Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A Delicious & Healthy Summer Veggie Recipe

There’s something truly magical about summer and the bounty of fresh vegetables it brings to our kitchens. My love for stuffed zucchini boats started years ago, inspired by my Italian grandmother’s kitchen, where fresh garden zucchini would be transformed into hearty, flavorful dishes bursting with cheese, herbs, and savory sausage. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple summer veggies can turn into a feast that’s both comforting and healthy.

If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to prepare, low carb, and packed with Italian flavors, these stuffed zucchini boats are going to become your new go-to. They’re perfect for busy professionals, diet-conscious eaters, or anyone looking for a delicious, wholesome dinner that feels like a celebration of summer. Plus, if you love cooking with fresh veggies, you’ll also enjoy our Roasted zucchini squash recipe and Delicious zucchini lasagna, which pair beautifully with this dish.

What Are Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

If you haven’t made stuffed zucchini boats before, here’s the scoop: zucchini halves are hollowed out (like little edible boats!) and filled with a savory mixture. The classic filling includes Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and a generous mozzarella cheese topping that melts into golden perfection as it bakes.

This Italian stuffed zucchini recipe is a healthy twist on comfort food, combining fresh vegetables with rich, flavorful fillings. It’s naturally gluten-free, low calorie, and suitable for keto and paleo diets when made with the right ingredients. You can also swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken, or skip the meat entirely for a delicious vegetarian version—talk about versatility!

You’ll find tons of zucchini boat variations out there, from adding fresh herbs to mixing different cheeses or even turning them into a casserole. But no matter the variation, the core idea remains: fresh summer squash stuffed with goodness that’s as tasty as it is nutritious.

Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe Overview

This recipe keeps things straightforward but never compromises on flavor. Here’s what you need to know at a glance:

• Protein options: Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), ground turkey, or chicken for a leaner take.
• Cheese: A blend of ricotta cheese stuffed zucchini with mozzarella cheese topping and Parmesan for that irresistible golden finish.
• Sauce: A homemade sauce made from marinara, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning that brings a rich, tangy depth.
• Baking: The boats are baked at 400°F (204°C) until the zucchini is tender but still holds a slight bite, and the cheese is bubbling.
• Benefits: This is a low-calorie, gluten-free, and healthy stuffed vegetable dish perfect for weight loss or simply eating clean.

If you love easy one-pan meals, you’ll appreciate how this dish comes together quickly and makes great leftovers for meal prep. Speaking of easy, check out our Crispy pan-fried zucchini for another quick and tasty way to enjoy summer squash.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Here’s how to make your own irresistible baked zucchini boats with sausage and cheese:

Ingredients

• 6 medium zucchinis
• 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (plus extra for seasoning)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a broiler pan or 13×9 baking dish.
2. Hollow the zucchini halves: Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. (Wondering how to hollow zucchini perfectly? Use a small spoon or melon baller for the best control!)
3. Cook the filling: In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat with diced onion and garlic until browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
4. Make the sauce: Stir marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes into the sausage mixture. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
6. Assemble: Spread a layer of mozzarella cheese on the bottom of each zucchini half. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with the sausage and marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake: Place the boats in your baking dish or broiler pan (using a broiler pan helps keep zucchini upright). Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy your hearty, healthy zucchini boat dinner idea!

Tips for the Best Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Choose zucchinis of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent portions. Medium-sized zucchinis with firm skin work best.
• If you like your zucchini softer, bake the hollowed boats for 5-10 minutes before filling.
• Use plenty of cheese—don’t be shy! Adding extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top guarantees that perfect golden crust.
• A broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet is ideal to keep your zucchini boats upright and prevent sauce spills.
• Meal prep tip: These keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or air fryer.
• Freeze leftover filling for up to 3 months, then just thaw and bake fresh boats next time!
• For low sodium or low fat versions, use reduced-sodium marinara and lean meats or skip cheese toppings.

How to Make Homemade Italian Sausage for Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Why not try making your own Italian sausage? It’s surprisingly simple and elevates the dish with fresh flavors.

Homemade Italian Sausage Seasoning Blend

• 1 lb ground pork or turkey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp granulated garlic
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for spice

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and use immediately or refrigerate until ready. This homemade sausage is perfect for your sausage-stuffed vegetables and gives you full control over seasoning and spice levels.

More Easy Zucchini Recipes to Try

Love zucchini? You’re in luck! Here are some other fabulous ways to enjoy this versatile summer squash:

• Try the Crispy pan-fried zucchini for a quick side dish with a golden crust.
• Freshen up your table with a Fresh tomato cucumber mozzarella salad that bursts with bright summer flavors.
• Don’t forget the comforting layers of our Delicious zucchini lasagna — a low-carb alternative to classic lasagna.

For even more inspiration, discover more summer veggie recipes on our Pinterest board or explore Kai Recipes on Pinterest for creative cooking inspiration.

Let’s Chat! Share Your Stuffed Zucchini Boats Experience

I’d love to hear your take on this recipe! Have you tried swapping sausage for turkey or making it vegetarian? Drop your tips, tweaks, or questions in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for more delicious ideas and stay inspired.

Ready to dive into more veggie goodness? Explore Kai Recipes on Pinterest for creative cooking inspiration and discover more summer veggie recipes on our Pinterest board.

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