Lasagna-Stuffed Zucchini

Swap vegetables for noodles in this healthy lasagna-inspired recipe. Stuffing zucchini boats with chicken sausage, tomato, ricotta and herbs gives you all the flavors of lasagna without all the carbs.

Prep/Cook Time: 1 Hour, Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large zucchini
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ cup part-skim ricotta
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 6 ounces cooked Italian chicken sausage (about 2½ links), chopped
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut a thin slice off the bottoms so each half sits flat. Scoop out the pulp, leaving a ¼-inch shell (discard the pulp). Brush the cut sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Combine ricotta, garlic and parsley in a small bowl. Combine sausage, tomatoes and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.
4. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in each zucchini half. Top with equal portions of the sausage mixture. Place the zucchini boats in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the zucchini with Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and starting to brown, about 5 minutes more.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving: 181 Calories, Total Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 47 mg, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Fiber: 1 g, Total Sugars: 3 g, Added Sugars: 0 g, Protein: 15 g, Sodium: 538 mg, Potassium: 393 mg, Folate: 34 mcg, Calcium: 193 mg

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