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Have you ever been going and going so much that you had to sit down because your head felt dizzy? 2017 has been the busiest year of our lives thanks to our home building project, and as we’re nearing closer to the move in date, we’ve become even busier trying to make final decisions and purchases to make everything tie together just like we’ve always dreamed. I’m definitely at a point where I’m feeling under pressure and overwhelmed, and during times like that it’s often hard for me to be as productive as I’d like.
I’ve always made it a priority to find the time to make wholesome sit-down meals for my family to enjoy together. It’s so important to me to have quality conversation time with my husband to catch up on his day, and this conversation usually takes place around the dinner table. Unfortunately, over the last few months it hasn’t been at all uncommon for 5:00 to roll around and I haven’t even thought about what my family will be eating for dinner. Time slips away so easily when you’ve got a lot on your plate!
On top of planning dinner every night for my family, I’m also doing a delicate dance around my toddler’s taste buds trying to find a meal for all of us to eat that she won’t turn her nose up at. (Way easier said than done!)
Thankfully, I’ve got a simple weeknight dinner solution up my sleeve that is family friendly, super easy to make and comes together in 30 minutes…and it’s full of veggie goodness that my picky toddler doesn’t even detect! 😉
I feel like I’m always counting down the days to when spaghetti squash is in season. Now that the glorious autumn season is upon us, spaghetti squash is on the menu much more frequently in our household. It’s such a versatile vegetable to cook with, and it’s fun for spaghetti-loving kids to dig into, too!
There are so many things you can do with spaghetti squash, but one of my favorite things is to make with it is my Cheesy Smoked Sausage Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, which has quickly become one of our favorite comfort foods to enjoy during this busy season of our lives. Most of the ingredients in this dish are things that I always keep on hand in my pantry and refrigerator, so it really feels like it comes together in no time at all!
One key ingredient that really elevates this dish is the smoked sausage that I use in it. I absolutely love the Naturally Hardwood Smoked flavors found in Eckrich Polska Kielbasa Natural Casing Smoked Sausage, so during my most recent shopping trip at Publix I made sure to stock up on it!
Eckrich products are a consistent family favorite in our household. The flavors and versatility of Eckrich Smoked Sausage allows for endless dinner possibilities, and because it’s so easy to fit into any recipe, I’m able to confidently prepare delicious and easy meals for my family in no time! This is such a valuable asset to me during this busy time in our lives, because it helps me allocate more of my time doing things that matter (like sitting down at the table and enjoying my family’s presence) than just being busy and in a tizzy all the time.
I also wish I could give spaghetti squash a big ‘ol high five for being such a simple and satisfying vegetable to prepare for my family. It’s easy to get carried away with the prep work that some vegetables require, but I like to keep is super simple in the kitchen, and preparing this spaghetti squash really can’t get any easier!
Simply take a small spaghetti squash and carefully poke a generous amount of holes all around it using the tip of a sharp knife. Place it in the microwave for 4-5 minutes each (depending on the size) to give it a good jump start on the cooking process. This helps soften up the shell a good bit so it’s much easier to slice in half with a knife.
While the spaghetti squash was doing it’s thing in the microwave, I sauteed a diced onion and smoked sausage together in a skillet until the onions were cooked thoroughly. Once the onions were done, I added the remaining ingredients to make the filling to stuff into the spaghetti squash. I topped with a smidge of mozzarella cheese and popped it in the oven for 20 minutes at 375 F. In 30 minutes flat, I was having a hearty and wholesome dinner with my family – and it felt (and tasted) SO good!
Here’s a free printable copy of the recipe if you’d like to give it a try!
Cheesy Smoked Sausage Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 2 small spaghetti squash
- 1/2 package of Eckrich Polska Kielbasa Natural Casing Smoked Sausage chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cherry tomatoes and chopped green onion for garnish optional
Instructions
- Using a sharp tipped knife, carefully poke holes all over each spaghetti squash and microwave them (individually) for 5-6 minutes
- While the squash is in the microwave, saute onions in a skillet over medium heat until tender. About halfway through, toss in smoked sausage and allow to simmer together. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add spaghetti sauce, heavy cream, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and all spices into the pan with the onion and smoked sausage and mix well
- Preheat oven to 375 F
- Carefully transfer spaghetti squash to a plate and cut each squash in half with a serrated knife.
- Scoop all of the seeds out of each section of the squash and spoon smoked sausage mixture into each squash
- Place squash in a casserole dish with walls so that they do not tip over while baking in the oven
- Top with additional mozzarella cheese and bake in oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese has melted and browned and the insides are hot all throughout
- Top with green onions and cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?
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Next time you swing by the grocery store, swing by the refrigerated meats section and pick up a few varieties of Eckrich Smoked Sausage to help you make your family meal time a breeze! It’s available in a wide selection of flavors and in both link and rope format – so the dinner possibilities are truly endless!
Do you often find yourself crunched for time trying to prepare an awesome dinner that your whole family will love? Do you have a favorite quick and easy dinner solution that you love to make? If so, leave a comment and share the love!
While you’re at it, check out all of the deliciousness going on on the Eckrich Smoked Sausage website to find some more awesome dinnertime inspiration!
Our days are hectic as well, but I am the same way, sit-down family meals every day is a must. This recipe sounds delicious and I can’t wait to give it a try! (client)