Courgette Lasagne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is lighter than traditional lasagne but still rich and comforting. The courgette slices become tender as they bake, blending beautifully with the savory tomato sauce and creamy cheese layers. It’s a great way to add extra vegetables to your meal, and it can easily be made vegetarian or customized with protein. It’s also ideal for meal prep and reheats well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 medium courgettes, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice the courgettes lengthwise into thin strips. Lightly sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the baking dish. Add a layer of courgette slices, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, then a sprinkle of mozzarella.
7. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let the lasagne rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Include cooked minced beef, turkey, or lentils for additional protein.

Use a béchamel sauce instead of ricotta for a creamier texture.

Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Top with fresh basil before serving for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals.

Courgette Lasagne can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly after freezing.

FAQs

How do I prevent the lasagne from becoming watery?

Salt the courgette slices beforehand and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Do I need to cook the courgette before layering?

No, slicing them thinly and salting them beforehand is enough.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply ensure the cheeses and marinara sauce are vegetarian-friendly.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, replacing pasta with courgette significantly reduces the carbohydrate content.

Can I add meat?

Yes, cooked minced beef, turkey, or sausage can be layered with the sauce.

How long should I let it rest before serving?

Let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes so it sets and slices cleanly.

Can I use yellow squash instead?

Yes, yellow squash works similarly and can be used alone or combined with courgette.

What cheese works best on top?

Mozzarella provides melt and stretch, while Parmesan adds rich flavor.

What can I serve with Courgette Lasagne?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

Courgette Lasagne is a lighter, vegetable-packed alternative to traditional lasagne that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With layers of tender courgette, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal. Easy to customize and perfect for make-ahead dinners, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Courgette Lasagne

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Courgette Lasagne is a lighter, low-carb twist on the classic Italian dish, made with thinly sliced courgettes layered with rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese. Comforting, flavorful, and packed with vegetables, it’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3–4 medium courgettes, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice courgettes lengthwise into thin strips. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the baking dish. Add a layer of courgette slices, followed by ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Salting and drying the courgettes helps prevent excess moisture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Cooked minced beef, turkey, sausage, or lentils can be added for protein.
• Let the lasagne rest before slicing to help it set properly.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg