Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells {Super Creamy}
These Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a creamy sauce, turkey sausage filling and fresh mozzarella.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 606kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
- 1 lb large pasta shells
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Add butternut squash to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and add to a greased 9x13 casserole dish.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Squeeze turkey sausage out of casings, then add to skillet and break up with a spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned, then add red onion, sauteeing another 2 minutes until onions soften. Stir in kale and season mixture with salt & pepper, cooking another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and divide mixture among cooked pasta shells.
- Remove squash from the oven and blend with milk, parmesan cheese and salt & pepper in a blender. Add sauce to filled shells, then top shells with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
For best results, cook the pasta shells just until al dente so they don’t become too soft after baking.
Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded will give you a creamier sauce since it melts more smoothly.
If the sauce feels too thick after blending the squash, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Refrigerate any cooked shells in an airtight container for as long as 4 days.
Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350 F until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 1019mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 15832IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 367mg | Iron: 3mg