Zucchini & Spinach Lasagna Bake
A comforting, low-carb Italian classic featuring roasted zucchini slices layered with iron-rich spinach and a high-protein cheese blend. Perfect for a restorative dinner that stabilizes blood sugar.
Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
75 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
75 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Mixing bowl · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- 2Prep oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
- 3Set out all ingredients before cooking
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 400°F
- 01
Preheat your oven to 400°F
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
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Toss the zucchini slices with a light…
Toss the zucchini slices with a light drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on baking sheets and roast for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Remove from the oven and lower the heat to 375°F.
Allow: 15 minutes
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Place the thawed spinach in a clean…
While the zucchini roasts, place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and aggressively wring it out until it is completely dry.
Look for: it is completely dry
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Combine the dry spinach
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir until well blended.
Look for: well blended
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Lightly coat the bottom of an 8x8-inch…
Lightly coat the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add a layer of roasted zucchini slices, spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over them, and top with marinara. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with marinara.
Look for: you run out of ingredients, finishing with marinara
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Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella…
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes…
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Look for: the cheese is bubbling and golden brown
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Let the lasagna rest for at least…
Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the juices settle and the slices hold their shape.
Allow: 15 minutes
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