If you’re looking for a healthy yet delicious dinner, these Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the perfect choice. This dish is an ideal way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your craving for comfort food. The combination of zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta creates a flavorful, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the tender zucchini boats. Plus, this dish is incredibly easy to make, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
These zucchini boats are low-carb, vegetarian, and can even be made gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just love a comforting veggie-packed meal, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again.
Why You’ll Love These Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats
✔ Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms, these stuffed boats are a great way to nourish your body.
✔ Rich, Creamy Filling – The blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and mushrooms creates a creamy, flavorful filling that’s both light and satisfying.
✔ Easy to Make – With minimal ingredients and a simple process, these zucchini boats are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Customizable – Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or add your favorite spices to tailor this dish to your liking.
✔ Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g (7oz) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 150g (5oz) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Boats
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Wash the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center, creating a boat-like shape while leaving about ½ inch of the zucchini flesh on the edges.
- Place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Zucchini Boats
- Spoon the filling into each zucchini boat, packing it in gently until each boat is filled.
- If desired, top the stuffed zucchini boats with a little extra mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- If using breadcrumbs, they should be slightly toasted by the end of the baking time.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
- Serve these stuffed zucchini boats as a main dish with a side salad or as a delicious vegetarian side dish.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Zucchini Boats
✅ Don’t Overcook the Zucchini – Zucchini can become too soft if cooked too long. Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the zucchini boats are tender but still hold their shape.
✅ Customize the Filling – Feel free to add extra ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese to elevate the flavor profile.
✅ Make It Vegan – To make this dish vegan, simply swap out the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella.
✅ Pre-bake the Zucchini Boats – If you like your zucchini boats extra soft, you can pre-bake the hollowed-out zucchini for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This ensures the zucchini becomes tender without overcooking the filling.
✅ Add a Crunchy Topping – If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top of the filled zucchini before baking for a golden, crispy topping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Calcium: 200mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.)
How to Store and Reheat
🧊 Storing: Leftover stuffed zucchini boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezing: You can freeze the zucchini boats either before or after baking. To freeze, wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
🔥 Reheating: To reheat, simply bake the stuffed zucchini boats in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake for 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes! You can use eggplant, bell peppers, or even portobello mushrooms as a base for stuffing. Just ensure they are pre-cooked to avoid sogginess.
🔹 Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add cooked ground chicken, turkey, or sausage for a heartier version of this dish.
🔹 Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these zucchini boats a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Simply bake them when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These Spinach, Mushroom, and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, packed with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese filling. This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a light dinner or as a side dish, these zucchini boats will be a hit with everyone.
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