Making Zucchini Boats is genuinely one of my favorite summer dinner recipes.
Perfectly tender baked zucchini loaded with sweet sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and cheese.
This zucchini recipe is just so flavorful and easy to make. With just five simple ingredients, you have a dinner that probably won't have any leftovers. Deliciously stuffed zucchini are topped with cheese and baked to perfection in about 20 minutes.
Because we're using Vodka sauce in this recipe, you don't need to season much more at all. Simple. Let's go.
Ingredients
The exact measurements are in the recipe card down below.
ZUCCHINI - You'll want to look for medium-sized zucchini (about 6" long and 2" in diameter). I typically get 4 zucchinis. Small and medium-sized zucchinis are the most flavorful. You'll want to look for ones that are free from dings and blemishes.
SAUSAGE - I use sweet Italian sausage in this recipe, but you can also look for hot Italian sausage if you like it a bit spicier.
SAUCE - Any tomato sauce will work but for this recipe. You can try Marinara Sauce, Three Cheese Pasta Sauce, or whatever you like. I love to use Vodka Sauce for this recipe. Its sweet and creamy flavors work well with the zucchini and the sausage.
CHEESE - Combo Time! I love to combine Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella gives it that yummy ooey-gooey texture, and Parmesan packs that extra punch of flavor.
Variations and Additions
This sweet sausage and vodka combination works super well and is my family's favorite. But you can also substitute the sausage with:
- chicken sausage
- ground beef
- ground turkey
- rice - this is a great option for vegetarians
What To Serve With Zucchini Boats
Serve the Zucchini boats with pita or garlic bread and one of these simple summer side salads.
German Cucumber Salad - A staple from childhood in Germany!
Watermelon and Orange Salad - Simply a great combination of texture and flavor.
Watermelon and Feta Salad - One of the most refreshing summer salads. Period.
Chopped Greek Salad - The recipe you need to make this restaurant favorite at home.
German Tomato Salad - This salad is great for dinner or as a potluck salad.
And if you're looking for more summer salad ideas, click here.
How To Make Zucchini Boats
This is such a great recipe that's perfect for busy summer days.
- Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut off the end pieces. Slice each zucchini lengthwise in half. Take a spoon to scoop out the inside flesh. Discard zucchini flesh or use it to make some delicious Zucchini Bread.
- Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place zucchini shells skin side down and season the inside of the zucchini with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Brown sausage in a large skillet. Use a wooden spoon (or this magical tool) to break up the sausage. Once fully cooked, add the Vodka sauce to the skillet. Continue to simmer until heated through.
- Fill each zucchini shell with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 400º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
More Easy Dinner Recipes We Love In Summer
CHICKEN PARMESAN - Reader favorite! Find out why thousands of readers love this recipe.
CHICKEN CACCIATORE - Made with chicken braised in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and olives.
SHRIMP CARBONARA - A simple carbonara gets a new life with delicious shrimp.
TACO CASSEROLE - Layered taco casserole the entire family is obsessed with.
POTATO PANCAKES - Served with a side of apple sauce. Delicious!
Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- 4 large zucchini
- 15 ounce Vodka Sauce
- 16 ounces sweet Italian sausage
- 1 cup Mozzarella shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and cut off the end pieces. Slice each zucchini lengthwise in half. Take a spoon to scoop out the inside flesh. Discard zucchini flesh or use it to make some delicious Zucchini Bread.
- Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place zucchini shells skin side down and season the inside of the zucchini with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Brown sausage in a large skillet. Use a wooden spoon (or this magical tool) to break up the sausage. Once fully cooked add the Vodka sauce to the skillet. Continue to simmer until heated through.
- Fill each zucchini shell with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 400º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Beth
These look stellar. Pretty soon I will have a boatload of zucchini. This is definitely on my list.
Nathan
I absolutely love zucchini, but somehow I've never had zucchini boats before! I think I'd like to try this with the ground beef, and the rice too. SO many great options!
Tara
Ooooh, such a great use for zucchini! I can see why it is one of your summer favorites. Looks amazing with all that cheese.
Marlynn
These turned out so great and they were so easy to make! Awesome dinner the whole family loved.
Alisa
I love making these for those days when I am craving a pizza but don't want to eat a pizza.