Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats – Delicious, Low-Carb Dinner Ready in Under an Hour
These Cheesy Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats are a low-carb, high-flavor dinner packed with savory sausage, marinara, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for weeknights, they’re easy to make and a great way to use fresh zucchini.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage casings removed
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon, creating "boats." Arrange in the baking dish. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook sausage filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and onion. Cook until sausage is browned and onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add marinara: Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Fill zucchini boats: Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each zucchini half. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. For a golden top, broil uncovered for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
- You can swap in ground turkey or beef for the sausage if preferred.
- Great served with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.