Ann'S Italian Zucchini
A quick, flavorful Italian zucchini bake with fresh tomatoes, onion, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a light, satisfying vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sauté onion in olive oil until transparent.
- Add zucchini, chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook briefly.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 5 minutes, ensuring the zucchini doesn't become soggy.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Ann'S Italian Zucchini, consider adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute. Make sure not to overcook the zucchini; it should remain tender yet slightly crisp. For a variation, try adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Ann'S Italian Zucchini is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with Spaghetti Angelica for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light dinner or alongside grilled chicken for a heartier option. Consider adding crusty bread to soak up the flavors from the baking dish, or serve with a dollop of Pesto By Bev for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in an oven-safe container and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the zucchini's texture rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann'S Italian Zucchini contains roughly 627 calories, with 11g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are cooked to your liking. This makes the dish versatile and allows you to use what you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat portions as needed. It's a fantastic addition to lunchboxes and can be paired with various proteins or grains for a balanced meal.
What can I serve as a side with this dish?
Serve Ann'S Italian Zucchini with a light pasta dish, like Quick Zucchini Spaghetti, or a simple green salad. Garlic bread or bruschetta are also excellent accompaniments, adding a crunchy contrast to the soft, baked zucchini. This versatility makes it ideal for various dining occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).