Sheet Pan Gnocchi
This easy sheet pan recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with fresh asparagus, bell peppers, and red onion, all roasted to perfection with a vibrant pesto coating. Finished with juicy cherry tomatoes, savory Parmesan, sweet balsamic glaze, and fragrant basil, it's a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal ideal for a weeknight.
Equipment
- 1 Large sheet pan
- 1 Parchment Paper for lining the sheet pan
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl or pitcher for pesto mixture
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- One 16-ounce package gnocchi
- 1 pound asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion halved and quartered
- 1 orange bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 cup mixed yellow and red cherry tomatoes
- Freshly shaved Parmesan for serving
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the gnocchi, asparagus, red onion and bell peppers on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the olive oil and pesto in a small pitcher. Drizzle over the pan and toss to coat.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and toss. Sprinkle over the tomatoes. Return to the oven until the gnocchi have begun to brown and crisp, an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle on the Parmesan shavings. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and sprinkle over the basil leaves to serve.
Notes
For optimal crispiness, ensure the gnocchi and vegetables are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan; overcrowding will steam rather than roast them. Adding the cherry tomatoes in the second half of cooking prevents them from becoming mushy and allows them to burst slightly, releasing their juices without overcooking. A high oven temperature is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior on the gnocchi and tender-crisp vegetables. Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto and balsamic glaze to your taste, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.