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When it comes to quick, hearty meals that burst with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe is truly a star in the kitchen. This dish combines pillowy gnocchi with smoky kielbasa and a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, all baked together on a single pan to create an effortless, delicious dinner that’s packed with nutrition and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this recipe sing. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the tender gnocchi to the aromatic herbs.
- Frozen cauliflower gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi: Choose your favorite kind; the cauliflower variety adds a subtle veggie boost without sacrificing that classic gnocchi softness.
- Smoked kielbasa: This adds a smoky, savory punch and satisfying protein to the dish.
- Bell peppers: Colorful and crisp, they bring a slight sweetness and a fresh crunch after roasting.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness that mellows beautifully as it roasts.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of tangy sweetness that roast down to a luscious texture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the whole tray with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil: The essential ingredient for roasting, giving everything a perfect golden touch and helping the flavors meld.
- Fresh rosemary or dried rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant note that elevates the sausage and vegetables alike.
- Fresh basil leaves or dried basil: A sweet, slightly peppery herb—perfect for finishing the dish with brightness.
- Shredded Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty richness that pulls everything together.
- Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end to add freshness and a tender green bite.
- Fine salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element on the pan.
How to Make Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425℉. This high heat ensures the gnocchi gets crispy edges, while the vegetables roast to tender sweetness. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper—it helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Gnocchi and Vegetables
Place the gnocchi (no need to thaw if frozen), bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and minced garlic directly on the baking sheet. If you’re using dried rosemary and basil, sprinkle these in now so their flavors can infuse as everything roasts. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly—this step is crucial for roasting to perfection.
Step 3: Add the Kielbasa and Rosemary
Spread the vegetables out in an even layer for even cooking, then nestle the kielbasa pieces on top. If you prefer fresh rosemary to dried, simply lay the sprigs over the veggies now—this will give off a lovely fragrant aroma as it bakes.
Step 4: Roast Everything Together
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 25 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through, so everything cooks evenly and nothing sticks or burns. The gnocchi should develop golden, crispy edges, and the vegetables soften and caramelize slightly.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Finish Baking
Remove the sheet from the oven, scatter the fresh baby spinach over the top (don’t stir yet), and pop it back into the oven for another 2 minutes. This brief bake wilts the spinach just enough while keeping it vibrant and fresh.
Step 6: Season and Garnish for Serving
Finally, take the pan out and toss everything gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and flaky shredded Parmesan right before serving. This last touch adds a burst of flavor and irresistible richness.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves add that final flourish of flavor and color to your plate. For extra indulgence, consider adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something light, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread makes an excellent pairing. The salad brings brightness and crunch, complimenting the roasted veggies and smoky sausage beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe family-style, letting everyone dig in straight from the sheet pan—it’s casual, fun, and a real crowd-pleaser. Or plate individual portions topped with additional fresh herbs and Parmesan, giving each serving an elegant touch that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture of the gnocchi might soften slightly, but the dish will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the gnocchi’s delightful crispy edges intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of frozen or shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that fresh gnocchi may cook slightly faster, so watch the roasting time closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily swap the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to maintain that savory, satisfying feel.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use gluten-free gnocchi varieties, which are widely available and work perfectly in this dish without changing the flavor profile.
What can I substitute for Parmesan if dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free cheese alternative or sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor that’s also vegan-friendly.
How do I make the gnocchi crispier?
Make sure to roast at the high temperature specified and avoid overcrowding the pan. Tossing the gnocchi halfway through helps all sides get that golden, crispy exterior we love.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe has quickly become a beloved weeknight hero around my table, and I can’t wait for you to try it too. It’s all about big flavors, simple prep, and the joyful warmth of sharing something delicious with the people you care about most. Once you’ve roasted these vibrant ingredients to perfection, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this comforting, beautiful dish sooner.
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PrintSheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables Recipe
This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal featuring crispy cauliflower gnocchi, smoky kielbasa, vibrant bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender baby spinach. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it’s roasted to perfection with fresh herbs and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (12-ounce) bags frozen cauliflower gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free gnocchi, if needed)
- 1 (14-ounce) smoked kielbasa, cut into 6 pieces
- 2 medium bell peppers (2 ½ cups), cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced (1 ½ cups)
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (10–12 ounces)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, lightly packed
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, lightly crushed or chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fine salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Gnocchi: On the baking sheet, place the frozen gnocchi (do not thaw if using frozen), bell peppers, red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Add dried rosemary and basil if using. Drizzle everything evenly with olive oil, then toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Arrange Kielbasa and Herbs: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on the pan and arrange the kielbasa pieces on top. If you’re using fresh rosemary, lay the sprigs across the vegetables and kielbasa for extra aroma during roasting.
- Bake the Mixture: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, stir the mixture gently to promote even cooking and browning.
- Add Spinach and Finish Baking: Remove the pan from the oven and spread fresh baby spinach evenly over the top without stirring it in. Return the pan to the oven for another 2 minutes to wilt the spinach.
- Season and Serve: Take the pan out and gently stir the spinach into the roasted ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese just before serving for a fresh, cheesy finish.
Notes
- If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw before baking to prevent sogginess and to ensure a crispy texture.
- Add fresh herbs towards the end or as garnish to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- This dish can be customized with other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms depending on preference and seasonality.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables.
