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Irresistible Zucchini Turkey Lasagna

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

This lasagna gives a healthier makeover to the well-loved Italian dish by using thin slices of zucchini as a pasta alternative. It brings together lean turkey, a creamy cottage cheese mix, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Key prep hacks like pre-baking zucchini and draining cottage cheese minimize excess moisture so you get a flavorful and firm bite every time. Plus, it’s easily customizable for vegetarian or vegan preferences, offering a flexible solution for diverse diets.
Emily Watson
Updated on Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:29:38 GMT
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Mouthwatering Turkey Zucchini Lasagna with Cottage Cheese Pin it
Mouthwatering Turkey Zucchini Lasagna with Cottage Cheese | thefamilycooks.com

Experience a fresh spin on classic lasagna with this zucchini-based version. By replacing pasta with thin ribbons of zucchini and incorporating lean ground turkey and protein-rich cottage cheese, this dish delivers authentic Italian flavors in a lighter, more nutritious package.

This recipe emerged from a prolific summer garden harvest, transforming from a practical solution into a cherished family dish that wins over even dedicated pasta enthusiasts.

Key Ingredients

  • Zucchini: Select medium, firm specimens for consistent slicing
  • Ground Turkey: The 93% lean variety offers ideal flavor balance
  • Cottage Cheese: Whole milk version provides superior texture
  • Marinara: Choose a quality sauce with simple ingredients
  • Fresh Basil: Adds authentic Italian aroma

Assembly Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare Zucchini:
Cut even slices, salt to remove moisture, then bake briefly. Thoroughly pat dry.
Step 2 - Cook Meat Sauce:
Toast garlic until aromatic, brown turkey completely, drain excess liquid.
Step 3 - Layer Components:
Begin with sauce, layer zucchini with slight overlap, press layers gently.
Step 4 - Baking Method:
Use foil cover initially, allow setting time, finish with fresh basil.
Easy Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey (and cottage cheese!) Pin it
Easy Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey (and cottage cheese!) | thefamilycooks.com

The transition from traditional lasagna to this version happened smoothly in our household, with this lighter variation now being the preferred choice, especially during warmer months.

Recipe Success Factors

This versatile dish has proven invaluable for hosting guests with various dietary preferences, offering natural gluten-free options.

The flavors develop beautifully over time, making it an excellent prepare-ahead option for busy schedules.

Balanced protein and vegetable content creates a filling meal without heaviness.

For home gardeners, this recipe transforms abundant zucchini harvests into memorable meals.

Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey (and cottage cheese!) Pin it
Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey (and cottage cheese!) | thefamilycooks.com

Through extensive testing, this zucchini lasagna demonstrates that healthier adaptations can match traditional favorites in satisfaction and flavor, showcasing the potential of thoughtful ingredient substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the zucchini need pre-baking?
Baking and dabbing the slices removes water, so your dish won’t end up soggy.
→ Is this recipe adaptable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Swap out the turkey for any meat-free option or just leave it out entirely.
→ What’s the purpose of draining the cottage cheese?
It reduces moisture, giving you a firmer lasagna with a better texture.
→ How do I know if my zucchini is thin enough?
You’ll want slices about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices cook up soft and tender.
→ Why should I let the dish rest before eating?
Resting for 15 minutes after baking helps the layers settle, so serving is a breeze.

Turkey Zucchini Bake (Low-Carb)

A dish that swaps pasta with thin zucchini strips, layered up with ground turkey, mozzarella, and marinara for a guilt-free lasagna.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Components

01 Three medium-sized zucchini
02 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
03 Four cloves of garlic, finely chopped
04 One pound of lean ground turkey (93% lean)

→ Cheese Layer

05 1 1/2 cups of full-fat cottage cheese
06 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese, divided
07 One large egg
08 1 3/4 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Seasonings & Sauce

09 A teaspoon of dried parsley
10 One teaspoon of fine sea salt, split into portions
11 A 24-ounce jar of good-quality marinara sauce (try Rao's or similar)
12 A third cup of basil, freshly chopped
13 Freshly ground black pepper, as much as you like

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F and let it heat up. Use a fine sieve to strain the cottage cheese. Slice the zucchini into very thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt over them, bake for 10 minutes, then blot off any liquid with a towel.

Step 02

Warm olive oil in a big skillet on medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook until you can smell it. Add the ground turkey and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, cooking till it's not pink anymore. This should take about 8 minutes. Drain whatever liquid is left, then stir in the marinara sauce.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix together the strained cottage cheese, the parmesan cheese (save 2 tablespoons), the egg, the dried parsley, and a bit of ground black pepper.

Step 04

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Add half the zucchini slices on top, then 1 cup of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of mozzarella on that and add a layer of basil. Repeat everything again. Finish off with whatever sauce is left, a quarter cup of mozzarella, and the parmesan you saved.

Step 05

Bake the lasagna for 35 minutes. Let it cool for 15 minutes before adding some fresh basil on top and serving. A bit of liquid under it is normal when using zucchini.

Notes

  1. Skip the turkey to turn this into a vegetarian dish.
  2. Draining both the cottage cheese and cooked turkey helps prevent extra moisture in the dish.
  3. Letting the lasagna sit for a bit before cutting helps reduce liquid overflow.
  4. Use plant-based cheeses and vegan ricotta to make it vegan-friendly.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13-inch pan for baking
  • A very large baking sheet
  • Fine sieve or strainer
  • Big skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (like cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan)
  • Contains eggs