Ingredients
- For the Zucchini Boats:
- 3 medium zucchinis, cut in half
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- For the Filling:
- 1 ½ lbs turkey sausage
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar prepared marinara sauce (divided)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ tsp dry Italian seasoning (divided)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2/3 cup part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a broiler pan or a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prep the Zucchini: Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and part of the zucchini flesh, leaving at least a 1/3-inch border. Arrange the zucchini halves side by side on the broiler pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Sausage Filling: In a large skillet, cook the turkey sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes or until the sausage is fully cooked (no pink remains). If necessary, add olive oil, but the sausage will likely release enough fat for cooking. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add 2 cups marinara sauce, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste has melted and the sauce is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Assemble the Zucchini Boats: Divide half of the shredded mozzarella cheese between the zucchini halves, sprinkling it at the bottom of each. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the cheese in each zucchini boat. Top with the turkey sausage mixture from the skillet. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the zucchini boats to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. To test for doneness, insert the tip of a knife into the zucchini—it should glide through easily when the zucchini is tender.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally with reserved warm marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 578
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 815mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 113mg
