Zucchini Ravioli

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This zucchini ravioli is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional ravioli, using thin slices of zucchini wrapped around ricotta cheese instead of pasta. They’re baked in marinara with a layer of melted Parmesan cheese on top, making this recipe perfect for when you want to add more veggies to your diet. The zucchini slices are cut with a mandoline or a vegetable peeler. Make sure the slices are very thin and pliable enough to wrap around the filling. Serve with crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping.

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Zucchini Ravioli

Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

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Ingredients

  • 3 large cloves garlic, divided

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar low-sodium marinara sauce

  • teaspoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 large zucchini

  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, patted dry

  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in upper third position. Thinly slice 2 garlic cloves. Grate the remaining garlic clove to yield ½ teaspoon; set aside. Combine 2 tablespoons oil, the thinly sliced garlic, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper in a large high-sided enameled cast-iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet; heat over medium heat until sizzling. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is softened and the mixture is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bubbling, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar. Remove from heat and reserve ½ cup of the sauce mixture in a small bowl.

    a photo of the sauce in the cast iron skillet

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

  2. Meanwhile, trim ends off zucchini; discard. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini into thin strips (at least 24 slices). Arrange half of the slices in an even layer on a large, paper-towel-lined baking sheet (there might be some overlap). Place a second layer of paper towels on top. Arrange the remaining zucchini slices on top and place another layer of paper towels on top of the zucchini to blot dry.

    a photo of the zucchini slices on paper towel

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

  3. Combine spinach, ricotta, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, 2 tablespoons basil, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, ½ teaspoon pepper and the grated garlic in a medium bowl; stir well.

  4. Arrange 2 zucchini slices on a work surface to make an X. Spoon about 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture in the center of the X. Fold the opposite ends of the slices over the cheese mixture to create a packet. If needed, tuck any excess zucchini under the packet. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices and ricotta mixture.

    a photo of the zucchini being stuffed with the mixture

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

  5. Delicately nestle the zucchini ravioli, seam-side down, into the sauce in the skillet. Spoon the reserved ½ cup sauce over the ravioli. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan.

    a photo of the zucchini pieces in the skillet before going into the oven

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

  6. Bake until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Without removing the skillet from the oven, increase oven temperature to broil; broil until the cheese is browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt. Garnish with basil, if desired.

    a recipe photo of the Zucchini Ravioli

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food stylist: Julia Levy

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 3 ravioli

Calories 341, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 9g, Cholesterol 88mg, Carbohydrates 22g, Total Sugars 13g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 20g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 470mg, Potassium 579mg

EatingWell.com, September 2024

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