Zucchini Boats
Zucchini Boats feature tender hollowed squash packed with a rich Italian sausage and marinara filling, then baked until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crown. The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan adds salty depth while herbs bring a fresh finish. It’s a hearty, low-carb dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook35 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
- 1
Gather the ingredients.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 3
Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise; trim off and discard the stem ends. Using a spoon, scoop and scrape the pulp from the center of each zucchini half to make a 1/2-inch-thick shell. Measure 3/4 cup of the zucchini pulp, and discard or save the remaining pulp for another use. Arrange the zucchini halves, cut side up, in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
- 4
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage; cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the onion, garlic, crushed red pepper, the 3/4 cup zucchini pulp, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Stir in the marinara and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer, without stirring, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- 5
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the pork mixture into each zucchini half; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with the herbs; serve immediately. Recipe developed by Amanda Stanfield
- Calories 570.81 kcal High
- Protein 35.15 g Good Source
- Carbs 29.55 g Moderate
- Total Fat 34.43 g High
- Saturated Fat 14.8 g High
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 121.88 mg High
- Sodium 1432.66 mg High
- Fiber 4.62 g Moderate
- Sugar 9.25 g Moderate
- Added Sugar 0.0 g Low Source
- Calcium 629.85 mg Good Source
- Iron 3.44 mg Moderate
- Potassium 761.14 mg Moderate
- Vitamin A 55.08 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 36.02 mg Good Source
- Vitamin D 0.15 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Zucchini Boats is an Italian appetizer recipe made with 12 ingredients. It takes about 50 mins, serves 4, and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Fresh Herbs, Garlic, and Grated Parmesan Cheese. Each serving provides about 570.81 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Zucchini Boats?
- It is an Italian recipe made with 12 ingredients, usually served for appetizer or side dish or dinner or lunch or snack.
- What is Zucchini Boats made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Fresh Herbs, Garlic, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Italian Pork Sausage. The full list of 12 is above.
- How long does it take to make Zucchini Boats?
- About 50 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 35 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 570.81 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Zucchini Boats easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 12 ingredients and 6 steps.
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