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5.0 from 21 votes

Zucchini Rollatini

Paper thin zucchini slices are rolled up with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara and baked until bubbly perfection.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
salting time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 423 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium zucchini sliced 1/16 to 1/8" thick
  • 1.5 cups ricotta drained for at least 2 hours
  • 1 cup baby spinach steamed, drained, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/4 cup parsley minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups marinara sauce see notes below
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Slice the zucchini to 1/16"-1/8" thick strips with a wide vegetable peeler or mandoline. Once the seeds are mostly showing, cut strips from the other side. The center 1/2" with mostly seeds should not be used and can be saved for another purpose. Layer the zucchini strips in a colander and sprinkle kosher salt on each layer. Let the zucchini release water for 60-90 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the spinach in the microwave for 60 seconds, then when able to handle, squeeze the spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture. Give the spinach a chop.
  3. Combine the spinach with the ricotta, basil, parsley, 3/4 cups mozzarella, 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and a half teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and taste test. Adjust salt levels to desired taste and then add 2 beaten eggs and mix to combine.
  4. Rinse the zucchini to remove the excess salt and dry off thoroughly with paper towels.
  5. On a large clean surface layer 3-5 pieces of zucchini lengthwise overlapping each other. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in the middle of the zucchini layers. Roll up the zucchini rollatini and leave the seam side down. Work in batches until all the zucchini is used up.
  6. Layer a half inch of marinara sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Place all the zucchini rollatini, seam side down, into the baking dish. Spoon some more of the sauce onto each rollatini and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese.
  7. Bake at 400f for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Though salting the zucchini really helps draw the water out and is recommended, if short on time, you could forgo the step.
  • Draining the ricotta for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, is also recommended to remove excess water.
  • Slicing the zucchini with a mandoline works great to get even thin slices.
  • Use this marinara sauce or your own or a store-bought version.
  • Leftover zucchini rollatini can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350f until warm or in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
  • Freeze for up to 6 months and reheat in the oven at 350f until hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories 423kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 39.4g (13%) Protein 23.8g (48%) Fat 19.3g (30%) Saturated Fat 9.4g (47%) Cholesterol 128mg (43%) Sodium 1168mg (49%) Potassium 1415mg (40%) Fiber 7.7g (31%) Sugar 21.3g (43%) Calcium 435mg (44%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 423

% Daily Value*

Calories 423kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 39.4g 13%
Protein 23.8g 48%
Fat 19.3g 30%
Saturated Fat 9.4g 47%
Cholesterol 128mg 43%
Sodium 1168mg 49%
Potassium 1415mg 30%
Fiber 7.7g 31%
Sugar 21.3g 43%
Calcium 435mg 44%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.