Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash
Introduction
This Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash is a vibrant, hearty dish that perfectly captures the taste of summer.
Fresh tender yellow squash or zucchini are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, herbs, garlic, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked to golden perfection.
The result? A comforting yet light meal — full of Mediterranean aroma, melted cheese, and juicy squash flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this recipe is a beautiful blend of Italian comfort and summer freshness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Squash:
4 medium yellow summer squash or zucchini
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
½ small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Topping:
¼ cup shredded mozzarella
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Prepare the Squash Boats:
Slice each squash in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the center (flesh and seeds), leaving a ¼-inch shell.
Chop the scooped-out flesh and set aside for the filling.
Brush the squash shells with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and arrange them in the baking dish.
Cook the Filling:
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in chopped squash flesh, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Cook 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
Stuff the Squash:
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into the hollowed squash halves.
Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the squash is tender and cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve warm with salad, garlic bread, or pasta.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Squash
Choose medium squash:
Smaller ones cook too quickly and don’t hold enough filling.
Drain tomatoes well:
Too much liquid can make the filling soggy.
Add veggies:
You can mix in diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Make it vegetarian:
Substitute sausage with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu sautéed with Italian herbs.
Add crunch:
Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy crust.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
A: Absolutely! Zucchini works perfectly in this recipe — same method and cooking time.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
A: Yes! Just add ½ tsp fennel seeds, ¼ tsp paprika, and Italian seasoning to mimic sausage flavor.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the stuffed squash up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Q5: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A: Try pairing with:
- A light Caesar salad or Caprese salad
- Garlic butter pasta
- Roasted potatoes
- Herbed couscous
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Calcium | 160 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Stuffed Summer Squash is everything you love about Italian comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and full of rich flavor — yet light enough to enjoy guilt-free.
The savory sausage, gooey mozzarella, and tender roasted squash make it both satisfying and healthy.
Whether you’re serving family dinner or impressing guests, this dish offers flavor, nutrition, and color in every bite. Buon appetito! ✨