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Zucchini Boats with Mushroom and Spinach Filling

This dish features zucchini halved and hollowed out, then filled with a sautéed mixture of mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese. The zucchinis are baked until tender with slightly browned edges, resulting in a colorful, bite-sized vessel with a creamy, textured filling that contrasts with the crisp edges.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchini firm and glossy, about 6 inches long
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese full-fat preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Sauté pan
  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create hollow boats, leaving about ¼ inch of flesh around the edges. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir the chopped spinach into the mushrooms and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. Transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to a bowl. Mix in the ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy filling.
  5. Spoon the filling into each zucchini boat, pressing gently to pack it in. Carefully place the filled zucchinis back on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender and slightly browned at the edges.
  7. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot as a cozy but elegant main dish.