Savory Acorn Squash Boats Filled with Italian Sausage and Penne
Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic dish with these Savory Acorn Squash Boats filled with Italian Sausage and Penne. This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a flavorful filling featuring savory Italian sausage, perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. A nourishing meal that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special gathering. Serve it warm and watch as your guests dive into this comforting autumn-inspired dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
acorn squash
2 medium (halved and cleaned)
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (casings removed)
onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
pasta sauce
2 cups (ready-to-use)
penne
1/2 lb (cooked)
mozzarella cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the acorn squash by slicing them in half and cleaning out the seeds and stringy insides. Brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil.
3
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4
While the squash bakes, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add the sliced onions and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage and onions with the pasta sauce, cooked penne pasta, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
Carefully spoon the prepared pasta mixture into each acorn squash half, packing it gently. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed squash.
7
Return the filled acorn squashes to the baking sheet, and bake in the oven for another 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Acorn Squash Boats Filled with Italian Sausage and Penne, a hearty meal combining roasted squash with a flavorful pasta filling.
What type of squash is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two medium-sized acorn squashes.
What are the primary proteins in the filling?
The primary protein is 1/2 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 lb of cooked penne pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature for preheating?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the acorn squash for roasting?
Slice the squash in half, clean out the seeds and stringy insides, then brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
How long does the initial roasting of the squash take?
The squash should roast for about 1 hour or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
Should I cover the squash while roasting?
Yes, place the squash halves cut side up on a baking sheet with 1/2 cup of water and cover the sheet with aluminum foil.
How do I cook the Italian sausage?
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the sausage while breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
When do I add the onions to the pan?
Add the sliced onions to the pan after the sausage has browned and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
What kind of sauce is used for the filling?
The recipe uses 2 cups of ready-to-use pasta sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 lb of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the cheese distributed in the recipe?
Half of the mozzarella is mixed into the pasta filling, and the remaining half is sprinkled on top before the final bake.
How long do the filled squash boats bake for?
The filled boats bake for another 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Is the penne cooked before or after mixing?
The penne should be cooked before it is mixed with the sausage and sauce.
What should I do after removing the squash from the oven at the end?
Allow the squash boats to cool slightly before serving.
How many servings does this recipe generally provide?
While servings are not explicitly specified, using two medium squashes cut in half typically provides four portions.
Can I season the filling mixture?
Yes, you should mix the sausage, onions, sauce, pasta, and cheese, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
What gives the dish its savory-sweet profile?
The natural sweetness of the roasted acorn squash balances the savory Italian sausage and rich tomato sauce.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Tags include acorn squash, stuffed squash, Italian sausage, penne pasta, and comfort food.
Is this a good recipe for a specific season?
Yes, it is described as a perfect autumn-inspired dish.
What should the texture of the onion be after cooking?
The onions should be cooked until they are translucent.
Do I need to leave the casings on the sausage?
No, the casings should be removed before cooking.
How much water goes on the baking sheet?
You should pour 1/2 cup of water into the baking sheet.
Can this be served at a special gathering?
Yes, its visual appeal and bold flavors make it suitable for a special gathering or family dinner.
How do I know the final baking step is complete?
The dish is ready when it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
What is the preparation method for the onion?
The onion should be sliced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients listed.
Is the dish intended to be served warm?
Yes, it is best served warm.
What category of food does this belong to?
It falls under categories such as baked dish, vegetable dish, and comfort food.