- **1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves** (optional for garnish)
- **2 tablespoons olive oil**
- **2 cloves garlic**, minced
- **1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**
#### Equipment:
- Spiralizer or vegetable peeler
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
#### Steps:
1. **Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:**
- Wash the zucchini and use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create thin noodles.
- Place the zucchini noodles on a clean kitchen towel and gently press out any excess water.
2. **Mix Ricotta Filling:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- If desired, fold in some chopped fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.
3. **Preheat Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the zucchini noodles cook evenly without drying out.
4. **Prepare the Baking Dish:**
- Grease a shallow baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the bottom of the dish, ensuring an even layer.
5. **Layer Zucchini Noodles and Ricotta:**
- Arrange the zucchini noodles evenly on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle another layer of the remaining ricotta mixture over the zucchini noodles.
6. **Add Mozzarella Cheese:**
- Grate 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it over the top layer of ricotta, ensuring a consistent distribution.
7. **Bake Until Golden Brown:**
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
- The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and slightly bubbly.
8. **Serve Immediately:**
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with additional chopped basil if desired.
9. **Enjoy!**
- Serve this creamy and delicious baked zucchini noodles as a main course or side dish, perfect for any dinner party or casual family meal.
#### Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
- To make it vegan, replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based ricotta cheese.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious baked zucchini noodles with creamy ricotta that’s both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking!