Zucchini Boats
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
192 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Zucchini Boats
Description
Zucchini Boats feature medium zucchini hollowed out to create edible shells filled with a savory Italian sausage mixture. The sausage is browned and combined with diced onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and spaghetti sauce, delivering a robust and slightly tangy filling. Topped with shredded mozzarella, the baking process melts the cheese and tenderizes the zucchini shells.
The final texture contrasts the tender zucchini with the meaty filling and gooey cheese topping. Baking at 400°F for 20 to 30 minutes ensures the zucchini becomes soft without losing shape and the cheese browns slightly for enhanced flavor.
This recipe suits a casual dinner served alone or alongside a salad. It also allows variation in sausage heat level and cheese amount based on preference. Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh element just before serving.
If your zucchinis are larger than about 11 ounces, baking the shells alone briefly before filling can help them reach the desired tenderness by the end of cooking.
Ingredients
- 6 zucchini medium
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 1/2 cup white onion diced, or yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a large rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise.
- Cut off both ends.
- Use a spoon to hollow out each zucchini leaving a border around the edges.
- Season the zucchini with salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini shells in the baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drizzle in olive oil.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Cook, stirring regularly, until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Divide the sauce among the zucchini shells.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.
Notes
- For larger zucchinis (around 11 ounces each), pre-bake the hollowed shells for about 5 minutes to help them soften fully during baking.
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with hot or turkey Italian sausage depending on taste preferences.
- Adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese to your liking; adding grated Parmesan on top offers an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutrition values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 192 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 192kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 557mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 506mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 436IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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