Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These stuffed zucchini boats are filled with savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, peppers, onions, and melty cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly. This easy zucchini boat recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for summer dinners.

📝 Ingredients

• 4 Zucchinis (medium, ends cut off and halved lengthwise)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 3/4 Pound Mild Italian Sausage (see note)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (finely diced)
• 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper
• 2 Cups Marinara Sauce
• 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 Tablespoon Parsley (chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Prep ---
2. 2Preheat the oven to 400℉. Place parchment on a cookie sheet.
3. 3Trim the ends off the zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, and use a spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop the flesh out of the zucchinis. Sprinkle generously with salt and allow to sit.
4. 4--- Make the Sausage Filling ---
5. 5Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula for 3-4 minutes.
6. 6Add Italian seasoning, onions, garlic and peppers and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until onions and peppers are softened.
7. 7Season the sausage and vegetable mixture with salt and pepper.
8. 8Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer; cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
9. 9--- Assemble the Zucchini Boats ---
10. 10Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the zucchini shells, then top with the shredded cheeses.
11. 11Spray foil with non stick spray and tent over the pan.
12. 12--- Bake ---
13. 13Bake for 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
14. 14Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.