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Baked Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Spinach

Baked Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Spinach
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Easy Baked Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish combining pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a cheesy tomato sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or any time you crave a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried or fresh)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove sausage from pan and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the onion and garlic mixture, cooking until just wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently to maintain vibrant color and even cooking.
  3. Combine Gnocchi with Sauce and Sausage: In a large bowl, gently toss cooked or thawed gnocchi with browned sausage, sautéed onion, garlic, spinach, and crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  4. Assemble in a Baking Dish: Transfer the gnocchi mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Choose fresh or high-quality store-bought gnocchi to prevent mushiness.
  • Drain canned tomatoes well and squeeze excess moisture from spinach to avoid sogginess.
  • Properly brown the sausage to lock in flavor and reduce greasiness.
  • Watch the baking time carefully to avoid drying out gnocchi or burning cheese.
  • Add fresh parsley or basil right before serving for added freshness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, baked gnocchi stuffing, sausage and spinach, Italian sausage, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy gnocchi bake

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/baked-gnocchi-stuffing-with-sausage-and-spinach/