19 Zucchini Main Dish Recipes to Make for Dinner

Zucchini lovers, unite!

close up on a cheesy zucchini casserole with a spoonful coming out
Photo: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Put your fresh zucchini haul to good use with an irresistible dinner that spotlights the summer veggie. Good for more than just baking and roasting, zucchini is a versatile ingredient that can take all sorts of recipe up a notch. Whether you're looking for a quick meal that you can make in less than an hour with one pot or skillet, a hearty vegetarian pasta or casserole with seasonal vegetables, or a keto-friendly twist on classic comfort foods featuring zoodles or a low-carb pizza crust, you'll find a new summertime favorite in this collection of our best zucchini main dishes.

01 of 20

Pork and Zucchini Rice Skillet

portrait shot pork zucchini skillet meal

It doesn't get much easier than this hearty meat-and-veggie dinner that comes together in one skillet in less than an hour.

02 of 20

Zucchini Noodles Pad Thai

Zucchini Noodles Pad Thai
aeddy

This lightened version of classic chicken Pad Thai uses zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta. If you don't have a spiralizer for your fresh zucchini, you can always purchase fresh or frozen zoodles at the store.

03 of 20

Spaghetti alla Nerano

That Zucchini Spaghetti Stanley Tucci Loves (Spaghetti alla Nerano)
Chef John

Here's Chef John's version of the classic zucchini spaghetti recipe that Stanley Tucci raves about on his new show Searching for Italy. "After listening to Stanley Tucci lose his mind about this pasta and calling it life-changing and one of the best things he's ever eaten, I decided I'd give it a try," says Chef John. "The results were amazing and the key to getting the toasted sweet taste of the zucchini was deep-frying it!"

04 of 20

Chicken, Sausage and Zucchini Pasta

fusilli pasta with sausage, chicken and vegetables in white plate

France C

This quick and easy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything together in a Dutch oven, toss it with pasta, and then you're done.

05 of 20

Zucchini Stuffed Chicken

Zucchini Stuffed Chicken
Allrecipes

Chicken breasts are stuffed with a delicious and cheesy mixture of shredded zucchini, Swiss cheese, herbs, veggies, and bread crumbs.

06 of 20

Baked Chicken and Zucchini

plated serving of chicken and zucchini with casserole dish in background
Meredith Food Studios

"A perfect summertime dish, this baked chicken with zucchini, tomatoes, and fresh basil is colorful and tasty," says recipe creator luaucow.

07 of 20

Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

This satisfying dinner may have a light and healthy base, but it's as filling as they come. Zucchini boats are stuffed with a spicy chicken sausage mixture and topped with Parmesan cheese.

08 of 20

Zucchini Pizza Bake

a serving of ground beef, zucchini, and pepperoni casserole on a white plate
lutzflcat

Skip the traditional, carb-loaded pizza crust and opt for a keto-friendly crust made with shredded zucchini, eggs, and cheese.

09 of 20

Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet

Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet in a blue pan
fabeveryday

Here's a quick and easy supper that comes together in under an hour. "A true one-skillet meal that will satisfy your whole family," says recipe creator rollman.

10 of 20

Zucchini Lasagna With Beef and Sausage

Zucchini Lasagna With Beef and Sausage on a white plate
*Sherri*

Thinly sliced zucchini replaces lasagna noodles in this perfect summer recipe. Reviewer Jennifer Mabee suggests salting the zucchini before building the dish, as it will remove the excess water.

11 of 20

Sausage and Zucchini Soup

overhead shot sausage zucchini soup in white bowl
Kim Cornelison/ Meredith

What do you do when you're craving a cozy dinner in the middle of summer? Make this hearty sausage and zucchini soup!

12 of 20

Carrot Zucchini Casserole

zucchini gratin in casserole dish with serving spoon
Trusted Brands

This veggie-packed, mayo-based casserole could easily work as a side dish or a vegetarian entree. "A nice departure from casserole recipes that call for cream soups or cheese," says recipe creator edyegourmet.

13 of 20

Halloumi and Zucchini Frittata

zucchini and halloumi frittata
Diana Moutsopoulos

Serve this fresh-tasting zucchini frittata (featuring salty Halloumi cheese) for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It comes together in less than half an hour.

14 of 20

Chicken Zucchini Enchiladas

Chicken Zucchini Enchiladas
bd.weld

Here's a low-carb take on comforting chicken enchiladas, made with zucchini slices instead of flour tortillas.

15 of 20

Zucchilattas

zucchini wrapped in tortillas topped with salsa and cheese
*Sherri*

"Zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and tomatoes are cooked until tender, wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly," says recipe creator Barbie.

16 of 20

Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta

Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta
Buckwheat Queen

Thin slices of zucchini are stuffed with a pesto-ricotta filling and topped with pasta sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

17 of 20

Farmer's Market Vegetarian Quesadillas

close up view of a Vegetarian Quesadillas garnished with sour cream and green onions, with rice in the background
KGora

Utilize your fresh farmers market finds with these healthy and wholesome quesadillas stuffed with zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms.

18 of 20

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

close up on a cheesy zucchini casserole with a spoonful coming out
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

You probably already have all the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Bread, butter, zucchini, onion, and egg are tossed in a bowl with some garlic salt. Place in a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.

19 of 20

Cheesy Zucchini Rice

cheesy zucchini rice

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Try this cheesy zucchini rice, similar to risotto, but with much less effort. An easy recipe especially if you have an abundance of zucchini," says recipe tester and developer Juliana Hale.

20 of 20

More Inspiration

Baked Zucchini Chips
lutzflcat

Try one of our favorite Baked Zucchini Recipes for Sides and Snacks. Plus, explore our entire collection of Zucchini Recipes.

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