FOOD
Baked Zucchini Ziti Spirals
Sub zucchini for pasta for a healthier meal (but never, NEVER forgo the cheese). *Check your Walmart store for the latest local produce! Local produce varies by store. Sponsored by Walmart.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup grated part skim mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup store-bought tomato sauce, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Steps
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray an 8 by 8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Slice the zucchini into thin, flexible strips using a mandoline. Place on 2 sheet trays and sprinkle each tray with a large pinch of salt.
- Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to draw the water out of the zucchini. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Lay a zucchini slice out horizontally on your work space. Spread a scant tablespoon of ricotta mixture over the entire slice and roll up. Place spiral side up the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices until the baking dish is filled. Dot the remaining 1/4 cup tomato sauce over the top of the spirals, and sprinkle lightly with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.