Ingredients
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4 (8 ounce) zucchini
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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1 pound mild Italian pork sausage
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1/2 cup minced yellow onion
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
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6 ounces shredded low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese
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1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon finely chopped mixed fresh tender herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley and basil
Directions
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Gather the ingredients.
![Zucchini Boats ingredients on a counter]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 13-x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut off and discard stem ends. Using a spoon, scoop and scrape out pulp from center of each zucchini half, creating a 1/2-inch-thick shell. Measure out 3/4 cup zucchini pulp, and discard or reserve remaining pulp for another use. Arrange zucchini halves, cut side up, in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
![Seasoned zucchini halves with the pulp removed in a glass baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage; cook, stirring and breaking up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, crushed red pepper, the 3/4 cup zucchini pulp, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Stir in marinara, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer, undisturbed, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
![Italian sausage sauce in pan on a burner while being mixed with a spoon]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Spoon about 1/2 cup pork mixture into each zucchini half; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.
![Cheese on top of Zucchini Boats on a glass baking dish]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Bake in the preheated oven until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with herbs; serve immediately.
![Zucchini Boats in a glass baking dish on a wire cooling rack]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 649 | Calories |
| 44g | Fat |
| 26g | Carbs |
| 38g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 649 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 44g | 56% |
| Saturated Fat 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium 2016mg | 88% |
| Total Carbohydrate 26g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 17% |
| Total Sugars 13g | |
| Protein 38g | 77% |
| Vitamin C 34mg | 37% |
| Calcium 470mg | 36% |
| Iron 4mg | 20% |
| Potassium 1393mg | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
