roasted summer squash boats filled with chicken and ricotta topped with fresh garlic tomato sauce

Ingredients roasted summer squash boats filled with chicken and ricotta topped with fresh garlic tomato sauce

Chicken Stuffed Squash
1 cup rotisserie chicken diced
3 tablespoons olive oil divided
1/4 tsp coriander ground
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 Salt to taste
3/4 cup mozzarella grated divided
6 tablespoons panko bread crumbs divided
3 tbsp ricotta cheese
10 each parsley leaves finely chopped
16 oz summer squash
Tomato Sauce
3 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
16 oz tomatoes
1 sprig fresh oregano
1 Salt to taste
1 Pepper to taste
1 tbsp red wine vinegar as needed

how to make roasted summer squash boats filled with chicken and ricotta topped with fresh garlic tomato sauce

Please take the time to read through the entire recipe card before beginning.

Preheat your oven to 425º F. While your oven is preheating dice the tomatoes for the tomato sauce and set aside. Next prepare the ingredients for the chicken stuffed squash.

In a large bowl mix the cooked chicken and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then mix in the coriander, paprika, pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Next add 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 4 tablespoons
panko bread crumbs, ricotta, and parsley. Stir thoroughly to combine. Check seasoning, and add salt if necessary.

Use the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to grease the bottom of a 9” x 13” baking dish. Then cut the squash into ‘boats’, by first cutting a very thin slice off of each side of the squash, then
cut in half directly between those sliced edges. The first cuts will act to level the bottom of the boats. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds, and slightly hollow the boats. Place the squash
into the oiled baking dish, and season with salt.

Fill the hollows of the squash with the chicken mixture. The boats should be heaping and full. Top with remaining cheese and bread crumbs. Bake for 10 minutes uncovered, then remove from oven. While the squash is cooking, make the tomato sauce.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, and then add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring all the while, until aromatic and slightly translucent. Add diced tomatoes and
fresh oregano. Continue to cook while stirring. Once tomatoes have released their liquid, season to taste with salt and pepper. Adjust acidity with vinegar as desired.

After the squash has cooked for 10 minutes and the tomato sauce is ready, add tomato sauce to the bottom of the baking dish spreading evenly around the squash, and cover with foil. Cook
for an additional 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!