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Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s a bit out of the ordinary but still totally crave-worthy, let me introduce you to this Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe. It’s got all the warm, savory vibes of classic stuffing but packed with tender gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh spinach. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—it’s one of those recipes that make you want second (and third) helpings. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to nail this fantastic dish in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed comfort: The combination of gnocchi, sausage, and spinach brings a rich and satisfying taste that’s hard to beat.
  • Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll find this recipe totally doable even on a busy day.
  • Versatile for occasions: Whether it’s holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight, this stuffing fits right in.
  • Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: My family goes crazy for this one, and I bet yours will too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from balancing the gnocchi’s pillowy texture with the savory sausage and fresh spinach. You’ll want to pick ingredients that are fresh and good quality because they really shine through.

Flat lay of fresh gnocchi with its soft, pillowy texture in pale cream, sweet Italian sausage in rich reddish-brown crumbles, bright green baby spinach leaves with a gently wrinkled surface, thinly sliced celery stalks in a crisp light green, chopped yellow onion with translucent layers, whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, fresh sage leaves in muted gray-green tones, and fresh thyme sprigs with tiny vibrant green leaves, all naturally scattered and overlapping slightly, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing, hearty stuffing with gnocchi, savory sausage and spinach dish, comforting easy gnocchi casserole, flavorful Italian sausage stuffing
  • Fresh or frozen gnocchi: Fresh works great, but frozen is a reliable convenience if you can’t find fresh.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for sautéing and coating – it adds subtle depth.
  • Sweet Italian sausage: Removing the casing keeps it easy to crumble and evenly spread.
  • Yellow onion: Gives a mild sweetness and softness once cooked.
  • Celery stalks: Adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely chopped to avoid overpowering bites.
  • Fresh sage and thyme: Herbs bring classic, aromatic notes that elevate the stuffing.
  • Baby spinach: Packed full of color and nutrients, it wilts perfectly into the mix.
  • Large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together beautifully.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without being salty.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors alive.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up based on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving. This Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to personalize it!

  • Use spicy Italian sausage: When I want a bit more heat, swapping for spicy sausage really kicks things up a notch and everyone loves the bold flavor.
  • Try kale instead of spinach: A hearty green like kale works beautifully if you’re after a stronger veggie presence.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a meaty texture without meat.
  • Add cheese: Mixing in some parmesan or mozzarella before baking gives a lovely melty finish.

How to Make Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Gnocchi

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Toss the gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt—this ensures they crisp up beautifully instead of sticking together. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. This step gives the gnocchi a wonderful texture that holds up well in the stuffing.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the gnocchi bakes, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to get nice little crumbles. Cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a large bowl, saving the flavorful drippings in the pan for the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs

In the same skillet, add the onions and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened—about 8 minutes. Toss in the chopped garlic, fresh sage, and thyme next, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then add the spinach, stirring until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Season everything generously with salt and pepper. This mixture adds layers of flavor and freshness you’ll notice with every bite. Transfer this sautéed veggie-herb combo to the bowl with the sausage.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Binding Ingredients

Add the golden gnocchi to the bowl with the sausage and veggie mixture, stirring to combine evenly. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth to create the binding liquid. Pour this over the gnocchi mixture and stir to coat everything—this keeps the stuffing moist and holds it together perfectly when baked.

Step 5: Bake Your Stuffing to Perfection

Reduce your oven heat to 350°F. Grease a 13” x 9” baking pan with a little olive oil, then pour in the gnocchi mixture, stirring to spread it evenly. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top has a nice golden crust. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up just right. This resting time helps with slicing and presentation.

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Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe

  • Toast gnocchi well: Don’t skip baking the gnocchi ahead; it adds texture and prevents a soggy mess.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage and thyme really brighten the stuffing; dried won’t give the same punch.
  • Don’t overpack the pan: Spreading the mixture evenly helps it cook uniformly and develop a nice crust.
  • Season as you go: Tasting and adjusting salt and pepper through the cooking steps makes all the difference.

How to Serve Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe

This dish shows a white baking dish filled with golden-brown gnocchi, browned sausage pieces, and wilted dark green spinach leaves mixed in a creamy sauce. The top layer has the gnocchi and sausage crisped with a slight shine from the sauce, and a spoon is scooping a portion, revealing a creamy textured bottom layer with more spinach and sausage. The edges of the dish have a slightly browned crust from baking, and the whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing, hearty stuffing with gnocchi, savory sausage and spinach dish, comforting easy gnocchi casserole, flavorful Italian sausage stuffing

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and an extra layer of savory goodness that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, but if you’re going vegetarian, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to bake this in individual ramekins or muffin tins—makes for cute portions that look impressive and are easy to serve. Adding a drizzle of browned butter on top right before serving is one of my favorite decadent touches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them the next day for lunch or dinner—the flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

Freezing

This Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, and when you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes to warm through without drying out. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Fresh or frozen gnocchi from the store works well. Just be sure to toast it in the oven as the recipe directs to get that perfect golden crisp texture—this step really helps prevent the stuffing from becoming mushy.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the entire gnocchi, sausage, and spinach mixture, then store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, just bake it as instructed. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld overnight.

  3. Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

    Definitely. Simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Adding nuts like walnuts can also add a satisfying texture and flavor.

  4. How do I prevent the stuffing from being soggy?

    The key is to toast your gnocchi first and not to overcrowd your baking dish. Also, make sure to whisk the broth and eggs well and pour them evenly over the mixture, so it sets nicely when baked.

  5. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

    Yes! Just bake in bigger pans or split between two baking dishes. Keep an eye on baking times—they might need a bit longer to cook through depending on dish size.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes for feeding a crowd or spoiling myself on a chilly evening. I love how it combines simple ingredients into something that feels indulgent yet homey. If you give it a try, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you taste those crispy gnocchi alongside savory sausage and tender spinach, you’ll be hooked—enjoy the cozy goodness!

Print
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Gnocchi Sausage and Spinach Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Gnocchi Stuffing Recipe features tender gnocchi combined with savory sausage, aromatic herbs, spinach, and a flavorful broth-egg mixture, baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty and unique twist on traditional stuffing, perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

  • 2 lb. fresh or frozen gnocchi
  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan
  • Kosher salt

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 12 oz. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 cups packed baby spinach
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Binding Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Roast Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Toss the gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with kosher salt. Spread the gnocchi out in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast until golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Cook Sausage: While the gnocchi bakes, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, approximately 8 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a large bowl.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Herbs: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, fresh sage, and thyme; cook until fragrant, around 1 minute. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer this vegetable mixture to the bowl with the cooked sausage.
  4. Combine Gnocchi with Sausage and Vegetables: Add the roasted gnocchi to the bowl containing sausage and vegetables. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Prepare Binding Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and low-sodium chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the gnocchi, sausage, and vegetables, stirring carefully to coat everything thoroughly.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with olive oil. Pour the gnocchi mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly and stirring slightly to distribute the ingredients.
  7. Bake Stuffing: Bake the assembled stuffing in the preheated oven until the center is set and cooked through, about 40 to 50 minutes. Once done, let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.

Notes

  • Using fresh gnocchi will give a softer texture while frozen gnocchi still work well and might hold shape better after roasting.
  • Feel free to substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage for a kick of heat.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, but dried sage and thyme can be used in a pinch—use about one-third the quantity.
  • Be sure to roast the gnocchi first to add a crispy texture and prevent it from becoming mushy in the bake.
  • This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase the amount of spinach or add mushrooms.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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