Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats are filled with Italian sausage, onion, bell pepper, and tomato sauce then topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with some Parmesan before serving for an easy and flavorful low carb meal!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
Trim the ends off of the zucchini, then cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop the seeds and flesh out of the center with a spoon leaving about .25 to 0.5-inch around the edges.
Place the zucchini halves on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute, then add the sausage. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 4 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
Stir in the sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook just until the sauce is heated through.
Spoon the filling mixture into the partially cooked zucchini halves. Top with the grated mozzarella cheese and place back in the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and chopped Italian parsley. Serve immediately with additional sauce on the side.
Notes
You can use mild or hot Italian sausage, pork, chicken, or turkey sausage in this recipe.
Use any color of bell pepper that you like. The red and orange are sweeter than the green, which is what I prefer.
I used Rao's Pizza Sauce, but your favorite marinara sauce will work as well.
Mozzarella and parmesan seemed like the obvious choice for cheese, but provolone, Romano, or fontina are delicious as well.
Have leftovers?
Allow the zucchini boats to cool completely then store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees or use the reheat setting on your air fryer.