Your New Favorite Low-Carb Comfort Food
💚 Introduction: A Comfort Classic—Reimagined
Craving ravioli but trying to cut back on carbs? This Zucchini Ravioli recipe is a must-try twist on a beloved Italian classic. By swapping pasta sheets for thin zucchini ribbons, you get all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional ravioli—without the guilt.
Perfect for low-carb, gluten-free, or veggie-packed lifestyles, this dish has quickly become a reader favorite. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s called "good enough for the weekly rotation."
🥗 What Is Zucchini Ravioli?
Zucchini ravioli replaces pasta dough with thin zucchini slices , wrapped around a savory ricotta and spinach filling. It's baked in marinara until bubbly, golden, and irresistible.
You get all the comforting flavor with fewer carbs and more nutrients—ideal for keeping your health goals on track without sacrificing flavor.
✅ Health Benefits at a Glance
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
Naturally Gluten-Free
Rich in Vitamins C, Potassium & Antioxidants
High-Protein & Fiber-Packed
Under 350 Calories per Serving
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main:
Zucchini (at least 24 thin slices)
Ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese
Fresh spinach
1 egg
Fresh basil
Lemon zest
Garlic (3 cloves)
Marinara sauce (24 oz)
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt & pepper
Crushed red pepper & fennel seeds
🔪 How to Prep Zucchini (Without the Sog)
Trim ends of zucchini and use a mandoline slicer or multifunctional vegetable chopper to make long, thin ribbons.
Lay half on paper towel–lined sheet. Layer with more paper towels, then add remaining slices.
Press gently to remove moisture—this prevents soggy ravioli during baking.
🧄 How to Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
Ricotta cheese
Chopped fresh spinach
½ cup Parmesan
1 egg
2 tbsp chopped basil
2 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp black pepper
1 clove grated garlic
Mix until smooth and creamy.
🍴 Assembling the Zucchini Ravioli
Lay 2 zucchini ribbons in an “X” shape on a flat surface.
Add 2 tbsp of filling to the center.
Fold ends of each ribbon over the filling, tucking underneath to form a neat packet.
Repeat until all ravioli are assembled.
🍅 Building the Sauce Base
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
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Add:
2 sliced garlic cloves
½ tsp fennel seeds
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in 24 oz marinara and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add 1½ tsp balsamic vinegar and remove from heat.
Reserve ½ cup of sauce for topping.
🔥 Baking Instructions
Place ravioli seam-side down into the skillet over sauce.
Spoon reserved sauce on top.
Sprinkle with ½ cup Parmesan.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Garnish with fresh basil.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
Pair your ravioli with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Lemon-dressed green salad
- Grilled chicken or roasted vegetables
- Extra marinara or red chili flakes on the side
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-sec bursts.
Freeze: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) ravioli in layers. Bake directly from frozen—add 5–7 minutes to cook time.
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per 3 Ravioli)
Calories: 341
Protein: 20g
Fat: 21g
Carbs: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 13g
Sodium: 470mg
Potassium: 579mg
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Ravioli
Pat zucchini dry to avoid excess moisture
Use high-quality marinara for best flavor
Don’t overstuff the filling
Bake in a single, even layer
Broil at the end for that golden cheese top
🔄 Recipe Variations
Vegan – Use dairy-free ricotta and skip the egg
Mediterranean – Add chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes
Meaty – Mix ground turkey or sausage into the filling
Pesto Marinara – Blend pesto into your sauce for extra flavor
🙌 Final Thoughts: Healthy Comfort Food That Delivers
❓ FAQs
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta and Parmesan, and swap egg with a flaxseed substitute.
What’s a good ricotta substitute?
Try cottage cheese, whipped cream cheese, or tofu ricotta.
How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?
Pat dry and bake uncovered.
Can I swap zucchini for other veggies?
Yes—eggplant or yellow squash work great.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s cheesy, mild, and fun to eat.