Zucchini Parmesan Casserole

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Zucchini Parmesan Casserole, a comforting and veggie-packed twist on classic Italian flavors. Thinly sliced zucchini is layered with a rich, garlicky marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese, then topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs for a mouthwatering texture contrast. This crowd-pleasing casserole is easy to make ahead, features pantry staples like olive oil, Italian seasoning, and marinara, and bakes to bubbling perfection in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family meal or as a flavorful vegetarian side dish, this Zucchini Parmesan Casserole is a delicious blend of wholesome, hearty, and satisfying. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice the zucchini into thin round slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let sit in a colander for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3

While the zucchini is sitting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the pan with the garlic. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5

Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove the moisture released during salting.

Step 6

In a medium-sized casserole dish, begin layering: Start with a thin layer of the marinara sauce, then a layer of zucchini slices. Sprinkle some grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining parmesan cheese (about 2 tablespoons), and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top layer of the casserole.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2001.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2349.2

Total Fat 131.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 296.0mg	0%
Sodium 15851.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 80.4g
Protein 125.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3191.4mg	0%
Iron 11.4mg	0%
Potassium 1919.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 29.5%