Description
These Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy, flavorful dish that brings the best of Italian-inspired ingredients together. Zucchini is hollowed out and filled with a savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a low-carb main course or a nutritious side dish, these zucchini boats are a great way to enjoy fresh veggies!
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Boats:
2 medium zucchini
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1/4 cup defrosted frozen spinach)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the Zucchini:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/4-inch border around the edges. Set the zucchini halves aside.
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Cook the Filling:
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and release their moisture.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before adding it to the skillet.
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Make the Filling:
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Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be creamy and well combined.
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Stuff the Zucchini Boats:
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Spoon the spinach, mushroom, and ricotta mixture into each hollowed-out zucchini half, pressing the filling in gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
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Bake:
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Place the stuffed zucchini boats in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is slightly golden on top.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Serve the stuffed zucchini boats warm, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
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Notes
Tip: To avoid watery zucchini, scoop out the centers thoroughly and pat the zucchini halves dry with a paper towel before stuffing.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Substitutions: You can add other veggies like bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra flavor. You can also substitute ricotta with cream cheese or goat cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Vegetarian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American