Cheesy Zucchini Ditalini Bake
Embrace the bountiful harvest of summer with this hearty and cheesy Zucchini Ditalini Bake. With every bite, savor the rich flavors that come together in this comforting dish. The recipe begins with freshly grated, water-drained zucchini, celebrated for its versatility and subtle taste. Add in ditalini pasta, which assures a pleasing bite-sized experience. Enriched with creamy ricotta, smooth mozzarella, and nutty parmesan, this bake merges delightfully with a hint of garlic and spring onions to elevate the flavor profile. Perfect for family gatherings or to warm up on a chilly evening, this dish not only nourishes but also tells a story—a story of the garden's magic and the seasons of growth. Let the oven work its charm while you admire the culmination of nature’s gifts on your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ditalini pasta
6.5 ounces (uncooked)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Spring onions
4 (thinly sliced)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Zucchini
2 (grated, water removed)
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Cream (or half and half)
1/2 cup (none)
Ricotta cheese
3.5 ounces (none)
Mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup (grated)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
Parsley (or cilantro)
1 teaspoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 2-quart oven-safe baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray.
3
In a bowl, grate the zucchini and let it drain in a colander for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4
Cook the ditalini pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
5
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced spring onions and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Add the drained zucchini to the pan and continue cooking for approximately 4 minutes, or until the zucchini is softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella, cooked ditalini pasta, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
9
Carefully fold in the sautéed zucchini mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
10
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it doesn't overflow. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is firm and the top is golden brown.
12
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Zucchini Ditalini Bake?
It is a hearty and cheesy comfort dish featuring ditalini pasta, freshly grated zucchini, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 2-quart oven-safe baking dish.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
Grate the zucchini and let it drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture before cooking.
What kind of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 6.5 ounces of uncooked ditalini pasta.
How should the ditalini pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain it thoroughly.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe uses 4 thinly sliced spring onions.
How much garlic is required?
One minced garlic clove is used in this recipe.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
Can I use half and half instead of cream?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of cream or half and half.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The bake uses ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
How much parmesan cheese is needed in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese is required.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian.
How long do I sauté the spring onions?
Sauté the spring onions in melted butter for about 1 minute until fragrant.
How long should the zucchini be cooked in the pan?
Cook the zucchini in the pan for approximately 4 minutes or until it is softened.
How do I assemble the cheese and pasta mixture?
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, ricotta, mozzarella, cooked pasta, and half of the parmesan.
How do I add spice to the dish?
You can add a pinch of optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat when seasoning the mixture.
When do I add the remaining parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish after it has been transferred to the baking dish.
How long does the dish bake for?
Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when it is firm and the top has turned golden brown.
What are the garnish options?
Garnish with 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe uses 3.5 ounces of ricotta cheese.
Should the butter be melted before use?
Yes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What are the main flavor characteristics of this dish?
It features rich, creamy flavors from three types of cheese, balanced by the subtle taste of zucchini and aromatics like garlic and spring onions.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or warming up on a chilly evening.
Why is it important to drain the zucchini?
Draining the zucchini for 10-15 minutes helps remove excess moisture so the bake doesn't become too watery.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While you can, the recipe recommends enjoying the dish while it is warm.