Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian Inspired, Southern

Keyword Italian-sausage-stuffed-summer-squash

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 345kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

2 large yellow squash halved
1/2 cup onion finely diced
olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
4 oz sweet or spicy Italian sausage
1 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 Tbsp butter
1 cup fresh bread cubes
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded blend of Italian cheese divided
chopped fresh parsley [optional]

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.
Place squash halves skin side down in a large skillet. Add water until 1/2 inch up sides. Simmer for about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the water set aside to cool.
In a Large skillet saute the diced onion in a light drizzle of olive oil over medium high heat until translucent. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the Italian sausage cooking until brown. Add garlic and spinach. Sauté just until the spinach begins to wilt then remove from the pan.
In the same pan melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the cubed bread and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the bread cubes while toasting.
Add the sausage mixture back to the skillet with the bread cubes. Mix together with 1 cup of shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Use a teaspoon to remove the seeds from the steamed squash. Place side by side in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You can drizzle them with melted butter, if you like for added flavor.
Divide the sausage filling evenly between squash halves. Sprinkle tops with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is golden and the squash is fork tender and cooked through.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

a) Use a sharp knife to cut a flat piece from the backside of the squash to stabilize it. This will prevent the squash from rolling and it will remain upright while cooking.
b) Choose a blend of shredded cheese that you enjoy. Pre-shredded Italian cheese comes in several varieties or you can use all mozzarella or provolone cheese in the same amount.

Nutrition