Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats: A Delightful Weeknight Dinner
These Garlicky Shrimp Zucchini Boats offer a healthy and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, and cream, then topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying dish.
Equipment
- baking dish
- large skillet
- oven
Ingredients
- 4 large zucchini halved lengthwise
- ¾ lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ Juice of lemon
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Zucchini Pulp
- reserved zucchini pulp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish. Halve zucchini lengthwise, hollow out the insides, and place the boats in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then bake for 20 minutes until tender.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp, let cool, and chop into bite-size pieces.
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the reserved zucchini pulp, chopped tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Cook for 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Scoop the shrimp mixture into the baked zucchini boats and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
Use large zucchini for maximum stuffing capacity. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined. Carefully remove zucchini seeds to prevent tearing. Pre-cook shrimp to maintain firmness. Baking zucchini boats before stuffing allows them to absorb flavors better. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add aromatic depth. The dish offers a savory, rich, and slightly tangy flavor profile with notes of garlic, lemon, and umami.