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️ Butternut Squash Boats with Italian Sausage, Spinach, Caramelized Onion, Cranberries & Walnuts

Delicious butternut squash halves filled with savory Italian sausage, wilted spinach, sweet caramelized onions, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a comforting fall dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium butternut squashes, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage, sweet or hot
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place butternut squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes until tender.
  2. While squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  3. Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes until caramelized. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Mix in cranberries and toasted walnuts. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Once squash is done, scoop out a little flesh from each half to make room for filling, keeping the shells intact.
  6. Fill each squash boat with the sausage mixture and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

This recipe can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving. Adjust sweetness with more cranberries if desired.

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 20g