Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, colorful, and (best of all) stress-free, Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage is about to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine pillowy gnocchi and juicy chicken sausage caramelized to perfection alongside roasted peppers, onions, and tomatoes, all tossed in herby pesto and finished with creamy ricotta. This dish brings bold Italian flavors to your table with barely any cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties alike! Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage is simplicity and comfort, all in one vibrant pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is there for a reason—thoughtfully chosen to create perfect flavor, texture, and color in every bite. The beauty here is in the balance: each component brings its own flair without adding fuss.

• Potato Gnocchi (16-ounce package, uncooked): The heart of the dish, gnocchi turns chewy and golden on the pan—no boiling needed!
• Cooked Italian Chicken Sausage (4 links, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds): Adds savory, herby depth and plenty of protein for a satisfying meal.
• Yellow Bell Pepper (sliced): Sweet and sunny, it brightens the dish and caramelizes beautifully as it roasts.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): These burst as they roast, creating juicy pops of flavor and color.
• Red Onion (1/2, sliced): Roasts up sweet and slightly smoky, balancing the dish’s overall taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Gives everything a rich sheen and helps all those flavors meld in the oven.
• Italian Seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons): Classic herbs unite the veggies and sausage with cozy, familiar notes.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to let all those fresh ingredients shine.
• Prepared Pesto (1/4 cup): This is the finishing touch—herby, nutty, and aromatic.
• Lemon (1/2, juiced): Just a squeeze brightens and lifts every bite.
• Ricotta Cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a creamy, dreamy element if you want to go all out!

How to Make Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 425° F. To make cleanup a breeze (and prevent any crispy bits from sticking), line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Then, slice your sausage, pepper, and onion, and get your tomatoes ready—prepping everything all at once makes this recipe even quicker.

Step 2: Arrange Everything on the Sheet Pan

This step is where the “sheet pan” magic really begins! Pile your onions, peppers, and tomatoes on one half of the pan, and spread the uncooked gnocchi and chicken sausage on the other. This separation helps every ingredient get that irresistible roasted texture before you mix at the end.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy! Use your hands—yes, this is the fun part—to toss everything so it all gets nicely coated and ready to caramelize as it bakes.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide your loaded sheet pan into the hot oven and let it roast for 30 minutes, tossing everything once halfway through. This ensures those gnocchi become golden in spots and the vegetables soften and sweeten without burning.

Step 5: Toss with Pesto and Lemon

As soon as the gnocchi and sausage come out of the oven, drizzle over the pesto and squeeze the lemon juice on top. Use a spatula or big spoon to gently toss everything together so each bite is coated in herby, zesty goodness.

Step 6: Serve with Ricotta and Extra Pesto (Optional)

Spoon the hot, aromatic mixture into bowls and finish with dollops of ricotta and an extra drizzle of pesto. This final flourish is what elevates Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage from delicious to absolutely crave-worthy!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a bit of grated Parmesan, or some lemon zest can take Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage to a whole new level. If you adore a touch of heat, red pepper flakes are another great way to finish things off.

Side Dishes

This dish shines solo, but if you’re entertaining or feeling extra hungry, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette, or serve alongside some warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover pesto and ricotta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a colorful dinner party touch, try serving the Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage family-style, right off the sheet pan. Or, scoop it into a shallow platter and garnish with extra fresh herbs for a rustic-chic feel everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let everything cool down first, then pack it up in freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within a month for top flavor and texture. Leave out any fresh garnishes like ricotta until after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings into the microwave or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to bring everything back to life. Add a little fresh ricotta and pesto after reheating for that creamy, just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked sausage instead of cooked?

Absolutely! If you have uncooked sausage, slice it and add it to the pan just as you would with pre-cooked. Just make sure it’s cooked through by the end—the sheet pan method is versatile and works well with both types.

What if I don’t have potato gnocchi?

You can substitute with cauliflower gnocchi or even mini potatoes in a pinch, though potato gnocchi gives that distinct pillowy texture that makes this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage so irresistible.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Simply use two sheet pans and rotate them halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking. It’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Is this recipe gluten free?

If you use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check your sausage and pesto, it’s easy to keep this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage gluten free for everyone to enjoy.

What kind of pesto works best?

Store-bought basil pesto keeps things quick and easy, but making your own or using a sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto would also add delicious flavor twists to the finished pan.

Final Thoughts

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage is one of those rare recipes that hits all the marks—fast, flavorful, filling, and fun. You’ll love how every ingredient melds together with virtually no fuss. Give it a try and see just how simple a spectacular Italian-inspired dinner can be, right from your own oven!

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