Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash with Cheese Tortellini Delight
Delight your senses with this exquisite Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash filled with sumptuous cheese tortellini. This recipe blends the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a velvety cream sauce enriched with garlic, thyme, and parmesan cheese, creating a comforting dish that is perfect for any gathering. Each half of the acorn squash serves as a delightful bowl, generously stuffed with tender tortellini and topped with melted cheese and fresh sage. It's not just a meal; it's an experience to savor and share.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Acorn Squash
2 medium (about 1 lb each) (Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
To drizzle (N/A)
Kosher Salt
To taste (N/A)
Black Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Heavy Cream
2 cups (N/A)
Garlic Clove
1 (Crushed)
Thyme
1 sprig (N/A)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (Grated)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (Grated)
Cheese Tortellini
1 lb (Store bought)
Parmesan Cheese
For topping (Grated)
Fresh Sage Leaf
For garnish (N/A)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash with Cheese Tortellini Delight?
It is a comforting vegetarian dish featuring roasted acorn squash halves used as bowls for cheese tortellini in a garlic-parmesan cream sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cheese tortellini and vegetable-based ingredients.
How should I prepare the acorn squash for roasting?
Cut two medium acorn squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before drizzling with olive oil and seasoning.
What kind of tortellini is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one pound of store-bought cheese tortellini.
What ingredients are in the cream sauce?
The velvety sauce is made from heavy cream, crushed garlic, a sprig of thyme, grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I substitute the acorn squash?
While acorn squash is ideal for its bowl shape, you could use butternut or delicata squash as alternatives.
What is the purpose of the garlic in the sauce?
One crushed garlic clove is used to infuse the heavy cream with a subtle savory flavor.
Is the nutmeg necessary in this dish?
Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the cream.
How much parmesan cheese is needed for the recipe?
You will need one cup of grated parmesan for the sauce, plus additional cheese for topping the dish.
What garnish is used for this recipe?
The dish is garnished with fresh sage leaves for an earthy, aromatic finish.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute the thyme sprig with approximately 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What type of oil is best for roasting the squash?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling over the squash halves before roasting.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to season the squash to taste.
Is the squash skin edible?
Yes, the skin of the acorn squash becomes soft and edible after roasting, though many prefer to eat only the flesh.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Using two medium squashes cut into halves, this recipe typically serves four people.
What makes this a good autumn recipe?
The use of seasonal acorn squash, sage, and a rich cream sauce makes it a quintessential fall comfort meal.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the tortellini filling for extra protein.
How do I know when the squash is fully roasted?
The squash is done when the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the standard tortellini with a gluten-free tortellini variety.
What is the best way to serve this meal?
Serve it by placing a squash half on each plate, filling it with the creamy tortellini, and topping with extra cheese.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen cheese tortellini can be used as long as they are boiled according to the package directions before adding to the sauce.
Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
While a whole crushed clove is recommended for infusing the sauce, you can use pre-minced garlic if necessary.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What if I don't have fresh sage?
You can substitute with fresh parsley or simply omit the garnish if fresh sage is unavailable.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and rich than the version made with heavy cream.
Do I need to peel the acorn squash?
No, there is no need to peel the squash; the skin helps the squash hold its bowl shape during roasting and serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a mild, savory, and creamy dish without any heat.
What temperature should I roast the squash?
Typically, acorn squash is roasted at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius) until tender.
Can I use a different cheese for the topping?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or a mild mozzarella would also work well as a topping.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
It is an Italian-inspired fusion dish that combines traditional tortellini and parmesan with roasted squash.