Zucchini & Tomato Sheet Pan Pasta Bake

If you’re in need of a fab weeknight supper (or hearty side dish) and you have a mountain of garden fresh tomatoes & zucchini (hello, September goodness!), this rustic and flavourful recipe is calling your name!

This recipe calls for cooked lasagne noodles that are chopped into smaller pieces. If this seems like too much fuss, use 2 cups (500 mL) pasta shape of choice (penne, gemelli or rigatoni work best. I’m a fan of the Italpasta Artisan line (click here) for product info). Having said that, I encourage you to give the lasagne noodles a try. They crisp up during baking – almost like nachos. Lasagne nachos = pure belly bliss!!

Also, if you have a variety of fresh herbs on hand, toss them in! Dill or chives would work well in this recipe too. Want to up the cheese game? Try Asiago instead of mozzarella and/or crumble goat cheese on the dish before baking.

I love the rustic-ness (is that even a word?! ha!) of this dish. Hope you and your gang love it as much as I do!

Ingredients

• 6 sheets Italpasta lasagna noodles (click here for product info)
• 3 medium zucchini (approx 2 lbs *total), chopped in (approx) 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp (5 mL) each of salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, divided
• 3 large tomatoes, well washed and chopped in large chunks
• 1 cup (250 mL) roughly chopped pitted olives (green or black *I like using Kalamata)
• ½ cup (125 mL) each of roughly chopped parsley and torn basil leaves
• ¼ cup (60 mL) roughly chopped mint leaves
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano leaves
• 1 ½ cups (375 mL) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (250 mL) grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and toss with a small splash of oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). In a large bowl, toss together zucchini, onion, 1 tbsp (15 mL) of oil and ½ tsp (2 mL) each of spices. Place mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30 minutes, tossing once (halfway through roasting), until zucchini and onion are golden and tender (see picture below).
3. Remove from the oven and cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Chop cooked lasagna noodles in 2-inch pieces (approx 6 pieces per sheet of lasagna).
4. Place chopped noodles, tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, dried oregano, remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil and remaining ½ tsp (2 mL) each of spices on the baking sheet with roasted zucchini (see picture below).
5. Toss ingredients together (I use my hands) until all ingredients are well combined. Spread in one even layer on baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over top.
6. Place back in the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is starting to golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
8. Makes 6 servings.

Delicious & Doable Tips:

~ for a boost of protein: add 1 cup (250 mL) drained and rinsed chickpeas to the mixture before placing in the oven and/or 2 cups (500 mL) chopped cooked chicken.
~ garnish the dish with ½ tsp (2 mL) chili flakes and 2 tbsp (30 mL) capers for an extra dose of heat and saltiness.
~ not a fan of olives, no problem! Simply omit them and/or add 1 cup (250 mL) roughly chopped marinated artichokes instead.

Helpful pics for preparing this dish:

Step 2: Zucchini should be evenly roasted when it comes out of oven.

Step 4: Place additional ingredients on pan (on top of roasted zucchini) and then toss.

Where to Find ‘Delicious & Doable’ Across Ontario

Find ‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life’ on Amazon (click here) or at one of the below retailers across Ontario:

Type Books ~ 883 Queen Street West, Toronto
Lemonberry ~ 2 Orchard Heights Blvd #10, Aurora
Fanfare Books ~ 92 Ontario St, Stratford
Casual Gourmet ~ 1027 King Street West, Hamilton
The Post Office – 18 Front St. N, Thorold
Chef’s Paradise ~ 1314 Bank Street, Ottawa
Gift It Grey ~ 19492 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay
Creative Cook ~ 35 Manitoba St, Bracebridge
Muskoka Brewery ~ 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge
Stephen’s Butcher Shop ~ 8 Harris St, Port Carling
Hilltop Interiors ~ 1150 ON-141, Rosseau
Cedar Canoe Books ~ 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Clark’s On Main ~ 1090 Main Street, Dorset
Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen ~ 39 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon
Farmer’s Daughter – 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Kitchen Bits ~ 1390 Kingsway, Greater Sudbury