Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Sausage and Parmesan

This flavorful dish features tender zucchini filled with a savory sausage and Parmesan stuffing, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Here's how to prepare it:

Ingredients (For 4 servings)

• 2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 links Italian-style chicken sausage, casings removed
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• medium sweet onion (such as Vidalia), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
• cup dry bread crumbs
• cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Slice each zucchini lengthwise into 3/4-inch thick halves, creating "boats." Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 3/8 inch of the shell intact. Set aside two of the zucchini slices and dice them for the filling.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 8 minutes until it starts to brown and become crumbly.

Step 4: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the diced zucchini, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 5: Transfer the sausage mixture to a bowl. Add the chopped tomatoes, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Spoon the mixture into the hollowed zucchini boats, gently packing it in. Place the filled zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the zucchini boats are heated through and the top is beginning to brown.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 16g (20% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (18% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 37mg (12% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 548mg (24% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g (7% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 12g (23% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 22mg (25% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 132mg (10% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 435mg (9% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.