Try This Buttery Parmesan Zucchini Recipe Tonight
Summers burst with fresh zucchini, and this creamy parmesan zucchini recipe delivers a mouthwatering side dish that turns ordinary vegetables into something spectacular.
Golden edges and a rich, velvety sauce make every bite irresistible.
Tender zucchini slices melt with tangy parmesan cheese, creating a luscious combination that sings of comfort and flavor.
The simple ingredients come together in minutes, promising a quick and satisfying accompaniment to any main course.
Weeknight dinners become instantly more delightful with this crowd-pleasing vegetable preparation.
Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
You won’t be able to resist this delectable zucchini creation that transforms an everyday vegetable into a culinary delight.
What to Pair With Parmesan Zucchini
Ways to Switch Up This Creamy Veggie Recipe
FAQs
Salting zucchini helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery dish. This technique ensures your final recipe has a creamy texture and doesn’t become soggy.
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina. Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the zucchini perfectly.
Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be a main course or side dish for those who don’t eat meat. The creamy sauce and cheese provide rich, satisfying flavors.
To reduce calories, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. Choose low-fat mozzarella and use less Parmesan to create a lighter version of the recipe.
Why This Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Is So Satisfying
Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Ingredient List
Vegetables:Dairy Products:Aromatics and Seasonings:How to Prepare Creamy Zucchini in Just Minutes
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Slices
Slice zucchini into thin, uniform rounds.
Sprinkle salt over the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes.
This process draws out excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly textured dish.
After resting, gently pat the zucchini dry using paper towels to remove any remaining liquid.
Step 2: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté quickly, stirring to prevent burning.
Gently whisk in the cream, maintaining low heat to prevent curdling.
Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Add cheese ingredients:Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a velvety sauce.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble Casserole
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Arrange zucchini slices in an even layer.
Pour the warm cream sauce over the zucchini, ensuring complete coverage.
Sprinkle additional cheese on top:Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 425°F.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the sauce becomes bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
Tips to Get a Rich and Cheesy Zucchini Dish
Proper Storage and Reheat Tips for This Creamy Side
Print
Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Delightful Creamy Parmesan Zucchini brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Cheese-lovers and veggie enthusiasts will savor this quick, elegant side dish that elevates simple zucchini into a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
Main Vegetables:
- 2 pounds zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Salt for zucchini
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini by slicing into thin, uniform rounds. Sprinkle salt over slices and let rest for 15 minutes to extract excess moisture. Gently pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp texture during baking.
- Create cream sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, avoiding burning. Slowly incorporate heavy cream, maintaining low heat while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Whisk mozzarella into cream sauce until smooth and slightly thickened. The sauce should have a silky, consistent texture without lumps.
- Grease baking dish and layer zucchini slices in an overlapping pattern. Pour warm cream sauce evenly across zucchini, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle Parmesan and remaining mozzarella over the surface, creating a complete cheese layer that will melt and brown during baking.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake for 20 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges. The top should be lightly caramelized with crisp cheese peaks.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest 5-7 minutes. This resting period helps sauce set and makes serving easier. Cheese will continue to slightly firm up during this time.
Notes
- Salt zucchini thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery dish and ensuring a crisp, flavorful texture.
- Control heat carefully when making cream sauce to avoid burning garlic or curdling cream, maintaining smooth, rich consistency.
- Use high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella for deeper flavor and better melting performance in the final dish.
- Consider low-carb or dairy-free alternatives like using almond milk, nutritional yeast, or coconut cream for dietary modifications.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.