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Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage

savory stuffed zucchini boats - featured image
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A quick and easy dinner recipe featuring zucchini boats filled with a flavorful Italian sausage mixture, topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or spicy)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing and drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and halve the zucchinis lengthwise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch border to keep the boats sturdy. Set aside the scooped flesh.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains.
  5. Stir in reserved zucchini flesh, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella, all Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix until combined and moist but not soupy.
  7. Arrange hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each boat, packing gently but not overstuffing. Drizzle olive oil over the tops.
  8. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and a pinch of Parmesan if desired.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To prevent soggy zucchini boats, salt the hollowed zucchini halves and let them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing, then pat dry. Brown sausage slowly over medium heat for deeper flavor. Use a rimmed baking sheet to keep filling in place.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini boats, Italian sausage, stuffed zucchini, easy dinner, baked zucchini, low carb, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/savory-stuffed-zucchini-boats-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-for-dinner-2/