Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Sausage

By SMorrissey

Ingredients

• Three medium (8-inch) zucchini, ends trimmed, then cut in half lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4-pound lean turkey sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup tomato-basil marinara sauce
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• salt and pepper

Details

Servings 6
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 60mins
Adapted from recipegirl.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

2. Use a small spoon to scrape out the insides of each zucchini half - the pulp. Don't scrape the zucchini all the way to the skin- just make a deep pocket where you'll be able to put the stuffing. Save the pulp and chop it.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini pulp, onion, garlic and sausage. Cook together 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve to drain the excess moisture. Transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl.

4. In a small bowl, mix the cheeses together. Remove two tablespoons of the cheese and set aside. Add the rest of the cheese to the meat mixture, along with the marinara sauce and basil. Add salt and pepper, as desired.

5. Divide the meat mixture between the hollowed out zucchini, filling and mounding into each one. Set the stuffed zucchini into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Cover with foil so the zucchini boats steam cook.

6. Bake 30 minutes, or until baked through and tender.