Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi is the ultimate answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas! This incredibly easy, protein-packed, and visually appealing meal comes together in minutes, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures, all cooked on a single pan.

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Effortless Weeknight Delight: Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

As someone who appreciates the joy of a home-cooked meal without the associated fuss, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that deliver on both taste and convenience. That’s precisely why this Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi has become a staple in my kitchen, much like my other popular sheet pan creations. There’s something truly satisfying about preparing a mouthwatering dinner that requires minimal effort, takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and leaves you with hardly any dishes to wash. It’s a complete meal, bursting with savory sausage, tender gnocchi, and an array of colorful vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. This recipe proves that delicious, wholesome eating can be incredibly simple and stress-free.

A vibrant sheet pan filled with golden-brown gnocchi, sliced smoked sausage, and colorful roasted vegetables like yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, ready to be served. — A delightful medley of sausage, gnocchi, and garden-fresh vegetables baked to perfection on a single sheet pan.

A stylized illustration of a group of people, suggesting shared meals and family dining.

“Delicious! Definitely will make this again – very good!”
– Dana

Quick and Easy: A 25-Minute Dinner Recipe

Life moves fast, and dinner shouldn’t be another source of stress. This Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi is designed for ultimate efficiency, promising a wholesome and incredibly tasty meal in just 25 minutes. Imagine tossing all your ingredients onto a single baking sheet, letting the oven do all the work, and then enjoying a minimal cleanup. This recipe embodies convenience, making it ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a smart solution for feeding families, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a quick solo dinner without compromising on flavor or nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

What should I serve with this delicious sheet pan meal?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside warm and crusty Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices. To add freshness and extra nutrients, whip up a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing. A classic Caesar Salad with crunchy croutons and a creamy dressing also makes a fantastic accompaniment, balancing the rich flavors of the sausage and roasted vegetables with its zesty profile. Don’t hesitate to add other simple sides like steamed green beans or a light quinoa salad for a truly complete meal.

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable gnocchi?

Absolutely, you can use frozen gnocchi! However, for optimal results and consistent cooking times with the other ingredients, I highly recommend thawing the frozen gnocchi first. This ensures that it roasts evenly and achieves that desirable soft, slightly crispy texture without becoming overly mushy or undercooked in the center. Refrigerated gnocchi can also be used, and it’s best to let it come to room temperature before tossing it with the other ingredients, again to promote uniform cooking.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first before roasting it on the sheet pan?

No, one of the best aspects of this sheet pan recipe is its sheer simplicity! You do not need to pre-boil shelf-stable gnocchi before roasting. It cooks beautifully directly on the sheet pan, absorbing the flavors of the olive oil and seasonings while developing a lovely soft interior and slightly golden exterior. This saves you an extra step and another pot to clean, perfectly aligning with the “easy cleanup” ethos of sheet pan dinners.

Can I customize the vegetables in this sheet pan recipe?

Certainly! This sheet pan meal is incredibly flexible when it comes to vegetable choices. While the recipe suggests yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for their quick cooking times and vibrant colors, you can easily incorporate other hearty, fast-cooking vegetables. Great additions include sliced onions (red or yellow), small florets of broccoli, asparagus spears, or even sliced mushrooms. Remember that some denser vegetables, like potatoes or sweet potatoes, require a longer cooking time. If you wish to include them, I recommend par-boiling or par-baking them beforehand to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the gnocchi and sausage. Experiment with your favorites to keep this meal exciting and seasonal!

How should I store leftovers and reheat them for best quality?

To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, store the cooled Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until warm, though oven reheating tends to preserve the texture better. For longer storage, this dish freezes wonderfully. Place the completely cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven, air fryer, or microwave for a convenient future meal.

A large sheet pan generously loaded with cooked, savory smoked sausage, soft golden gnocchi, and tender roasted vegetables, showcasing a perfectly balanced and colorful dinner. — A wholesome and satisfying sheet pan dinner, ready to be enjoyed.

Key Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan Masterpiece

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable sheet pan meal. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

Smoked Sausage: The star protein of our dish! You’ll need about 14 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds. This is where you can truly customize your meal. Opt for your favorite variety such as chicken apple sausage for a slightly sweet note, classic kielbasa for a hearty flavor, or spicy andouille sausage to add a kick. The key is to ensure your sausage is already cooked or smoked, as raw sausage will not cook through properly in the allotted time. This means it just needs to be heated and browned alongside the other ingredients, making it super fast!
Gnocchi: For this recipe, I typically use shelf-stable gnocchi, which you’ll find in shrink-wrapped packages in the pasta aisle. Its firm texture holds up beautifully to roasting, yielding a delightfully soft and fluffy interior with a slightly crisp exterior. Refrigerated gnocchi also works well; just ensure it’s at room temperature before cooking for even results. As discussed in our FAQs, there’s no need to pre-boil!
Fresh Vegetables: A colorful assortment of yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces), medium zucchini (sliced into rounds or half-moons), and a pint of vibrant cherry tomatoes form the core of our vegetable medley. These vegetables are chosen for their complementary flavors and similar roasting times. Feel free to explore other quick-cooking options like red onion, broccoli florets, or asparagus. For denser vegetables like potatoes, par-cooking them first is recommended to match the quick cooking time of the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It coats the ingredients, helps them caramelize beautifully, and infuses everything with a rich, Mediterranean flavor. About 3 tablespoons should be perfect to ensure everything is evenly coated without being greasy.
Aromatic Seasonings: The blend of spices truly elevates this dish. You’ll need salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and onion powder. If you don’t have dried basil or oregano on hand, an equal amount of Italian seasoning makes an excellent substitute. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices; lemon pepper, Mrs. Dash, or a zesty Creole/Cajun seasoning blend would also be fantastic choices to explore different flavor profiles.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant warmth and zing to the dish. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spice, or omit entirely if preferred.
Cracked Black Pepper: A simple yet essential seasoning that adds a sharp, fresh counterpoint to the savory elements.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (for Garnish): A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after roasting adds a salty, umami finish. Whether you use freshly grated cheese or the convenient kind from the green bottle, it’s entirely up to you and your preference for texture and intensity.
Italian Parsley (for Garnish, Optional): Freshly chopped Italian parsley (either flat-leaf or curly) provides a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color, making the dish even more appealing. A light dusting of dried parsley can also be used if fresh is unavailable.

An overhead shot showcasing all the fresh ingredients laid out on a wooden surface: gnocchi, smoked sausage, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, yellow bell pepper, and a selection of herbs and spices including salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian parsley. — All the fresh and flavorful ingredients ready for assembly.

How to Make Your Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

Preparing this vibrant meal is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious dinner:

Preheat and Combine: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced smoked sausage, gnocchi, cut yellow bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.

Olive oil is being drizzled over a large bowl of colorful vegetables and sausage, prepping for seasoning. — Drizzle olive oil generously to coat all the ingredients for optimal roasting.

Mix the Seasonings: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a little heat), and cracked black pepper.
Season and Toss: Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of sausage, gnocchi, and vegetable is beautifully and evenly coated with the aromatic spices. This step is crucial for maximum flavor.
Spread on Sheet Pan: Transfer the entire mixture onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Make sure to spread the ingredients out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this allows for proper air circulation, ensuring everything roasts and caramelizes rather than steams.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized, and the gnocchi is soft and fluffy, with a slight golden hue on the edges.

Before and after comparison of a sheet pan meal: on the left, raw sausage, gnocchi, and vegetables arranged; on the right, the finished dish with perfectly roasted, golden-brown ingredients. — Baked to perfection: tender vegetables, savory sausage, and fluffy gnocchi with a beautiful caramelization.

Cool and Garnish: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dish cool for just a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gnocchi to set slightly.
Serve with Flair: Generously garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped Italian parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi!

A serving spatula is scooping a portion of the Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi directly from the baking sheet, highlighting the steam and freshness of the meal. — Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, hassle-free meal.

Craving More Easy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this sheet pan meal, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic recipes that prioritize ease without sacrificing taste:

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
Kielbasa Sheet Pan Meal
BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Sheet Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
Sheet Pan Beef Quesadillas
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas
Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken for Two
Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas
Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Meal
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal
Sheet Pan Eggs
Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet Pan Lasagna
Sheet Pan Pulled Pork Fries

A close-up view of a sheet pan filled with golden-brown gnocchi, sliced smoked sausage, and colorful roasted vegetables, perfectly cooked and lightly caramelized.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi is a protein-packed, quick, easy, colorful, and fun sheet pan dinner meal that can be prepped and cooked in minutes! Perfect weeknight meal!

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Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Servings:
4

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

14 ounce package smoked sausage, cut into ½ inch slices
1 pound gnocchi (I use the shelf stable kind in the shrink wrap packaging)
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Italian parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Combine 14 ounce package smoked sausage, cut into ½ inch slices, 1 pound gnocchi, 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 medium zucchini, sliced and 1 pint cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
Drizzle 3 Tablespoons olive oil over the sausage and veggies.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the sausage and vegetable mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Arrange the mixture on a large, rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized and the gnocchi is warmed through.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with grated Parmesan and Italian parsley, finely chopped and serve.

Notes

Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.

Course:
Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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