Baked Macaroni Zucchini
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender zucchini, rich tomato sauce, melting cheeses, and fragrant herbs, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup lightly toasted bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 lb penne or other short stout pasta ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed Mozzarella ⓘ
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp Provolone ⓘ
- 2 extra large eggs, beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Pat zucchini dry and sauté over medium heat until browned on both sides.
- Drain zucchini on paper towels and set aside.
- Place tomato sauce in a saucepan.
- Add white wine, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and dried oregano to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes and then set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed zucchini, tomato sauce mixture, cubed mozzarella, grated Parmesan, grated Provolone, and beaten eggs.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle lightly toasted bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the zucchini with salt and pepper while sautéing. If you don’t have white wine, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be a great substitute for a similar depth of flavor. To make this dish even healthier, you can swap out half of the pasta for spiralized zucchini or other vegetables. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to explore different cheese combinations.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Macaroni Zucchini is delicious on its own but can be served alongside a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. A side of garlic bread or Italian Breaded Steak makes for a hearty meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine to complement the flavors, or enjoy it with other vegetarian recipes for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Macaroni Zucchini contains roughly 1518 calories, with 34g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (197% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2550mg per serving (111% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Mozzarella?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Mozzarella, try using Fontina or Gouda for a similar melting quality. Alternatively, a dairy-free cheese can work if you’re following a vegan diet, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I freeze Baked Macaroni Zucchini?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
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).