Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1/2 teaspoon italian herb mix, dried
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild italian sausage, without casings
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F and coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and trim off the stem ends. Then, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about ¼ inch of flesh around the edges to keep them sturdy. (Tip: Don’t throw away the scooped-out flesh! You can add it to soups, stir-fries, or even blend it into a sauce.)
Sprinkle the zucchini shells with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step helps them develop more flavor while they bake. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish so they’re ready for the filling.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it starts to brown.
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 4 minutes, until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour in the marinara sauce, stir everything together, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld.
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into the zucchini shells, packing it in so every bite is flavorful. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herby finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
How to serve these zucchini boats
These are satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve them with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: dinner