This Italian Stuffed Zucchini recipe is a tasty and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with the richness of Italian flavors. These stuffed zucchinis are filled with a delicious mixture of Italian sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese, making it a perfect appetizer or a main course. The zucchini boats are baked until tender and golden, resulting in a satisfying and satisfyingly cheesy dish. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to please your family and guests with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch border around the edges. Set aside the zucchini boats.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and mix well with the onion, garlic, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh parsley.
- Stuff the zucchini boats with the sausage mixture, evenly dividing the filling among them.
- Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil and parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Italian Stuffed Zucchini!
Interesting Facts
Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy choice for this recipe.
The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese gives the filling a scrumptious and savory flavor.
This dish can be easily customized by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling.
You can also top the stuffed zucchini with marinara sauce or sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before baking for more flavor.
Leftover stuffed zucchini can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and delicious meal the next day.