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Italian Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Butternut Squash

This Italian Sausage & Spinach Stuffed Butternut Squash is a hearty, flavor-packed meal featuring tender roasted squash filled with savory Italian sausage, sautéed spinach, garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. It's an easy, wholesome dinner that's perfect for fall and cozy family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 small butternut squash (halved lengthwise, seeds scooped out)
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil (divided)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 links Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Flesh from the roasted butternut squash (scooped out and roughly chopped, leaving about ½ inch in the shells)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but adds sweetness and depth)
  • 1 tsp. dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian style)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Roast the squash.
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Brush squash halves with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
    Place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast for 35–45 minutes, until flesh is fork-tender.
  • Make the filling
    While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet.
    Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned (about 7 minutes).
    Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
    Scoop out some of the roasted squash flesh (leaving about ½ inch along the sides for stability) and roughly chop it. Add it to the skillet and stir into the sausage mixture.
    Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
    Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well, then remove from heat.
  • Stuff the squash
    Fill each squash cavity with the sausage–squash mixture, packing it in.
  • Bake
    Top with the remaining mozzarella.
    Return to oven and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Serve
    Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot as a main dish.
Keyword Italian sausage stuffed butternut squash,