Stuffed Zucchini Pizza Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Pizza Boats (Low-Carb, High-Protein, Gluten-Free Comfort)

Craving pizza night but still want to feel amazing afterward? These Stuffed Zucchini Pizza Boats are the answer. Think all the melty, savory, herby flavors of your favorite pizza—but tucked into a nutrient-rich zucchini “crust” that’s light, clean, and totally satisfying.

This is a low-carb, gluten-free dinner recipe that’s packed with protein, fiber, and gut-healing ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or getting picky eaters (yep, even kids!) to eat their veggies without complaint.

Why You'll Love These Zucchini Pizza Boats

• ✅ Low-carb & gluten-free—a perfect healthy pizza alternative

• ✅ Packed with lean protein from ground turkey and cottage cheese

• ✅ Loaded with fiber-rich vegetables and immune-supporting herbs

• ✅ Rich, bold homemade pizza sauce without added sugar

• ✅ A comfort food classic made functional nutrition–friendly

Ingredients

For the Boats:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 4 zucchini, halved lengthwise and centers scooped out

• 1 cup blended or melted cottage cheese

• ½ green bell pepper, chopped

• ½ cup mushrooms, chopped

• ½ cup onions, chopped

For the Sausage Seasoning:

• 2 tsp dried parsley

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp fennel seed

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp minced onion

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp salt

• 12 oz tomato sauce

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Make the Pizza Sauce

In a skillet, sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic in oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes). Add tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender for a smooth, rich sauce.

2. Prep the Filling

In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms, green pepper, onion, and scooped-out zucchini flesh until soft. Add the ground turkey and all of the sausage seasoning. Cook until the turkey is browned and crumbled, then stir in the homemade pizza sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors combine.

3. Assemble the Boats

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lay the zucchini halves on a parchment-lined baking dish. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each zucchini “boat.”

4. Bake

Bake for 30 minutes until zucchini is tender. Remove from the oven, top each boat with about 1–2 tablespoons of blended cottage cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until warm and slightly golden on top.

Functional Nutrition Tip

Zucchini is high in antioxidants and water content, making it perfect for supporting hydration and digestive health. Ground turkey offers a lean source of protein and amino acids to fuel metabolism and repair tissues, while cottage cheese brings in gut-supporting probiotics and calcium.

The homemade pizza sauce made with balsamic vinegar and sautéed veggies adds a deep, savory flavor without the sugar overload most store-bought sauces sneak in. This is pizza night done right—for your taste buds and your hormones.

Make It Your Way

• Swap ground turkey for grass-fed beef, ground chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.

• Dairy-free? Sub cottage cheese for a dollop of cashew cream or dairy-free shredded cheese.

• Add toppings like black olives, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Want it extra spicy? Kick up the red pepper flakes or top with jalapeños.

Perfect For...

• Low-carb pizza cravings without the post-meal crash

• Meal prepping clean, satisfying lunches or dinners

• Getting your kids or spouse to eat more veggies (without complaints!)

• Anyone on a gut-healing, inflammation-lowering, or hormone-balancing journey

Save This Recipe!

These Stuffed Zucchini Pizza Boats are a weeknight staple that brings the comfort of pizza with the healing power of real, whole foods. Whether you're deep in your wellness journey or just looking for better dinner ideas, this one’s going on repeat.

Check Out My Program ROOTscription

Looking for more meals like this that help you heal from the inside out?
ROOTscription is my signature 6-month program that helps you lose weight, heal your gut, and balance your hormones—without sacrificing your favorite foods.

👉 Check out my program ROOTscription here and explore the recipes, tools, and support that are helping women feel their best again.