Spicy Zucchini Ricotta Lasagna with Oregano Breadcrumbs
Best for nights when you’re craving Italian but also want something light and healthy!
Servings: 8
Calories: 301kcal
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced 1/8" thick
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian chicken sausage or chicken (see note)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- kosher salt and black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- 1 (32 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded dry mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
- fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.2 Thinly slice the zucchini to about 1/8 inch thick. Lay the zucchini flat on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle with salt. Let site 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a towel. Try and get as much water out of the zucchini as possible. 3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and brown all over, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the bell pepper, oregano, thyme, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the marinara sauce, then remove from the heat. 4. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, provolone, and egg. 5. To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer over the zucchini, then dollop over 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese, and top with about 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat the layering until all ingredients have been used...don't stress about making it look perfect. Top with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake another 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. 6. Meanwhile, make the breadcrumbs. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, the breadcrumbs, and oregano over medium heat. Cook, until the breadcrumbs are toasted all over and the oregano is fried, about 4 minutes. Season with salt.7. Let the lasagna sit 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with breadcrumbs and fresh basil.
Notes
Ground Italian Chicken Sausage: I buy ground chicken sausage at Whole Foods. If you can’t find it, you can use spicy Italian pork sausage, or you can make your own by adding the following spice mix to ground chicken: 1 tablespoon each of fennel seed, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper; 2 teaspoons each of cayenne (or less, if you don’t want it too spicy), paprika, and garlic powder; and 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. This spice mix is great on grilled meat and vegetables, too! It’ll keep in your pantry in an airtight container for a few months.
Nutrition
Calories: 301kcal