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Stuffed Zucchini Recipe

This vibrant Stuffed Zucchini recipe brims with flavors reminiscent of Italy, featuring Italian turkey sausage, tomatoes, and a generous topping of basil Parmesan breadcrumbs. It's simple, swift, wholesome, and unequivocally one of my all-time favorite zucchini boat recipes.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound ground Italian turkey sausage casings removed
  • 4 medium zucchini 5 to 6 inches in length
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 large red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus more for garnishing
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves tightly packed
  • 2 slices of whole wheat sandwich bread

Instructions

  • Begin by adjusting your oven's rack to the upper third position and preheat it to 425°F. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove and discard the seeds. Further, scoop out the pulpy center to form shallow zucchini "shells" with approximately 1/2 inch thick walls. Roughly chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set aside for later use. Arrange these zucchini shells in a baking dish.
  • In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over a medium-high flame. Add the turkey sausage, chopped red onion, and diced bell pepper to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula to crumble the sausage while it cooks with the vegetables. Continue to sauté until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and browned, and the onions have softened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until the paste is well integrated. Incorporate the reserved chopped zucchini flesh, letting it warm for about a minute before removing the skillet from the heat. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
  • Meanwhile, toast the bread slices until golden. Tear them into larger pieces and place them in a food processor equipped with a steel blade. Add the fresh basil leaves and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Pulse the mixture until the bread turns into coarse crumbs. Introduce the grated Parmesan to the processor and pulse a few times just to mix.
  • Fold half of the basil breadcrumb mixture into the sautéed sausage. Use a small spoon to generously fill the zucchini shells with the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs over the stuffed zucchini. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and roast until the zucchini is tender and the breadcrumbs have turned a delightful golden brown, which should take about 13 to 15 minutes. Serve the stuffed zucchini warm, sprinkled with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For those looking to truly elevate this Stuffed Zucchini recipe, consider the quality of the ingredients you choose. Using fresh, locally sourced zucchini can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Additionally, while this recipe uses turkey sausage for a lighter fare, don't hesitate to experiment with different types of meats or even seafood for a rich, varied flavor profile. Remember, the key to a great stuffed zucchini is in the balance of flavors between the filling and the fresh, slightly crunchy texture of the zucchini shell.
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