Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi and Vegetables

This Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi and Vegetables recipe is a quick and delicious one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Roasted potato gnocchi with vibrant cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion, tossed in flavorful pesto, makes for a satisfying meal.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces (450 g) potato gnocchi, uncooked
  • 1 pint (300 g) cherry tomatoes
  • 2 red or orange bell peppers, sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) pesto, plus more if needed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • For serving (optional): Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
    • Place the potato gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion on an 18×13-inch baking pan.
  3. Spread the Pesto:
    • Drizzle ⅓ cup of pesto over the vegetables and gnocchi. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add more pesto if needed.
    • Sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Roast:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the gnocchi are lightly golden and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a standalone dish with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a green salad for added freshness.
  • Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.

Cooking Tips

  • Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor or make your own at home.
  • Spread everything evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
  • Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Gnocchi: A comforting source of carbohydrates.
  • Tomatoes and bell peppers: Packed with vitamins A and C and antioxidants.
  • Pesto: Provides healthy fats from olive oil and nuts.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free gnocchi.
  • For vegan adaptation, use a dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 6 g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
  • Quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes.
  • Packed with vibrant vegetables and bold pesto flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

Conclusion This Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi and Vegetables is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight. With its roasted veggies, golden gnocchi, and herby pesto, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome and delicious dinner with minimal effort!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
    Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe.
  2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, but they may release more moisture, so increase roasting time slightly.
  3. Can I use another sauce instead of pesto?
    Absolutely! Marinara, Alfredo, or even olive oil with herbs would work well.
  4. Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
    No, the gnocchi roasts beautifully in the oven without boiling.
  5. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble everything on the baking sheet and roast just before serving.
  6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of gnocchi?
    Yes, roasted sweet potato cubes are a great alternative for a twist on this recipe.
  7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture.
  8. Can I make this dish spicy?
    Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
  9. What type of pesto works best?
    Classic basil pesto is ideal, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.
  10. Can I use vegan gnocchi?
    Yes, vegan-friendly gnocchi and pesto can easily make this recipe plant-based.