Turkey Pesto Stuffed Zucchini
Delight in the fresh and savory flavors of Turkey Pesto Stuffed Zucchini, a simple yet impressive dish that’s healthy and satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Course: Homestyle Dinners
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: easy recipe, healthy dinner, Low-Calorie, Pesto, Stuffed Zucchini, Turkey
Servings: 4 stuffed zucchinis
Calories: 350kcal
Oven
Baking Sheet
skillet
Spoon
For the Zucchini
- 4 medium zucchini choose firm zucchini for the best texture.
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground turkey a lean source of protein that keeps the dish light and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup pesto adds a vibrant flavor; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes for sweetness; you can substitute with diced bell peppers if preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic adds depth of flavor; fresh garlic enhances the aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a perfect blend of herbs that complements the turkey well.
- Salt and pepper adjust to taste for maximum flavor enhancement.
For the Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully for that gooey topping.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that elevates the dish!
For Assembly
- Olive oil drizzled on the zucchini for roasting; it enhances flavor and promotes tenderness.
Preparation Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect environment for cooking your zucchini.
Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon, creating little 'boats' to hold the tasty filling.
Arrange the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set these aside as they await their filling.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and inviting.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate the pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is combined and heated through.
Spoon the turkey and pesto mixture into each zucchini half, gently pressing down to pack it in nicely.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchini, creating a cheesy layer of goodness.
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool slightly after removing from the oven before serving. This allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even more delicious!
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra pleasing touch.
Serving: 1stuffed zucchini | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 10mg