Hearty Zucchini & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe: Cheesy Family Joy

Summer gardens overflow with zucchini, and this creamy zucchini & ricotta pasta bake recipe delivers pure comfort in every hearty bite.

Fresh vegetables mingle with rich, velvety cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Tender pasta sheets nestle between layers of vibrant zucchini and smooth ricotta.

Each forkful promises a delectable blend of textures that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness, this pasta bake transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a truly memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 362 kcal

Servings: 9

Baked Zucchini Ricotta Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully, choose bronze-cut for extra texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds silky richness and helps prevent pasta sticking together.

• Red Onion: Provides sharp, sweet undertones and gorgeous purple color.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings vibrant sweetness and crisp texture.
• Zucchini: Light summer vegetable that absorbs surrounding flavors, select firm and bright green specimens.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that deepens overall dish complexity.

• Whole Milk: Creates luxurious sauce base with rich, smooth consistency.
• Butter: Ensures velvety sauce texture and adds deep, comforting flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create seamless consistency.
• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers ultra-creamy, delicate texture with mild tangy notes.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly, creating irresistible stretchy moments.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and authentic Italian character.

• Sea Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends traditional Mediterranean herb notes.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy freshness that lifts entire dish.

Tools for Zucchini Ricotta Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and ensuring even cooking.
• Colander: Critical for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Frying Pan: Needed to sauté vegetables and create the creamy sauce base.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour into butter and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring vegetables and preventing sauce from sticking.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining pasta, sauce, and other ingredients.
• Spatula: Handy for transferring mixture into baking dish and spreading evenly.

Instructions for Baking Zucchini Ricotta Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil pasta until perfectly cooked. Let it rest with a touch of butter to keep the noodles from clumping together.

• Kitchen Setup

Warm the oven and grease a cozy baking dish, creating a welcoming environment for your culinary creation.

• Veggie Magic

Sizzle onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a pan, letting them dance and soften with a sprinkle of seasoning until they become tender and fragrant.

• Creamy Sauce Transformation

Craft a silky sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly introducing milk. Let it simmer and thicken, developing rich flavors and smooth texture.

• Flavor Boost

Enhance the sauce with Italian herbs, a handful of Parmesan, and a whisper of lemon zest. Each ingredient adds depth and excitement to the dish.

• Ingredient Symphony

Blend pasta, zucchini, and cheeses in a large bowl, creating a harmonious mixture that promises deliciousness in every bite.

• Dish Assembly

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping with dollops of creamy ricotta that will melt and create pockets of pure comfort.

• Baking Finale

Slide the dish into the hot oven, letting the ingredients meld and transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Serving Celebration

Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and bring the dish to the table, ready to delight and satisfy hungry friends and family.

Flavor Tips and Mix-Ins for Zucchini Ricotta Pasta

• Elevate Your Dish
• Replace zucchini with summer squash, asparagus, or spinach for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.
• Experiment with goat cheese or feta instead of ricotta for a tangy twist that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Fold in cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or ground turkey to transform this into a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top before baking to create a delightful crunchy golden layer that adds fantastic texture.

Serving the Zucchini Ricotta Pasta with Confidence

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and vibrant flavor that will elevate the entire dish with a garden-fresh touch.
• Mediterranean Side Salad: Pair the pasta with a crisp salad featuring cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light olive oil vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the zucchini and cheese flavors with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to your meal.

Storage and Leftover Tips for Zucchini Ricotta Pasta

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for busy weeknights. Separate into individual portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain the pasta's creamy texture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the original flavor and texture.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop zucchini and measure cheese in advance to streamline cooking process. Keep prepped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making meal assembly faster and more convenient.

Creamy Zucchini & Ricotta Pasta Bake

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini & ricotta pasta bake combines Mediterranean flavors with comforting pasta layers. Rich cheese and garden-fresh vegetables create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta
• 2–3 cups cubed zucchini
• ⅓ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• ⅓ cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for greasing the pan)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• sea kosher salt and fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Oven Setup: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic with salt and pepper until vegetables soften and become translucent.
4. Roux Creation: Add butter and flour to the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to form a smooth base without lumps.
5. Sauce Development: Slowly pour whole milk into the roux, stirring to create a velvety sauce. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and blend in Italian seasoning, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until well incorporated.
7. Pasta Assembly: Combine cooked pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and zucchini in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Baking Process: Transfer mixture to the prepared dish, spreading evenly and dotting with remaining ricotta. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy at the edges.
9. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving warm.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter carefully to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth base for the creamy sauce that ensures silky texture.
• Zucchini Tip: Slice zucchini thinly to help it cook evenly and integrate seamlessly into the pasta without releasing excess moisture.
• Cheese Distribution: Dollop ricotta randomly across the top for unexpected creamy pockets and a rustic, artisanal presentation that delights every bite.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 362
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg