Stuffed Zucchini, a wholesome twist on the classic pizza experience. In just under an hour, you can dive into a culinary journey that combines the beloved elements of sauce, cheese, and spicy Italian sausage, all finding a new home atop a healthier foundation: zucchini.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice four medium-sized zucchinis in half, creating boat-like shapes, and scoop out the centers, leaving a small border. Don’t discard the scooped-out zucchini; we’ll use it later.

In a pan over medium heat, cook half a pound of crumbled spicy Italian sausage until browned. Mix the cooked sausage with the reserved zucchini, creating a flavorful filling. Combine this mixture with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, black olives, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Now, stuff the zucchini boats generously with the pizza-inspired filling. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over them and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake the stuffed zucchinis in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are tender, and the cheese is golden brown. Once done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if you like.

This Stuffed Zucchini recipe isn’t about compromise; it’s a celebration of familiar flavors on a green, health-conscious stage. With an estimated calorie count of 300-350 per serving, it’s a perfect low-carb alternative for those seeking a guilt-free pizza fix. Customize the toppings to your liking, and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal that brings together the best of both worlds.

Stuffed Zucchini

Treat yourself to a healthier spin on the classic with Stuffed Zucchini. Packed with marinara, mozzarella, and spicy sausage, these zucchinis offer a nostalgic yet health-conscious delight. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a flavorful symphony on a green stage—an ideal choice for a quick and nutritious main course.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 5

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Chef's knife
Cutting board
Spoon
Frying Pan

Ingredients

4 medium-sized zucchinis
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
½ pound spicy Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Zucchinis: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, creating boat-like shapes.
Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each zucchini, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Reserve the scooped-out zucchini for later use.
Cook the Italian Sausage: In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the crumbled Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Filling: Chop the reserved zucchini scooped from the boats and mix it with the cooked Italian sausage.
In a bowl, combine the sausage and zucchini mixture with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Zucchinis: Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet.
Fill each zucchini boat with the pizza filling, pressing it down gently.
Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed zucchinis and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffed zucchinis rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

Customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
This dish is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for those looking for a healthier option.

Keyword Italian, Stuffed Zucchini, Zucchini Pizza