Sheet Pan Gnocchi – The Ultimate Easy 30-Minute Dinner

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and practically effortless meal, this Sheet Pan Gnocchi recipe is your new best friend! With pillowy gnocchi, burst cherry tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and vibrant pesto, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t feel like standing over the stove. Everything roasts on a single sheet pan, creating a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside gnocchi experience that pairs beautifully with the juicy tomatoes and fresh spinach.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

• Takes just 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake
• One sheet pan = minimal dishes and easy cleanup

Deliciously Crispy & Flavorful

• The gnocchi roasts instead of boils, developing an amazing crispy texture
• Pesto + melty mozzarella = dreamy Italian-inspired goodness

Customizable & Diet-Friendly

• Naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan (swap mozzarella for dairy-free cheese)
• Great for using up whatever veggies you have on hand

Ingredients & Substitutions

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound (500g) gnocchi – Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even frozen gnocchi all work
• ½ pound (250g) cherry tomatoes – Bursting with flavor when roasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps everything get golden and crispy
• 1 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances all the flavors
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds warmth and depth
• 3 tablespoons pesto verde – Fresh basil pesto brings in a bold, herby taste
• 2 cups (60g) baby spinach – Adds a fresh, nutritious touch
• 7 ounces (200g) mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the dish

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gnocchi – Swap with small pasta like tortellini or use gluten-free gnocchi
• Cherry Tomatoes – Substitute with diced roma tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor
• Mozzarella – Use feta or parmesan for a different cheese profile, or dairy-free cheese for a vegan option
• Pesto – Try sun-dried tomato pesto or a homemade version with spinach and walnuts
• Spinach – Replace with kale or arugula for a different leafy green twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Arrange the Ingredients

Place the gnocchi and cherry tomatoes on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss everything together to coat evenly. Spread them out into a single layer to ensure even roasting.

3. Roast to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi is golden and crispy, and the tomatoes have softened and burst.

4. Add the Final Touches

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately stir in the pesto, baby spinach, and mozzarella cheese. The heat from the gnocchi will help the spinach wilt and the cheese melt slightly.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy this simple, comforting dish!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Perfectly Roasted Gnocchi

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give the ingredients space so they crisp up instead of steam
• Preheat your oven – This helps the gnocchi roast faster and achieve the perfect texture
• Toss well with oil and seasoning – Ensures every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a small baking sheet – A larger sheet helps prevent soggy gnocchi
• Skipping the parchment paper – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
• Not stirring in the pesto at the right time – Adding it too early can cause it to burn

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-made pesto to cut down on prep time
• Buy pre-washed baby spinach for a no-fuss approach
• Make a double batch and store leftovers for easy lunches

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Appetizers: Serve with Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms for a fun and delicious starter
• Side Dish: Pair with Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers for a fresh, tangy contrast
• Bread Option: Enjoy with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up any extra pesto goodness

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves or an extra drizzle of olive oil
• Serve in a shallow bowl with extra shredded mozzarella on top for a gooey, cheesy finish

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully
• Cocktails: A classic Aperol Spritz for a refreshing contrast
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or an iced herbal tea

Storage & Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Avoid leaving the gnocchi out for too long to maintain freshness

Best Ways to Reheat

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, but note that this may soften the texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?

Yes! No need to thaw—just toss the frozen gnocchi directly onto the sheet pan and bake as directed.

How Do I Make This Vegan?

Use dairy-free pesto and swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I Add Protein?

Absolutely! Add chicken sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi
• Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative

Flavor Twists

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch
• Mix in caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers for more depth of flavor

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In summer, add grilled zucchini or fresh basil
• For a cozy winter version, mix in roasted butternut squash

Join the Cooking Fun

This Sheet Pan Gnocchi is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and herby goodness in every bite. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs for a flaky, savory treat.

For more recipe inspiration, follow along on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

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