My husband says I can’t really call a dish with no pasta “lasagna” since it’s named after the actual noodle “lasagna.” However, I disagree. Since in this case I’m substituting zucchini strips for the lasagna noodle, I’m still calling it that. If I said “vegetarian lasagna” one might just think I was making regular lasagna, with pasta, but no meat, right? So, we’ve got pasta free lasagna!
On to the recipe!
Pasta-free lasagna
Can you say YUM???
So before I get to the recipe, I’d like to explain how this came about. I had 3 zucchini sitting in the fridge. I have been following the Take Shape for Life (Medifast) diet and wanted to know what I could make with zucchini for my “lean and green” meal that would still seem naughty. Also, due to my auto immune diseases, I am also experimenting with less gluten.
So I went to my trusty pal Google, and I found a recipe that I modified to my own liking. Here is where I found the original zucchini lasagna recipe.
Pasta Free Lasagna
Ingredient list:
3-4 fresh zucchini
1lb + ground turkey (I used 1.3lb)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1tbsp oregeno
1 tsp salt
1tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 can diced tomatoes (I prefer the oregano and basil seasoned)
1 cup cottage cheese (1%)
3 tbsp Egg Beaters
1 -2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Brown your turkey meat with the two minced garlic cloves, the oregano, and your salt. (Truth be told, I never measure, I just dump what looks right. I happen to really like oregano!) Drain the excess fat/juice. Add the can of tomatoes.
2. While the meat is browning, slice your zucchini into thin slices. I just sliced around the edges. Some slices were thicker than others. Do NOT use the core.
3. Boil the zucchini slices for about 4 minutes until they are soft, but not soggy. Drain and lay them on paper towels.
Steps 1-3
4. Combine your cottage cheese, egg beaters, and parsley flakes.
5. Spray two bread pans with cooking spray. Begin to assemble like you would a lasagna. Start with a little meat sauce, followed by a layer of zucchini strips, cottage cheese, mozzarella, meat sauce, and another layer of mozzarella cheese if you like. (I do!) If you have enough ingredients, repeat layers.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Makes two bread pans, single layer – 4 to 5 servings
I was really, really surprised at how good it is! I like it heavy on the seasonings, so if you do as well, be liberal with them. Also, I used plenty of cheese. It is certainly not low fat, but it is low carb gluten free! 🙂
I hope you like it as much as I did. FYI though, the kids were not impressed!
Pasta-free lasagna
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Pary Moppins says
July 1, 2013 at 10:25 amThis looks fab! Pinning it!
Pary Moppins recently posted…Menu Plan Week 27
Crystal says
July 1, 2013 at 10:29 amThat looks great, Kat! Pasta-free works. 🙂
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another jennifer says
July 1, 2013 at 10:34 amI don’t know. I’m Italian, and I could live on pasta alone. This looks good, but I’m not sure about calling it lasagna. I’d totally try it though. 🙂
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katbiggie says
July 1, 2013 at 10:47 amOK, so you’re on Team Jeff, huh?? Just kidding. I don’t necessarily disagree with either of you, but… I’m all about trying to trick myself that I don’t MISS pasta!! (I so miss pasta!!!)
The Dose of Reality says
July 1, 2013 at 10:54 amHmmm…I feel like my hubby and younger daughter would love this…I want to say I would be open-minded and try it…but well, that would be a lie! I wish I was a better eater! ;)-Ashley
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Janine Huldie says
July 1, 2013 at 12:08 pmI love lasagna and this sounds too good to be true, because I also love zucchini, so you are truly speaking my language. Have pinned to try and thank you!! 🙂
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Leah Elizabeth Locklear says
July 1, 2013 at 12:53 pmummmmm…. STOP It!!! This is making my lunch here at work look a little less appeitzing! ha… I love zucchini and never thought to put it in lasagna! Thanks for sharing the recipe kat I will have to try this out over the weekend and let you know how it goes kat~
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Hope says
July 1, 2013 at 3:56 pmI looks so yummy. I would totally eat it. But my hubby is vegatarian, the kinds won’t eat ground meat and I’d be stuck eating the whole thing by myself. That could get pretty ugly.lol I’m pinning the recipe for when guests come over
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Carolyn Y says
July 1, 2013 at 4:10 pmI love the idea of using zucchini, especially since I have 2 plants in my garden!
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Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes says
July 1, 2013 at 4:14 pmYUM!!! Pinned! I’ll be doing this in the near future! I absolutely love zucchini and am always looking for zucchini recipes! Can’t wait to make this one!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
July 1, 2013 at 8:07 pmI love recipes that use zucchini as noodles. They work and taste so good! Perfect timing with my soon to be bumper crop coming out of my garden.
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Chris Carter says
July 2, 2013 at 1:51 pmOHMYGOSH that looks AMAZING Alexa! seriously- gonna try it! YUM! The pictures help me so much- so glad you took the time to add them!
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Victoria from the Busy House Big Heart says
July 5, 2013 at 7:03 pmThis looks soooo good! However, my husband is not a fan of cottage cheese. Do you think it would be okay without it? Or is there a good substitute
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katbiggie says
July 6, 2013 at 11:42 amYou could use Ricotta or maybe even something like laughing cow…
Suree says
July 5, 2013 at 10:38 pmThis looks delicious! I have been meaning to try the squash spaghettis but this might have to try this instead.
katbiggie says
July 7, 2013 at 3:11 pmThank you Suree!