Sheet Pan Gnocchi & Sausage Delight

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap the chicken sausage for turkey sausage or any other ground meat. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. If you don’t have fresh vegetables, frozen ones work too. You can even use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not handy. Feel free to mix different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. Using high-quality sausage makes a big difference. Look for ones with no fillers or artificial flavors. Fresh vegetables should be firm and brightly colored. Choose gnocchi that is soft and pillowy. Extra virgin olive oil gives the best taste. Always check the expiration dates on all ingredients for freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup later. 2. In a big bowl, add the potato gnocchi, Italian chicken sausage, sliced bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. 3. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 4. Mix everything together well. Ensure all pieces are coated in oil and spices. 1. Spread the mixture evenly on the sheet pan. Make sure to leave space between the pieces. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through. This ensures that the sausage cooks well and the gnocchi become golden and crispy. 3. When done, take the pan out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. 4. Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Use fresh gnocchi if possible. It cooks better than frozen. - Ensure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. - Stirring halfway through cooking is key. This helps everything get crispy and golden. - If you like a crunchier texture, roast for a few extra minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. When you pick sausage, look for Italian chicken sausage. It has great flavor and less fat. Check the label for quality ingredients. Fresh sausage will have a nice smell. If possible, buy from a local butcher or trusted brand. You want sausage that tastes rich but is not too greasy. This will make your dish shine. Ovens can cook food differently. If you have a convection oven, reduce the heat by 25°F. This helps food cook faster and more evenly. If your oven runs hot, check the dish a bit early. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausage reaches 165°F. Adjusting times helps you avoid overcooking or burning. To make this meal kid-friendly, swap the sausage for a milder one. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage works well. You can also add more veggies like carrots or broccoli. Kids love bright colors! Use less spice if they prefer bland food. This way, everyone will enjoy the meal together. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to leave space between the gnocchi and vegetables for optimal roasting, allowing them to crisp up nicely. Experiment with Sausage: Try different types of sausage, like spicy Italian or turkey sausage, to add a unique twist to the dish. Garnish with Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate the dish just before serving. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the sausage. Replace it with plant-based sausage or chickpeas. Both options add protein and flavor. You can also use lentils for a hearty touch. Just cook them ahead of time to keep everything balanced. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots work great. You can even use spinach or kale for a boost of greens. Just cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly. Roasting adds a nice flavor and texture. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. For a milder dish, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also try smoked paprika for a warm flavor without the heat. You can store leftover sheet pan gnocchi and sausage in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay good for up to three days. When storing, let it cool completely first. This prevents steam from building up and keeps the gnocchi from getting soggy. If you want to save more, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to label the bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been frozen. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you have a few choices. The oven method is best for crispy gnocchi. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the gnocchi on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. You can also use a microwave if you're in a rush. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Just be careful, as it may not be as crispy. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Simply add them directly to the pan. There is no need to thaw. The cooking time may increase by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them as they roast. If you need a substitute, you can use ground turkey or chicken. You can also try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Season it with Italian herbs for the same great flavor. Gnocchi is done when it turns golden brown and crispy. You will also see the sausage cooked through. Use a fork to check if the sausage is no longer pink inside. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Chop the veggies and mix them with gnocchi and sausage. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add the olive oil and spices before roasting. In this blog post, we covered key ingredients for making a great dish. You learned about optional substitutes and tips for quality choice. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect texture, along with tips for best sausage selection. We explored variations, including vegetarian options and spice adjustments. Finally, you gained important storage info and answered common questions. Remember, cooking is fun! Use these tips to create tasty meals that everyone will love.$

Sheet Pan Gnocchi & Sausage Delight

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring gnocchi, Italian sausage, and colorful vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
1 pound Italian chicken sausage
1 whole bell pepper
1 whole zucchini
1 whole red onion
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato gnocchi, Italian chicken sausage, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan, making sure there’s space between the pieces for even cooking.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until the sausage is cooked through and gnocchi are golden and crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference.

Keyword easy dinner, gnocchi, sausage, sheet pan