You'll love this Pork tenderloin, stuffed with a combination of sausage, spinach, bread and mozzarella cheese served with a mushroom marsala sauce! It's a perfect date night dinner!
Delicious easy to make Stuffed Pork Tenderloin-
Throughout my career as a restaurant chef, I always enjoyed creating flavorful dishes stuffed with a variety of ingredients, taking a lackluster dish and turning it into culinary adventure!
I think the greatest joy a chef can have is walking through the dining room and hearing an occasional moan while someone is enjoying one of your creations. This dish caused that very reaction when I served it for dinner, even it was just from me…..sigh.
The stuffing was a delicious blend of flavors with the sweet sausage, bread stuffing, cheese, and spinach. It was truly delicious, especially served with my classic marsala sauce.
If you enjoyed this recipe you might also like my
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Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
- 2 in Pork Tenderloin usually two a pack
- 1 lb sweet sausage
- 8 oz bag baby spinach
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 eggs lightly beaten
- 4 oz chicken stock more if needed
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Marsala Sauce
- 1 cup Marsala
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 12 oz mushrooms - sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 oz heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Pork Tenderloin
- begin by cleaning up the tenderloin, removing silver skin and fat.
- Split tenderloin down the middle
- Cover the split tenderloin with plastic wrap and using the flat side of a meat hammer, pound out the pork to increase the size of the tenderloin.
Stuffing
- remove the casing from the sausage and cook in a frying pan breaking up the pieces so they look like ground meat. (allow to cool slightly)
- in another frying pan with a little water in the pan cook the spinach leaves until completely wilted, then squeeze out any additional water
- Using stale bread, cut it into cubes or small pieces
- In a large bowl, mix together the bread, sausage, spinach, mozzarella, egg and chicken stock, blend all the ingredients together*
Stuffed Tenderloin
- divide stuffing between two pork tenderloins, and roll tenderloins, along the long side making a log, tucking the edges in to seal it.
- dredge the stuffed tenderloin in seasoned bread crumbs.
- Place cookie sheet into preheat oven with olive oil in pan and allow it to get heat for about 10 minutes.
- remove pan from oven and very carefully roll the tenderloin in the hot oil to sear it slightly, Be very careful hot oil can burn!
- Place pan with tenderloins back into the oven and bake for 25 minutes
Marsala Sauce
- saute mushrooms in a little olive oil for about five minutes or until they are tender.
- add marsala (reserve two tablespoons) and chicken stock, reduce heat and allow to simmer
- roll pieces of the butter in flour to make a Beurre manie, then add to the simmering stock to help thicken the sauce.
- add cream and continue to simmer
- before serving add the remainder of the marsala to boost the flavor.
Finish
- slice stuffed pork tenderloin about 1/2 thick and serve with mushroom marsala sauce
Kelly Baumgartel says
I have never like comments on recipes only to state what changes people make. However when I started this recipe I was positive I had Marsala, much to my chagrin I did not! I substituted fresh pressed apple cider. It worked out great my family loved the entire recipe.
NOTE: One other self teachable moment was
DO NOT use a cast iron skillet to make the Marsala sauce, the color was hideous (like bad day grey)
Thanks for your wonderful recipe, it’s a definite TO DO OVER!
Chef Dennis Littley says
happy to hear that your dinner worked out with the changes you made. Recipes are about being flexible and using what you like and what you have on hand to adapt them.
Lynne says
Great recipe! I didn’t change a thing and it turned out great! My husband says the recipe is a definite keeper.
Chef Dennis Littley says
I happy to hear you enjoyed the stuffed pork tenderloin! I hope you find more recipes on my site to try.
Denise says
Do you use sweet or dry Marsala
Chef Dennis Littley says
I always use sweet marsala, it has a better flavor and really isn’t sweet
Dee says
Has anyone tried this with Gluten-free bread? Just wondering how it turned out.
Chef Dennis Littley says
As long as the bread does not break down it should be okay
john davies says
Hello Chef! This was definitely worth the time to make after coming home from work. My wife and I worked together and the meal wasn’t just delicious, it was fun to make. Besides the good food, its a learning experience. I didn’t know what the Beurre maine was, its a great and easy way to thicken the sauce. I have never had Marsala before; my wife purchased the sweet Pelligrino as you suggested and was that good. One has be careful not to sample more than you need for cooking. Back to the meal; the stuffed tenderloin came out as good as your photo’s portrayed, very tender and flavorful. We served it with red mashed potatoes and corn accompanied by the delicious Marsala sauce. The baby spinach in the stuffing was exceptionally good adding great taste and color to the meal. Thanks again for another great recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thank you so much for sharing your success with me John, and I’m so happy to hear that you and your wife had a good time making the pork together! I will be starting a new cooking show on Google+ at the beginning of March and you’ll be able to cook along with me. The videos will be archived on Youtube, so you can watch them when you have time.
Thanks again for letting me know and so glad you enjoyed a wonderful dinner!
Cheers
Dennis
Christi Brice says
This recipe is amazing, I found it earlier and made it for dinner tonight! I used a boneless porkloin instead, and it was so moist and flavorful! My family adored it! Thanks!
Chef Dennis Littley says
thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my recipe Christi!
Renea says
I cooked this tonight and instead of marsala gravy i made sweet onion gravy with garlic and mushrooms, and it was amazing! Thanks for this recipe!!!
Chef D says
Thank you so much for letting me know, You’re version sounds really tasty! My wife won’t eat onions sadly, but I know how good it must have made that dish!
Jessica says
I actually looked up this recipe online and came across your site and boy am I happy I did. I’ve been trying different dishes lately and this is by far the best ingredients to use. Thanks for sharing, will be trying this dish for the first time tomorrow.
Chef D says
Thanks Jessica, I know you won’t be disappointed, the stuffed pork tenderloin is delicious!
Tom says
delicious, will definitely repeat again. Came together perfectly, cooked to 145, rest 20 minutes perfect
Tom says
delicious, will definitely repeat again. Came together perfectly
Jackie says
Thank you for answering my question Dennis.
I actually ended up making the dish shortly after I posted my note. I didn’t have marsala in the house, so used white wine & a little port, which worked out very well.
It was delicious – I’ll definitely make it again!
Jackie says
Hi Dennis,
I just came across your delicious looking recipe, & want to make it ASAP. Just one question … Have you prepared it a few hours in advance of baking? I’d like to get it all ready to pop in the oven after guests arrive,, but wonder if it would work.
Thank you in advance, going to have a look at the rest of your site.
Jackie
Chef D says
Hi Jackie,
yes indeed you can make the stuffed pork up ahead of time, in fact the extra time in the refer, will allow it to set up really well, making it easier to handle when cooking. I would make it completely with breading, and then right before you cook it, roll it in bread crumbs again in case any parts got damp.
You can even precook it if you like, which is what I would do in a restaurant, saute for color, then refrigerate. and when the time comes close, just pop it in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes to finish cooking. as soon as the center hits 165 it will be ready to serve.
thanks for stopping by,and if you have any other questions don’t hesitate to contact me!
Cheers
Dennis
Sheryl says
Chef, I stumbled across your blog Feb 5th for the first time; the very day you posted this tenderloin Nirvana. I knew I had to try it for my husband for Valentine’s Day.
We just finished dinner and I truly think you understated this amazing dish. Both my husband and I have agreed it goes immediately into the “keeper” file. Thank you so much for sharing this; I’ll be visiting regularly for inspiration.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Chef D says
Hi Sheryl
I’m so glad to hear that the recipe worked well for you and that you and your husband enjoyed your dinner! I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers
Dennis
Apron Appeal says
I love your recipes especially those of the stuffed variety!
thoma says
wow i cant believe am writing to someone who can make dishes as decadent as that. how i would love to bite into tht lusciousness and moan for the rest of my life…:p
it’s truly a cut above.
wasn’t working in a restaurant stressful. i’ve read Anthony Bourdain’s Underbelly book and boy the grind doesn have competition.
claire says
Chef Dennis – i am at work and shouldn’t be perusing recipes but organising publicity for a security report on libya – instead I am drooling over this – yum – port tenderloins here i come!
C
Alli says
You have given me inspiration to make pork tenderloin…and a stuffed version, at that! I would actually like to dive through the computer and take a forkful of this picture…looks so delicious!
Missy says
Oh Chef! This is phenomenal!
Jeanne says
Bored old lady clicking from link to link ….found you through the “Use Real Butter” blog.
My mouth is watering over just the photos of this dish. Is this what they call Food-Porn?
Trying it out this weekend when the family flocks back home with their off-spring in tow!
Chef D says
I’m so glad you found me! I look forward to seeing you around!
Megan @ Pip and Ebby says
Great tip about the marsala, thanks!! Lovely recipe, as well. I love these vintage swaps. What a fun idea.
Rachel says
What a beautiful dish! It looks just as sigh-provoking as you say it is. Even if lucky restaurant patrons didn’t get to try this, you did treat yourself to a well deserved feast!
My meat-eating husband would love this! He loves chicken marsala so the marsala sauce would be a huge hit! Maybe I’ll make him a special Valentines Day treat.
Laura Rees says
This has “dish for Laura’s next dinner party” written all over it. Thanks!
Sofie Dittmann @thegermanfoodie says
i LOVE pork tenderloin! have never had it stuffed before, tho. this looks so good on screen – i bet it tasted even better “in person”. 🙂
Kris says
This looks amazing! And I agree completely on the sweet marsala!
Baker Street says
Congrats on top 9! stuffed meat always makes for a delicious meal.
Eftychia says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us. The dish looks delicious!
Jamie says
This looks like such a warm, comforting dish that I should most definitely try out this winter – thanks for the inspiration!
Nicki says
This looks wonderful! I love Marsala!
Kim Bee says
Congrats on top 9. And I forgot to say woot woot on 300!
Jacqueline - The Dusty Baker says
This is almost torturous as I’m REALLY hungry and REALLY REALLY want to be eating this right now!!! And I haven’t made pork tenderloin in forever – on the brain now. Thanks Chef!
Baking Serendipity says
I love old cookbooks and stuffed meats 🙂 This one would definitely be a winner in my house…and maybe the recipe I’ve been looking for to make on Valentine’s Day!
Marsha @ The Harried Cook says
Yummy! This looks SO great… I should bookmark this and make it for a special dinner soon! Thanks for sharing, Chef Dennis! 🙂
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
This is a dinner me and my husband would just love. Saving!
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says
I’m with Maureen–I’m drooling over here. Dennis, this looks so good! Love the recipe swap posts–you went above and beyond the requirements but hey, I’m not complaining one bit! Yum!
Susan says
What a perfectly fantastic recipe for number 300!
Cucina49 says
Oh, that is lovely–I particularly like the looks of that stuffing!
The Messy Baker says
Oh, my, this looks divine, yet simple to make.
RavieNomNoms says
Wow Chef this looks amazing!! I love stuffed meats, I think they are so delicious and so versatile!
Lana says
Dennis, I can almost taste your beautiful dish! Pork tenderloin is wonderful when stuffed and serving it with Marsala-mushroom sauce is divine. Great take on the original recipe (and my Southern husband would agree about stuffing=dressing:)
So many creative and versatile approaches to this month’s swap, but I am not surprised at all:)
Kiri W. says
This looks absolutely beautiful and tender. I love the creaminess evident just from the pictures.
EA-The Spicy RD says
This looks amazing-pure comfort food! Good to know about using sweet vs dry marsala. Looking forward to making this!
Julia says
Thanks for the clarification on the marsala! You made a stunning dish with it, that’s for sure!
Lindsay @ Rosemarried says
Dennis, this looks fabulous! I love that you stuffed a pork loin and the recipe looks hearty, warm, and comforting. The perfect winter meal. Great contribution to the swap, as always!
Maureen says
Lemme wipe the drool off the keyboard. I pinned that photo before I left a comment. Who could stand not to? Looks fantastic.
Mary says
I love this recipe, Chef Dennis! I had no idea that Marsalas were that different. Thanks for the tip!
Cher says
That is a great tip about using an alternate marsala at the end for finishing – I would have never thought of that approach to make the best use out of spirits when cooking.
Beautiful tenderloin…
Cornish Hen Recipes says
This is a great roast. I love the creamy marsala sauce
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
First of all congratualtions on your 300th post! Bravo! I googled your website on my (beloved) iPhone and somehow it went to photo instead of links first. I was floored at the pages and pages of your photos really illustrating all the work you’ve brought to your blog and so many readers. A lotta love you’ve put into this and touched many.
You are a clever Mr.! What a delicious sounding recipe. I have never stuffed a pork tenderloin but the outcome looks gorgeous. It’s funny, this recipe really did not strike me much when looking at it (the original swap reicpe to be clear) but I think it may have produced the most creative swap round yet. Love this.
Kim Bee says
Dude, seriously…you’re killing me here. This is one pretty and perfect piece of pork. I like the tip about the marsala, as a alcohol doofus I would have never known that.
Camilla Fay (Caffay Way) says
Stuffed pork tenderloin is such a treat, your rendition of the original recipe is so well thought out and sounds delicious. And topped with Marsala sauce… perfect finish!
Alyssa says
I love the original recipe, but I really love what you did with it. I didn’t used to care for pork tenderloin much when we lived in the U.S. but now that we live in the Middle East, I would LOVE to have one to prepare. When ever we go back state side, I’ve got a list of pork recipes and now I’ve got another to add to the list!
PolaM says
What a great roast. I love the creamy marsala sauce you get for scaloppine, I bet this one would be even better!
Shari says
Yay – smart minds think alike – I picked pork too! Such a lovely little post
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
It’s fun to see how everyone interprets one dish and often it is a regional take on something. I tell ya…I would take this stuffing in a heartbeat. Oh my good.
The Cozy Herbivore says
I’m totally with you on sweet Marsala. So much better for sauces! This dish looks absolutely unctuous, in the most sexy and glistening way!
Burwell General Store says
What’s great about reading around the recipe swap circle is that everyone seized on a different part of the recipe. I love that about the swap. You, stuffed. Others, the grain. A few others, the bacon. A wonderful, accessible recipe again, Dennis! So glad you’re a part of the swap.