This sausage-stuffed butternut squash recipe will be a new favorite in your home because it's filling, healthy and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
• 1 pound italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded italian cheese blend
• crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Directions

1. Preheat broiler. Cut squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds. Place squash in a large microwave-safe dish, cut side down; add 1/2 in. water. Microwave, covered, on high until soft, 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook and crumble sausage with onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.
3. Leaving 1/2-in.-thick shells, scoop flesh from squash and stir it into sausage mixture. Place squash shells on a baking sheet; fill with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
4. Broil 4-5 in. from heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with pepper flakes. To serve, cut each half into 2 portions.