These Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. Filled with savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and topped with melted cheese, this recipe combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of a delicious meat filling.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large zucchini, halved and seeds scooped out
- 1 medium onion, small dice
- 5-10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 2-3 sprigs of parsley, stems removed and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- Salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ – 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2-3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 tbsp finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Spray olive oil
- A few leaves fresh basil, chiffonade (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Sausage: In a large frying pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Crumble and brown the Italian sausage. Once browned and well crumbled, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and the diced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the tomato paste to the pan and mix it into the softened onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the white wine vinegar and the canned diced tomatoes. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, add the chopped parsley, mix well, and remove from heat.
- Prepare Zucchini: Lightly spray the halved and scooped out zucchini with olive oil and season lightly with salt. Place the zucchini in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Stuff Zucchini: Remove the zucchini from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully spoon the sausage and tomato sauce mixture into each zucchini half.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the stuffed zucchini with finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese and cover generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini in the 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh basil chiffonade, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully scoop out the zucchini to avoid breaking the halves.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Italian sausage provides protein and iron.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add vitamins and antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is gluten-free if using gluten-free sausage.
- Can be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- These stuffed zucchini boats are a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and savory filling.
- They are easy to prepare and make a great family-friendly dish.
- The melted cheese on top adds a delightful texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
These Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a hearty meal. With the perfect combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the freshness of zucchini paired with the richness of Italian sausage and cheese. Happy cooking!
