Name: Skinny Lasagna, Fabulous and Noodle Free (Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups onions, (chopped); 3 cups mushrooms, (sliced); 3 cups (~3 medium) zucchini, (sliced into rounds (⅛” thick)); ½ pound 99% fat-free ground turkey; ½ tablespoon garlic, (minced); ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh cracked black pepper, (to taste); 1 (24 oz.) jar pasta sauce, (I used Classico Tomato and Basil or use your favorite); 1 (15 oz.) container fat-free ricotta cheese, (see shopping tips); ½ cup light mozzarella cheese, (shredded); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, (grated, see food facts); 1 large egg, (I like using Egg-Land’s Best)

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When I think of Italian comfort food, a yummy lasagna comes to mind. This lasagna is so decadently delicious and made without noodles! It’s skinny since using 99% fat-free turkey, fat-free ricotta cheese, and loads of zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Each velvety, cheesy slice has just 234 calories and 5 grams of fat. It’s a real keeper!!!

Why You’ll Love Skinny Lasagna, Fabulous and Noodle Free (Gluten-Free)

A Skinny Lasagna, Fabulous and Noodle Free (Gluten-Free) appeals to those seeking a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna while maintaining the comforting flavors and textures of the classic dish. This recipe swaps out traditional pasta for zucchini, reducing carbohydrates and calories without sacrificing taste. The combination of lean protein, flavorful sauce, and creamy cheese layers creates a satisfying and guilt-free meal perfect for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets.

Ingredients for Skinny Lasagna, Fabulous and Noodle Free (Gluten-Free)

This recipe offers a lighter and healthier take on traditional lasagna, using zucchini as a low-carb noodle substitute. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients:

Vegetable Base:

1½ cups onions, chopped: Provides a base for the meat sauce, adding sweetness and flavor.
3 cups mushrooms, sliced: Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the lasagna.
3 cups (~3 medium) zucchini, sliced into rounds (⅛” thick): The zucchini serves as the "noodles" in this recipe, providing a low-carb alternative.

Protein:

½ pound 99% fat-free ground turkey: Lean ground turkey provides protein and flavor to the lasagna.

Flavorings:

½ tablespoon garlic, minced: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the meat sauce.
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides a classic Italian flavor profile.
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Sauce:

1 (24 oz.) jar pasta sauce, I used Classico Tomato and Basil or use your favorite: The pasta sauce provides the base for the lasagna, bringing together all the flavors.

Cheese:

1 (15 oz.) container fat-free ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy texture and protein to the lasagna.
½ cup light mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds a melty and cheesy flavor to the top layer.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a salty and nutty flavor, sprinkled on top for added texture.

Binding Agent:

1 large egg: Binds the ricotta cheese and other ingredients together, helping to create a cohesive lasagna layer.

This combination of ingredients creates a healthier and lower-calorie version of lasagna, while still offering a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How to Make Skinny Lasagna, Fabulous and Noodle Free (Gluten-Free)

Preparing the Vegetables

Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare baking dish: Coat a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Microwave vegetables: In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the onions and mushrooms for 4 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, cook the zucchini for 3 minutes and drain.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Cook the ground turkey: In a nonstick pan, cook the ground turkey and garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of pasta sauce, cooked onions, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and pepper into the cooked ground turkey.

Assembling the Lasagna

Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg.
Layer the lasagna: Spread ¾ cup of pasta sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked zucchini, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the turkey mixture. Repeat layers once more, ending with a layer of zucchini.
Top with cheese: Spread the mozzarella cheese over the top layer and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Baking the Lasagna

Bake covered: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Let it set: Remove the foil and let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before cutting into 6 slices.

This process will result in a delicious and healthy lasagna alternative. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 6 servings (each serving, 1 slice)

Food Facts
Grated Parmesan cheese is finer than shredded. Shredded looks like thin strips, grated is more of a powdery consistency and is usually done with harder cheeses like Parmesan. You’ll find grated Parmesan cheese in containers and sold in all supermarkets.

Healthy Benefits
Fat-free ricotta cheese, light mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are great sources of protein and calcium.

Zucchini is high in fiber, water, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.

Mushrooms contain fiber, iron, folate, and vitamin C. They are also very low in calories. Half of the cup has only 21 calories.

Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, calcium, and dietary fiber. In addition, they contain good amounts of folic acid and vitamin B1 and K.

Shopping Tips
Many supermarkets sell fat-free ricotta cheese in the cheese aisle where other ricotta cheese is found. Sargento makes one. I bought mine at Trader Joe’s.
If you find ricotta cheese or don’t like it, you can use 2 cups of fat-free cottage cheese instead.

Looking to buy a 9-inch square baking pan? I use mine all the time. Great for casseroles, baked chicken, fish and such. And, you can serve your dish right from the pan. Here’s one of my favorites on Amazon.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 5-Blue
WW SmartPoints 5–Green
WW POINTS PLUS 6

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 slice
234 calories, 5g fat, 2g sat. fat, 61mg chol, 26g protein, 22g carbs, 3g fiber, 648mg sodium, 12g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
144 calories, 2g sat. fat, 10g sugar, 13g protein