Description
Delicious and wholesome Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats baked to perfection, combining sautéed garlic, onion, mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese for a healthy vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and scooped out
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Scoop out the center of the zucchini halves to create hollow boats, carefully removing the flesh without breaking the skin, and set aside for filling.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their moisture.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Stuff Zucchini: Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into the prepared zucchini boats, filling them generously.
- Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Optional fresh basil can be sprinkled on top before serving. Serve the zucchini boats warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or swapping goat cheese for ricotta.
- For a vegan option, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Mediterranean