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low-carb zucchini lasagna - featured image

Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Easy 1-Pan 5pm Dinner


  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A quick, one-pan low-carb lasagna made with zucchini slices instead of noodles, ground turkey, and a rich cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchini (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), sliced lengthwise into thin planks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Optional: 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin planks. If zucchini is watery, salt slices and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the turkey in the last minute of cooking. Stir well.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the skillet.
  7. Layer zucchini planks in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
  8. Repeat layers: remaining zucchini, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining mozzarella, and top with the rest of the marinara sauce. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

If your zucchini is very watery, salting and patting dry the slices is crucial to prevent a soggy lasagna. Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes after baking to ensure clean slices. This recipe does not freeze well as the zucchini becomes mushy upon thawing. For reheating, add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: low-carb, zucchini lasagna, one-pan dinner, keto-friendly, weeknight dinner, healthy lasagna, gluten-free