential to any lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your zucchini and noodles lasagna. This is where the magic happens, as you layer the ingredients to create a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Layering: Start by spreading a thin layer of your prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish. This layer of sauce prevents the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the dish. Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of roasted zucchini slices. After that, spoon over half of the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the zucchini. Then, top with another layer of sauce.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering in this order—noodles, zucchini, cheese mixture, and sauce—until you’ve used up all your ingredients. The final layer should be a generous amount of tomato sauce, topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This creates a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, place the assembled lasagna in the oven and bake it uncovered for 40 minutes. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into a creamy, delicious topping. After baking, let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Lasagna

When it comes to serving your zucchini and noodles lasagna, you’ll want to pair it with side dishes that complement its rich, hearty flavors. While the lasagna itself is a complete meal, adding a few well-chosen sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic side dish for lasagna. The crispy crust and buttery, garlicky flavor provide a perfect contrast to the creamy lasagna. Plus, the bread is great for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy lasagna. The crunch of the romaine lettuce, the bite of the Parmesan, and the zestiness of the dressing all work together to cleanse your palate between bites of lasagna.
Grilled Vegetables: If you’re looking to add even more vegetables to your meal, consider serving the lasagna with grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, asparagus, and eggplant are all excellent choices. The slight char from the grill adds a depth of flavor that complements the lasagna beautifully.

By choosing these sides, you not only enhance the meal but also create a balanced plate. Each bite of lasagna is made even more satisfying when paired with these light, fresh sides.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about lasagna is how well it stores. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or saving leftovers, lasagna is incredibly versatile when it comes to storage. Plus, making it ahead of time can be a huge time-saver. Here’s how to do it right:

Refrigeration

Storing Leftovers: After the lasagna has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, you’ll want to ensure the lasagna doesn’t dry out. To do this, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. This method ensures that the lasagna remains moist and delicious.
Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing the lasagna for a later date, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the instructions for baking. This option is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests and want to minimize last-minute prep.

Freezing

Freezing Lasagna: If you’d like to freeze the lasagna, assemble it as directed but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. You can store the lasagna in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the lasagna, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. After thawing, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, until heated through and bubbly on top. This method ensures that the lasagna retains its flavor and texture even after being frozen.

Make-Ahead Tips

Roast Zucchini in Advance: One of the biggest time-savers is roasting the zucchini slices a day or two before assembling the lasagna. After roasting, let them cool and then store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble the lasagna, simply pat the zucchini slices dry and proceed with the recipe.
Prepare the Sauce Ahead: The tomato sauce can also be made ahead of time. In fact, making it a day or two in advance can actually enhance the flavor, as the herbs and spices have more time to infuse into the sauce. Store the sauce in the refrigerator and simply warm it up when you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.

By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy your zucchini noodles lasagna whenever you like, with minimal effort.

Variations of Zucchini and Noodles Lasagna

One of the most appealing aspects of this zucchini and noodles lasagna is its versatility. Whether you’re catering to specific dietary needs or simply want to try something new, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. Here are some variations you can explore:

Vegetarian Version

For those who prefer a vegetarian meal, this lasagna can be easily adapted:

Additional Vegetables: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to increase the vegetable content and add more texture to the lasagna. These vegetables pair beautifully with zucchini and add even more nutrients to the dish.
No-Meat Sauce: Use a meatless tomato sauce, or enhance the flavor with roasted bell peppers and onions. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful lasagna.

Gluten-Free Version

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, there are several ways to make this lasagna suitable for you:

Gluten-Free Noodles: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives, such as rice noodles or chickpea noodles. These options provide a similar texture and flavor while keeping the dish gluten-free.
All Zucchini Noodles: For an entirely gluten-free dish, use only zucchini noodles and skip the lasagna noodles altogether. This variation not only makes the lasagna gluten-free but also significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Vegan Version

For a dairy-free, vegan version of this zucchini and noodles lasagna, you can make a few simple swaps:

Dairy-Free Cheese: Replace the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives. Cashew cheese, almond ricotta, or nutritional yeast can all be used to create a creamy, cheesy layer in the lasagna. These alternatives mimic the texture and flavor of traditional cheese, making this lasagna just as satisfying.
Vegan Tomato Sauce: Ensure the tomato sauce is free from any animal-derived ingredients. You can easily make a vegan tomato sauce by using olive oil instead of butter and adding extra herbs and spices for flavor.

Low-Carb/Keto Version

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, this zucchini noodles lasagna is already a great option. However, you can make it even more keto-friendly with these adjustments:

Eliminate Traditional Noodles: Use only zucchini slices for the noodles to create a low-carb, keto-friendly lasagna. By eliminating the traditional pasta, you’ll significantly reduce the carbohydrate content while still enjoying all the flavors of lasagna.
Add Protein: To increase the protein content, incorporate ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage into the tomato sauce. This addition makes the lasagna more filling and aligns it with the macro requirements of a keto diet.

Each of these variations allows you to tailor the lasagna to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or following a low-carb diet, there’s a version of this zucchini and noodles lasagna that’s perfect for you.

FAQs about Zucchini Noodles Lasagna

Is Zucchini Lasagna Healthier Than Traditional Lasagna?

Yes, zucchini lasagna is generally healthier than traditional lasagna. By replacing some or all of the noodles with zucchini, you reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content while adding more vitamins and minerals. Zucchini is rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. Moreover, because zucchini is lower in calories, you can enjoy a generous portion without the guilt.

How Do You Keep Zucchini Lasagna from Getting Watery?

The key to preventing a watery zucchini lasagna is to properly prepare the zucchini slices. Roasting them before assembling the lasagna helps to draw out excess moisture, which is crucial. Additionally, thickening the tomato sauce with a cornstarch slurry and allowing the lasagna to rest after baking will further reduce the chance of wateriness. By following these steps, you can achieve a lasagna that holds together beautifully and isn’t overly moist.

Can You Use Both Zucchini and Regular Noodles in Lasagna?

Yes, combining zucchini noodles with regular lasagna noodles creates a unique texture and flavor profile. This combination allows you to enjoy the heartiness of traditional lasagna while incorporating the freshness and health benefits of zucchini. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish without sacrificing the classic lasagna experience.

How Long Does Zucchini Lasagna Last in the Fridge?

Zucchini lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, it’s best to cover the lasagna to prevent it from drying out. By reheating it gently in the oven, you can enjoy leftovers that taste almost as good as the day you made the lasagna.

Can Zucchini Lasagna Be Frozen?

Absolutely! Zucchini lasagna freezes well. Assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and bake it as directed. Freezing the lasagna allows you to have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Lasagna?

Some of the best side dishes to serve with zucchini lasagna include garlic bread, Caesar salad, and grilled vegetables. These sides complement the rich flavors of the lasagna without overpowering it. Additionally, they add variety to the meal, ensuring that your dining experience is well-rounded and satisfying.

What Type of Cheese Is Best for Lasagna?

For a zucchini noodles lasagna, a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is ideal. Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella adds a gooey texture, and Parmesan brings a sharp, salty flavor that balances the dish. This combination of cheeses ensures that every bite of lasagna is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

Can I Make Zucchini Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare zucchini lasagna ahead of time. Assemble the lasagna and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Preparing the lasagna in advance allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a dish that’s even more delicious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this zucchini noodles lasagna is a delightful twist on a beloved classic. With its layers of tender zucchini, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking to cut carbs, sneak in more vegetables, or simply try something new, this recipe delivers flavor and nutrition. Additionally, the versatility of this dish allows you to adapt it to various dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and savor the satisfying blend of traditional and modern cuisine.