One Pan Lasagna with Ribbon Zucchini Noodles is a wholesome twist on the beloved comfort food — made lighter, faster, and entirely gluten-free. If you’re looking for a cozy dish that doesn’t weigh you down, this recipe is the one.
Traditional lasagna is delicious but often labor-intensive and heavy. This version simplifies the process by using one skillet and replacing carb-heavy pasta with thinly sliced zucchini ribbons, creating a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Zucchini makes a perfect stand-in for lasagna noodles. When sliced thinly and layered, they cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully while adding a light texture that balances out the richness of the sauce and cheese.
This one-pan recipe saves time and minimizes cleanup — no need to boil noodles or build elaborate layers. Everything cooks together in a skillet for a quick weeknight meal that feels like it took hours.
It’s packed with hearty ground turkey or beef (your choice), simmered in a robust tomato sauce with Italian herbs, garlic, and onion. A creamy ricotta mixture and gooey mozzarella bring the traditional lasagna flavor you love.
This lasagna is lower in carbs and higher in veggies, making it a better-for-you option the whole family will enjoy. Even picky eaters won’t miss the pasta.
What makes this recipe extra special is how the zucchini ribbons mimic the texture of noodles while staying tender but not soggy — a common issue with veggie swaps. The secret is lightly salting and draining the zucchini first.
Whether you’re watching carbs, avoiding gluten, or just want something lighter, this zucchini lasagna satisfies all your cravings.
It’s also easy to customize — use ground chicken, add spinach or mushrooms, or mix in fresh herbs for extra flavor.
This dish is a meal in itself, but pairs well with a side salad or garlic roasted veggies for a complete dinner.
It reheats beautifully, so leftovers make a great lunch the next day. It’s a smart make-ahead meal that stores well in the fridge.
With bold Italian flavors and comforting textures, this lighter lasagna is a hit at the dinner table. Nobody will guess it’s made with zucchini instead of pasta.
Once you try this skillet lasagna, it just might replace your traditional version — at least on weeknights.
Servings
Serves: 4–5
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ribbons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Sprinkle zucchini ribbons with a little salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes to let flavors blend.
- Reduce heat to low. Add a layer of zucchini ribbons, then spoon dollops of ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Repeat layering once more, finishing with mozzarella.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use a mandoline for evenly thin zucchini ribbons.
- Don’t skip salting the zucchini — it prevents sogginess.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
- Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and cheesy but light and fresh
- One-pan and easy to clean up
- Lower in carbs and gluten-free
- Quick enough for busy weeknights
- Customizable and family-friendly
Summary
This One Pan Lasagna with Zucchini Ribbons delivers all the cozy, cheesy flavors of classic lasagna with a light, veggie-forward twist. Made in one skillet and ready in under an hour, it’s a satisfying, better-for-you comfort meal.
