zucchini involtini

ingredients:

  • 2-4 zucchinis (depending on size)

  • olive oil

  • salt & pepper

  • zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 & 1/4 cups ricotta

  • 5 oz sautéed spinach

  • 1 jar of marinara sauce (Rao’s is my preference)

  • 1 box of pasta of your choice (I used banza rotini)

  • parmesan

instructions:

  • preheat oven to 450

  • cut the ends off of your zucchinis

  • cut the zucchini (longways) into 1/4 inch slices

  • arrange slices on a baking sheet (I use silicone mats, but you can oil the sheets if you prefer)

  • drizzle olive oil on each piece

  • season with salt & pepper

  • roast for 20 minutes

  • while that is roasting, zest your lemon - set aside

  • sauté the spinach

  • in a medium bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, and chopped sautéed spinach

  • in a shallow glass dish, cover the bottom with pasta sauce of your choice

  • remove zucchini from oven when it is finished

  • add a spoonful of the ricotta mix to the tip of each piece of zucchini

  • roll zucchini and place into dish, seam side down

  • bake in oven for an additional 20 minutes

  • serve with pasta & top with parmesan

health benefits of ingredients used

  • zucchini

    high in vitamin a, which helps vision & immune health

    high in antioxidants & anticancer properties

    has both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion

    helps control blood sugar levels

    supports bone health

  • lemons

    great source of vitamin c

    contains disinfecting properties

    antioxidants, including limonene which helps prevent breast and other cancers by lowering bad cholesterol

    rutin strengthens veins and prevent fluid retention

    can increase appetite

  • spinach

    boosts immune system with vitamin e

    hydrating

    supports bone health with calcium, manganese, and vitamin k

    excellent source of iron

    antioxidants & anti-inflammatory

    supports heart health

    helps body repair wounds with collagen

  • tomato sauce

    improves heart health - lycopene

    antioxidants

    promotes good cholesterol

    vitamin c - helps strengthen immune health, supports heart health, reduces risk of chronic diseases

    vitamin a - supports immune health, skin & eye health

    vitamin k - supports blood health and bone health

    probiotic properties to help gut health