Best 2 Acorn Squash Italian Sausage Recipes

Acorn squash is a delicious and versatile winter squash that is perfect for incorporating into your favorite recipes. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes its flesh, while the Italian sausage adds savory depth of flavor and a bit of spice. You can customize this hearty and comforting dish to your liking by adding other vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or a more elaborate dish for a special occasion, acorn squash Italian sausage is sure to satisfy.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

INSTANT POT® ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE

Instant Pot® Acorn Squash Stuffed with Italian Sausage image

This quick and easy acorn squash stuffed with sausage is an irresistible fall dish, and it's all done in an Instant Pot®.

Provided by bd.weld

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Sausage

Time 50m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound Italian pork sausage
½ small onion, diced
¼ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup marinara sauce, divided
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
1 cup water

Steps:

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®), add olive oil, and select Saute function. Add sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until sausage is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Transfer mixture to a bowl; drain and discard any excess grease.
Stuff each squash half with sausage mixture. Place trivet inside the pressure cooker pot and add water. Place stuffed squash halves on the trivet. Close and lock the lid; be sure vent is sealed. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure using the natural-release method for 7 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
Carefully transfer squash halves to a serving plate and top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 589.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.5 g, Cholesterol 63.8 mg, Fat 34.8 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 26.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.8 g, Sodium 1418.9 mg, Sugar 13.5 g

ACORN SQUASH STUFFED WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE & PENNE

Acorn Squash Stuffed With Italian Sausage & Penne image

Make and share this Acorn Squash Stuffed With Italian Sausage & Penne recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KelBel

Categories Penne

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 medium acorn squash, halved and cleaned
1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup onion, sliced
2 cups pasta sauce
1/2 lb penne, cooked
1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Season the squash with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, flesh side up and add 1/2 cup water to the pan. Cover with alluminum foil and bake until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
In a large saute pan, over medium heat, brown the sausage and onions, about 6 to 8 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sausage and onions with the pasta sauce, pasta, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
Spoon the pasta mixture into the cavity of each squash. Place the filled squashes on a baking sheet and place in the oven.
Bake until the squash is heated through and the cheese melts, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689, Fat 26.7, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 57.4, Sodium 1398.9, Carbohydrate 90, Fiber 13.2, Sugar 13, Protein 25.6

Tips:

Choose acorn squash that are firm and have a deep green color.
Pierce the squash with a fork several times before baking to allow steam to escape.
If you want a crispy skin, rub the squash with olive oil before baking.
For a sweeter flavor, roast the squash at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time.
For a more savory flavor, roast the squash at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the squash before baking for extra flavor.
Serve the squash with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Conclusion:

Acorn squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you roast it, bake it, or stuff it, acorn squash is sure to be a hit. With its sweet flavor and tender texture, acorn squash is a great addition to any meal. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, give acorn squash a try. You won't be disappointed!