These zucchini roll-ups with ricotta and marinara sauce are a light yet flavorful dish that can serve as either a healthy appetizer or a satisfying meal. The fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara sauce create a delightful balance of flavors, making this a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, vegetable-packed option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These zucchini roll-ups are a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy and low-carb dish without sacrificing flavor. The zucchini slices are tender and provide the perfect base for the creamy ricotta mixture, while the marinara sauce adds a delicious, savory depth. The sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil brings everything together in a dish that’s both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or an appetizer, they’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Lay the zucchini strips flat and spoon a small amount of the ricotta mixture onto one end of each strip.
- Roll up each zucchini slice around the ricotta mixture and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then place the zucchini roll-ups seam-side down on top of the sauce.
- Top the roll-ups with additional marinara sauce and sprinkle with a little extra parmesan.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 2-3 servings, depending on the size of your zucchini and how many roll-ups you prepare.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Substitute the ricotta and parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Add Meat: If you prefer a heartier dish, you can add cooked ground turkey, beef, or sausage to the ricotta mixture for a meaty variation.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to the ricotta mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the ricotta for a mixture of mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover zucchini roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These roll-ups can be frozen before baking. Place the prepared roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the roll-ups in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese in place of ricotta. Parmesan can be swapped for another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
2. Can I make these zucchini roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups and store them in the fridge before baking. Bake them when ready to serve. They can also be frozen and baked later.
3. Can I use a different sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, you can substitute marinara sauce with any tomato-based sauce, such as pizza sauce, or even a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.
4. How can I make these roll-ups more flavorful?
For a more robust flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the ricotta mixture.
5. Can I make this recipe without parmesan?
Yes, you can omit the parmesan if you’re avoiding dairy or simply don’t have any on hand. You can also use a dairy-free alternative if desired.
6. Can I grill the zucchini slices instead of baking them?
Grilling the zucchini slices is an option if you prefer a smoky flavor. However, be mindful of the grilling time to prevent overcooking the zucchini.
7. How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly and bake the roll-ups uncovered towards the end of cooking to ensure they become tender but not watery.
8. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can try using other vegetables such as eggplant or yellow squash in place of zucchini for a slightly different flavor and texture.
9. How do I make this recipe spicier?
For added heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking or mix some into the marinara sauce.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the marinara sauce and any other added ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Zucchini roll-ups with ricotta and marinara sauce are a fresh, light, and satisfying dish that is sure to please a wide range of palates. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer or a main course, this recipe is a perfect choice. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and adaptable to suit different dietary preferences, these roll-ups make for a delicious meal any time of the year.
Print
Zucchini Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh zucchini rolled with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan, perfect for a light and healthy appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Lay the zucchini strips flat and spoon a small amount of the ricotta mixture onto one end of each strip.
- Roll up each zucchini slice around the ricotta mixture and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then place the zucchini roll-ups seam-side down on top of the sauce.
- Top the roll-ups with additional marinara sauce and sprinkle with a little extra parmesan.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle more crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- To make this dish even lighter, use part-skim ricotta cheese.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the ricotta and parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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