Description
Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats are a quick, healthy, and delicious meal combining savory Italian sausage with fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish offers a low-carb, flavorful option perfect for busy weeknights with easy cleanup and customizable variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium fresh zucchinis
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild, or spicy if preferred)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh using a spoon to create boat-shaped shells. Reserve the scooped zucchini flesh for the filling mixture.
- Cook the Italian Sausage Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh and diced tomatoes, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Season and Combine: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook for another minute until the filling slightly thickens. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stuff and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place the boats on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Choose medium-sized zucchinis for optimal filling capacity and texture.
- Drain excess liquid from the zucchini flesh or sausage mixture to avoid soggy boats.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for added freshness and color.
- Don’t overfill the zucchini boats to ensure cheese melts evenly without spilling.
- Allow the boats to cool slightly before serving to help maintain their shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Italian sausage, zucchini boats, low carb, healthy dinner, easy recipe, gluten free, baked zucchini, family-friendly