Italian Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

A row of zucchini boats neatly stacked on a baking sheet

5 from 2 votes

Italian Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zesty, delicious and low carb, your family will love this quick and easy recipe. If you can't find clean sweet Italian chicken sausage, you can make your own with ground chicken. Refer to the link in the post.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: people

Author: Alicia

Ingredients

4-6 large zucchini, cut in half and scraped out with a spoon to leave about 1/2 inch on the outer skin/layer
1.5 lbs sweet Italian chicken sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced I used 3 small
1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce *Can omit
2-4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
1/4-1/3 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup OPTIONAL: panko

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the filling, leaving about 1/4" around the edges. You can use the scraped out filling for smoothies!
After you have scraped out the zucchini so they are little boats, place them on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Meanwhile heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saute pan on medium high heat. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute, then add the garlic. Remove any casings and add chicken sausage to the pan, separating into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
On low heat, add tomatoes or tomato sauce (if using) and goat or cream cheese. Remove from heat once combined. Stir in basil and parsley (leave a little bit to sprinkle on top) and add salt and pepper to taste. Scoop filling into your zucchini boats. Top with shredded mozzarella and panko (if using). Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned on top and bubbling. Zucchini should be softened but still firm. Serve warm.
If using panko and it is not brown enough for your liking, you can broil under high heat for 2 minutes or so.

Notes

I buy my fresh sweet Italian chicken sausage from Central Market or Whole Foods (both have safe ingredients if purchased directly from the butcher, but always double check). Or use the sausage recipe from my cookbook.
I buy the large, fresh mozzarella cheese balls and shred myself.
If tomatoes are a trigger for you, just omit.

Nutrition