Delicata squash is a versatile ingredient that can be stuffed with an array of flavors. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of the squash with the savory taste of chicken sausage and earthy mushrooms. The result is a dish that is comforting, satisfying, and packed with nutrients.
Delicata squash is a winter squash that is known for its cream-colored cylindrical shape and green stripes. It has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture, which makes it an excellent vehicle for stuffing. Shiitake mushrooms, another key ingredient in this recipe, are a type of edible mushroom native to East Asia. They're known for their rich, savory taste and diverse health benefits. Sweet Italian chicken sausage is a flavorful and lean protein choice that balances the sweetness of the squash and mushrooms.
Ingredients for Stuffed Delicata Squash with Chicken Sausage-Mushroom Stuffing
Delicata squash: A type of winter squash that is small, cylindrical and has a sweet flavor.
Olive oil spray: Used to prevent the squash from sticking to the pan and to help it roast evenly.
Kosher salt: Adds flavor and helps to draw out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Sweet Italian chicken sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Shiitake mushrooms: Known for their rich, earthy flavor and health benefits.
Thyme: An aromatic herb that enhances the flavors of the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a nice finish to the dish.
Parsley: Used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbal note.
One reader, Kordula Reaves says:
This stuffed delicata squash with chicken sausage-mushroom stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting, and the squash is perfectly tender. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and wholesome dinner option.
Cooking Techniques for Stuffed Delicata Squash
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the stuffed delicata squash.
Prepare the delicata squash: Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then spray the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Placing them face down on a large baking sheet, bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender and browned on the edges.
Cook the chicken sausage: In a large sauté pan, cook the sweet Italian chicken sausage on medium heat, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks until the sausage is cooked through and browned.
Saute the vegetables: Add the onion and celery to the cooked sausage and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the celery is soft. Then, add the fresh shiitake mushrooms and thyme to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring, then cook covered for 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and cooked through.
Stuff the squash: Divide the sausage and vegetable mixture between the squash halves, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.
Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the stuffed delicata squash with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant color.
How To Make Sausage-Mushroom Stuffed Delicata Squash Recipe
Enjoy a tasty contrast of flavors with this stuffed delicata squash filled with a delicious stuffing made of sausage, mushrooms, celery, and onions.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 48ozdelicata squash,(3 small) halved, seeded
- olive oil spray
- ¼tspkosher salt
- 14ozsweet Italian chicken sausage
- ¾cuponion,chopped
- ¾cupcelery,chopped
- 4ozfresh shiitake mushrooms,chopped
- 1sprigfresh thyme
- 6tbspparmesan cheese,shredded
- parsley,chopped, to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Spray the cut sides of the squash with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place face down on a large baking sheet.
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Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender and browned on the edges
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Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, cook the sausage on medium heat, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks until the sausage is cooked through and browned.
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Add the onion and celery. Cook for about about 8 to 10 minutes until the celery is soft.
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Add the mushrooms and thyme to the pan, and more salt and pepper if needed.
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Cook for 5 minutes while stirring, then cook covered for 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and cooked through.
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Divide (½ cup) between the squash, top with parmesan cheese, and bake for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 332.69kcal
- Fat: 18.01g
- Saturated Fat: 4.77g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.20g
- Carbohydrates: 29.62g
- Fiber: 4.87g
- Sugar: 1.92g
- Protein: 16.26g
- Cholesterol: 69.82mg
- Sodium: 727.91mg
- Calcium: 250.94mg
- Potassium: 1071.63mg
- Iron: 2.92mg
- Vitamin A: 79.14µg
- Vitamin C: 32.39mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Stuffed Delicata Squash
When preparing the delicata squash, it's important to scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits inside, much like you would a pumpkin. This not only makes room for your chicken sausage-mushroom stuffing, but also ensures a smoother, more enjoyable texture when eating. Additionally, when cooking the sausage, be sure to break it up into small pieces. This allows it to cook more evenly and integrates better with the other ingredients in the stuffing. Lastly, don't rush the cooking of the onion and celery. Allowing them to soften properly will enhance their flavors and improve the overall texture of the stuffing.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Stuffed Delicata Squash
Prep ahead: To save time, consider prepping the squash and stuffing ingredients the night before. This way, you can simply assemble and bake the dish when you're ready to enjoy it.
Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked chicken sausage to cut down on cooking time. This will allow you to focus on preparing the other components of the dish without the need to cook the sausage from scratch.
Efficient multitasking: While the squash is baking, use that time to prepare the sausage-mushroom stuffing. This way, you can make the most of your time in the kitchen and ensure that everything is ready to be assembled and baked together.
Invest in a good quality knife: A sharp, high-quality knife can make the process of cutting and prepping the squash and other ingredients much quicker and more efficient.
Streamline the process: Look for ways to streamline the cooking process, such as using kitchen tools like a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables or a mandoline slicer to easily prepare the squash.
Substitute Ingredients For Stuffed Delicata Squash with Chicken Sausage-Mushroom Stuffing Recipe
delicata squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and its texture is comparable to delicata squash when roasted.
sweet italian chicken sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage has a similar flavor profile and can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken sausage.
shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and meaty texture, making them a suitable substitute for shiitake mushrooms in the stuffing.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients in the stuffing.
Presentation Tips for Stuffed Delicata Squash
Elevate the delicata squash: Carefully arrange the delicata squash on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stuffed delicata squash to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the stuffed delicata squash in a symmetrical pattern on the plate to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create an elegant drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Use a fine dining plate: Select a high-quality, elegant plate to showcase the stuffed delicata squash, adding a touch of refinement to the presentation.
Incorporate microgreens: Place a small cluster of delicate microgreens on top of the stuffed delicata squash for a visually stunning and gourmet touch.
Add a parmesan crisp: Accompany the stuffed delicata squash with a delicate parmesan crisp for a textural contrast and an upscale finishing touch.
Utilize edible flowers: Integrate edible flowers into the presentation for a visually stunning and sophisticated touch, adding a burst of color and elegance to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Saute pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying.
- Olive oil spray: A cooking spray that dispenses olive oil in a fine mist for greasing pans and coating food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Storing and Freezing Stuffed Delicata Squash
- Let the stuffed delicata squash cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled squash in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed squash:
- Wrap each squash half tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped squash in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen stuffed squash:
- Remove the squash from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and place the squash in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top, if desired.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the thawed squash on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. However, the texture may be slightly softer compared to oven reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Delicata Squash
To reheat leftover stuffed delicata squash in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squash halves on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash and the chicken sausage-mushroom stuffing are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the top of the stuffing.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the stuffed squash halves on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the squash and stuffing are heated through. The exact reheating time may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the squash halves.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your leftover stuffed delicata squash. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the squash halves in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the squash and stuffing are heated through and the top of the stuffing is slightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, cut the stuffed squash halves into smaller pieces and heat them in a covered skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the squash and stuffing from drying out. Stir occasionally and cook until the squash and stuffing are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken sausage stuffing to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If the stuffing is not hot enough, continue reheating until it reaches the appropriate temperature.
Interesting Fact About Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. It's also a low-calorie vegetable, making it a healthy choice for stuffing with a flavorful chicken sausage-mushroom mixture.
Is Making Stuffed Delicata Squash at Home Cost-Effective?
This stuffed delicata squash with chicken sausage-mushroom stuffing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as delicata squash, chicken sausage, and mushrooms, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The dish offers a balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Stuffed Squash Recipe Healthy?
This stuffed delicata squash recipe is a relatively healthy choice, offering a balance of nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken sausage. Delicata squash is a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, while the mushrooms provide additional fiber and antioxidants. The use of chicken sausage instead of pork sausage reduces the overall fat content of the dish.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use a whole grain bread crumb or quinoa instead of the parmesan cheese to increase the fiber content and reduce the saturated fat
- Increase the variety of vegetables in the stuffing, such as adding diced carrots or bell peppers for added nutrients and color
- Opt for low-sodium chicken sausage to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil spray to reduce the calorie content slightly
To make this recipe even more nutritious, you could also:
- Serve the stuffed squash alongside a leafy green salad to increase the overall vegetable intake
- Use a mix of wild and brown rice instead of bread crumbs for a gluten-free option that adds more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or sage, to add flavor without increasing the sodium content
- Top the finished dish with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch and healthy fats
Editor's Opinion on This Delicata Squash Recipe
This stuffed delicata squash with chicken sausage-mushroom stuffing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweet Italian chicken sausage and earthy shiitake mushrooms create a rich and savory filling, while the delicate sweetness of the squash balances the dish perfectly. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty finish, elevating the overall taste. The recipe's simplicity and use of fresh ingredients make it a wonderful option for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the beautiful presentation of this dish.
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Why trust this Stuffed Delicata Squash with Chicken Sausage-Mushroom Stuffing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal. The delicata squash provides a sweet and nutty base, while the savory sweet italian chicken sausage and earthy shiitake mushrooms create a rich and hearty stuffing. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a delightful umami flavor, and the use of fresh thyme and parsley infuses the dish with aromatic notes. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients and a balance of flavors, this recipe is sure to impress and delight anyone who tries it.
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