Savory Italian Stuffed Squash Delight
Celebrate seasonal produce with our Savory Italian Stuffed Squash Delight, a thrilling medley of flavors and textures. Inspired by fresh yellow squash gifted from a neighbor's garden, this recipe is customizable with zucchini or eggplant to suit your preference. Hearty Italian sausage, creamy neufchatel cheese, and a blend of colorful vegetables create a delicious filling that transforms humble squash into a gourmet dish. This recipe caters to both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike; simply omit the sausage for a delightful meat-free option. Serve this dish warm, drizzled with spaghetti sauce and topped with grated parmesan cheese, for a comforting meal fit for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Neufchatel cheese
4 ounces (softened)
2% low-fat milk
1/4 cup
Italian sausage
4 ounces (cooked, drained, and crumbled)
onions
2 tablespoons (chopped fine)
bell peppers
2 tablespoons (chopped fine)
carrots
2 tablespoons (chopped fine)
mushrooms (optional)
2 (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh basil
1 teaspoon (chopped)
soft bread cubes or crumbs
2 tablespoons
yellow squash
2 (cut in half lengthwise)
spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup
low-fat parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large microwaveable bowl, combine the softened neufchatel cheese and low-fat milk. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, or until the cheese melts and blends smoothly.
3
Add the cooked Italian sausage, chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, optional mushrooms, minced garlic, fresh basil, and soft bread cubes to the cheese mixture. Toss until all ingredients are well-coated and fully combined. Set aside.
4
Prepare the yellow squash by cutting them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow 'boat'.
5
To support the squash while baking, crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a log shape about 1 inch high, and place it in your baking dish.
6
Lay the hollowed squash halves on top of the foil support in the baking dish and fill each squash 'boat' evenly with the prepared filling.
7
Spread 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce over each stuffed squash and top generously with grated parmesan cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Stuffed Squash Delight?
It is a flavorful dish featuring yellow squash filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, Neufchatel cheese, and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute zucchini or eggplant for the yellow squash.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage from the filling mixture.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 4 ounces of softened Neufchatel cheese.
How do I blend the cheese and milk?
Combine the cheese and milk in a microwaveable bowl and heat on high for about 1 minute until smooth.
Does the Italian sausage need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the sausage should be cooked, drained, and crumbled before being added to the filling.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes finely chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, and optional mushrooms.
How many mushrooms should I add if I use them?
The recipe suggests using 2 chopped mushrooms as an optional addition.
Is garlic required for this recipe?
Yes, one minced clove of garlic is used to season the filling.
What herb is used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of chopped fresh basil is used in the mixture.
What provides the structure to the filling?
Two tablespoons of soft bread cubes or crumbs help bind the filling together.
How do I prepare the yellow squash for filling?
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds to create a hollow boat.
How do I prevent the squash from tipping over in the oven?
Crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a 1-inch high log and place it in the baking dish to support the squash.
What goes on top of the stuffed squash before baking?
Each squash is topped with 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the squash for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The squash should be tender and the cheese topping should be golden and bubbly.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of 2% low-fat milk.
What kind of parmesan cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of grated low-fat parmesan cheese.
How many yellow squashes do I need?
You will need 2 yellow squashes, which will be cut into 4 halves total.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal fit for both family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed in total?
You will need 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce to top all the squash halves.
What is the preparation style for the onions and peppers?
They should be chopped fine for even distribution in the filling.
Can I use bread crumbs instead of bread cubes?
Yes, the recipe allows for either soft bread cubes or bread crumbs.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
Yes, it is designed to celebrate seasonal produce like summer squash.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is creamy due to the Neufchatel cheese but hearty from the sausage and vegetables.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, it is best served warm and drizzled with extra sauce if desired.
Does this recipe contain pork?
Yes, if using traditional Italian sausage, though it can be omitted or substituted with other meats.
Is the garlic preparation specific?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the mixture.