If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful medley of pillowy gnocchi blended with creamy white beans, the smoky and savory notes of turkey sausage, and the fresh vibrancy of spinach—all baked together with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances hearty textures and nuanced flavors with simple ingredients you might already have at home, making it a weeknight winner that’s as satisfying as a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—this recipe leans on essential, straightforward ingredients that each play their part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the golden sautéed onion that forms the flavor base to the fresh spinach that brightens things up, every item is a winner here.
- Olive oil: The perfect fat for sautéing and adding subtle richness to the dish.
- Onion (medium, finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides a warm, aromatic punch.
- Smoked turkey sausage (coined): Brings smoky, savory flavor without heaviness.
- Chicken stock (1/4 cup): Helps meld and lift all the flavors with gentle moisture.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned): Imparts a slightly smoky tang and bright red color.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the sausage.
- Dried parsley flakes: Light, fresh herbiness for balance.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Seasonal spices that boost warmth and smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- White kidney beans (canned): Creamy and hearty, they blend seamlessly with the gnocchi.
- Gnocchi (shelf-stable package): Soft, pillow-like dumplings that soak up all the sauce and flavors.
- Baby spinach (fresh): Adds a touch of green freshness and nutrition.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets of indulgence.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty crunch when melted and baked.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, it’s helpful to get everything ready—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking. Dice your onion finely, mince the garlic, slice the smoked turkey sausage into coins about half an inch thick, and rinse and drain your white beans well. Coarsely chop fresh baby spinach and grate both your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Having these ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Onion, Garlic, and Sausage
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté, stirring often, until it’s translucent and starting to turn golden—about 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma already starts to pull you in. Toss in the garlic; stir for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it. Next, add the smoked turkey sausage coins and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they get a lovely light brown color, infusing the pan with smoky goodness.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the gratifying mix—into your skillet add the chicken stock, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, white beans, uncooked gnocchi (break any sticking together), and chopped spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper (around 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper works well, but adjust to your taste). Stir everything gently until just combined, letting each component mingle.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Slide your skillet into a preheated 425-degree oven, positioned in the upper third rack. Bake for 17 to 23 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. For an extra tantalizing crispy top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes—but watch carefully so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take your beautiful skillet out of the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors settle and the dish cool to a perfect eating temperature. Before digging in, sprinkle with fresh flat-leaf parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For those who love an extra cheesy kick, add more mozzarella or Parmesan right on top—you won’t regret it!
How to Serve White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like flat-leaf parsley brighten every bite and add visual appeal, so don’t skip them. A few extra shavings of Parmesan or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can perfectly finish this dish. For a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This recipe carries quite a bit of richness and protein on its own, so serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette complements it well. Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, use a colorful oven-safe casserole dish for a more casual but vibrant presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh herb and a sprinkle of cheese for a restaurant-worthy look. Even a scattering of toasted pine nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and nutty complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but because of the creaminess and fresh spinach, texture may change slightly. Pack portions tightly in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain the gnocchi’s texture, adding a splash of water or stock if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed throughout. A quick broil at the end can also revive the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute the smoked turkey sausage for another protein?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through and browned.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi is made from wheat flour, so this recipe as written isn’t gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi varieties at many grocery stores that would work just as well.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
You can, but canned fire-roasted tomatoes provide a smoky edginess that fresh tomatoes lack. If you choose fresh, consider roasting or grilling them beforehand to replicate those subtle smoky flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the smoked turkey sausage and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep that hint of smokiness. Incorporate extra beans or mushrooms for heartiness.
What is the best way to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together?
When adding uncooked gnocchi, break apart any clumps before mixing them in. Also, stirring gently but thoroughly helps coat each piece evenly with the sauce and prevents sticking during baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe a whirl. It’s an inviting, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quite simply but tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll return to again and again.
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White Bean Gnocchi with Smoked Turkey Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This White Bean Gnocchi recipe is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender gnocchi with a flavorful blend of smoked turkey sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, white beans, and fresh spinach. Baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a perfectly golden and cheesy crust, it makes for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (13-ounce) package smoked turkey sausage (sliced into 1/2 inch coins)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock (or broth or water)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (about 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, ajust to taste)
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can white kidney beans (or cannellini beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi (shelf-stable, uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach (coarsely chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425℉ and move a rack to the upper third. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the turkey sausage into 1/2-inch coins, drain and rinse the white beans, chop the spinach coarsely, and grate the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Preparation upfront makes the cooking process smooth and quick.
- Cook Onion, Garlic, and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably a deep 12-inch cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until transparent and golden, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Then add the turkey sausage coins and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in chicken stock, undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, white beans, uncooked gnocchi (break apart any clusters), and chopped baby spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until well combined. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 17-23 minutes until the gnocchi is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy, golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serve hot, with extra mozzarella and Parmesan on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop to oven easily.
- If you don’t have smoked turkey sausage, substitute with any smoked sausage or a similar cooked sausage for flavor.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth or water if preferred.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a deliciously crispy cheese topping.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to dry the beans well after rinsing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
