Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne or macaroni)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- While sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add sauce and zucchini. Stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful
- Combination of fresh and savory ingredients
- Perfect for special occasions or weeknight meals
- Gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta
User Comments:
- "This pasta bake was amazing! The sauce was so flavorful and the zucchini added a nice freshness."
- "I made this for my family and they loved it. It was easy to make and everyone went back for seconds."
- "This is the perfect Italian-inspired dish for a dinner party or potluck."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, omit the Parmesan cheese.
- To make the dish spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To save time, use pre-sliced zucchini.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.
