Hey there,food lover! If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dinner idea,I have just the recipe for you—Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage! These zucchini boats are not only easy to make,but they’re also packed with flavor and make a delightful meal. So,grab your apron,and let’s get cooking together!

Cook Time: 45

Prep Time: 30

Yields: 4

Calories: 780

Simple Ingredients for delicious Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

To create my Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage,you’ll need a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather for this scrumptious dish:

2 medium zucchinis: Look for firm zucchinis with a vibrant color; they’ll make perfect “boats” for stuffing.
3 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps cook the sausage to perfection.
2 links Italian-style chicken sausage: Go for quality sausage; it’s the star of the filling. If you prefer a bit of spice, choose spicy sausage!
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional): adds a kick if you like it a little hot.
Salt and ground black pepper: Just enough to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
½ medium sweet onion (like Vidalia): Chopped finely, this adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.
1 (14.5-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes: Drain and chop them; they add moisture and tang.
½ cup dry bread crumbs: this helps bind the filling and gives it a nice texture.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy goodness on top—who can resist?
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish. If you can, use basil straight from the garden!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

Ready to bring your stuffed zucchini to life? Follow these easy steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking your stuffed zucchinis.

Prepare the zucchini: Slice each zucchini lengthwise to create “boats.” Carefully scoop out the flesh using a spoon, leaving about a 3/8-inch shell all around. Don’t toss the scooped-out flesh; you’ll use it later!

Cook the sausage filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook it for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s crumbly and lightly browned.

Add the aromatics: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, diced zucchini flesh, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for around 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Mix in the remaining ingredients: Transfer your sautéed mixture to a bowl. Combine it with the chopped tomatoes,bread crumbs,Parmesan,and basil. Mix everything until well combined.

Stuff the boats: Spoon the sausage mixture into each zucchini boat, packing it in gently to ensure they’re filled nicely.

Bake: Place the stuffed zucchinis in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is heated through.

That’s it! Serve your stuffed zucchinis warm, perhaps with a drizzle of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips for Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage

Onc your Stuffed Zucchini with Chicken Sausage is ready, it’s time to enjoy this delightful dish! Each serving is packed with flavor, making it a perfect option for a light dinner or a hearty lunch. Here’s how to serve and store this delicious meal:

Serving suggestions

Ideal Serving Size: One stuffed zucchini half makes a satisfying portion. Depending on your appetite, you can serve one or two halves per person.
Accompaniments: Pair your stuffed zucchini with a light garden salad or some garlic bread. A drizzle of homemade marinara sauce or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with additional fresh basil or a splash of balsamic glaze to elevate the flavors.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, let the stuffed zucchinis cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the zucchini halves in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the texture crisper.
Freezing: You can also freeze unbaked stuffed zucchini. Just assemble the zucchini as directed,then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to 2-3 months.When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Stuffed zucchini

Creating the perfect Stuffed Zucchini with chicken Sausage can be a breeze with a few tips and tricks. Here are some helpful notes and common issues you might encounter:

Recipe Notes

Zucchini Selection: Choose firm zucchinis with smooth skin. Avoid any that are soft or have blemishes.
Sausage Variety: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of chicken sausage.Options like spinach and feta or sun-dried tomato can add unique tastes to the filling.
texture Adjustment: If you prefer a creamier filling, you can stir in cream cheese or a bit of ricotta before stuffing the zucchinis.

Troubleshooting Tips

Zucchini Too Watery: If your filling turns out watery, it might potentially be due to the zucchini flesh.Make sure to sauté it well until most moisture evaporates.
Filling Not Staying Together: If your filling crumbles too easily, increase the amount of bread crumbs or cheese to help bind it together.
Overcooked Zucchini: To avoid mushy zucchini, keep an eye on baking time. You want them tender but still holding their shape.

By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!