Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi: Meatless Monday Has Never Been Easier
We’re going to let you in on a little secret—contrary to what the packaging tells you, the best way to cook store-bought gnocchi is in the oven! Baking those plump little potato pillows transforms them into crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bites of pure deliciousness. Plus! Toss some broccoli on that sheet pan, too, and you’ve got the makings of a simple roasted broccoli pesto, AKA an ideal sauce for all that perfectly baked gnocchi. Every sheet pan dinner is a little bit magical—one pan dinners always feel a little bit like magic, right? Especially when it’s time to clean up—but this one has a little extra sparkle. Something about cooking both the pasta and the sauce (or at least the makings of the sauce) on the same sheet pan feels like a truly genius move.
Everything You’ll Need to Make Our Super Easy Gnocchi Recipe
The fact that the ingredients list for our sheet pan gnocchi tops out at seven items is yet another reason to love it dearly. Even a jam-packed, schedule-managing weeknight brain can probably remember the two or three things you’d need from the store to make this recipe (fresh basil! Wedge of Parm!). And since the gnocchi can be either the frozen or shelf-stable kind, it’s super easy to have the main ingredient handy just about any time. Here’s everything you’ll need to make the greatest vegetarian sheet pan recipe ever:
Gnocchi
Onion (a red onion or shallot is best)
Broccoli
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil
Fresh garlic
Parmesan
P.S. What Is Shelf-Stable Gnocchi?
Shelf-stable gnocchi is just what it sounds like! Everyone’s favorite pillowy potato pasta, all vacuum-sealed and ready to sit in your pantry (for up to three months) until you’re ready to eat it. It’s not as cloud-like and airy as fresh gnocchi, but that’s OK! We think of it as sort of its own delicious thing, and as a must-have pantry item, too. Gnocchi is comforting and fast, and the packaged stuff is just terrific if you know how to cook it (baking gnocchi instead of boiling). Just open that package and roast or pan-fry the gnocchi to slightly-crispy perfection—it is so easy. So load up next time you’re at the store—look for shelf-stable gnocchi in the same aisle as any other dried pasta that you love.
The Best Sheet Pan Gnocchi Sauce? Hellooooo Pesto!
Roasted broccoli pesto, to be specific. While it’s really hard to say what is the best sauce for gnocchi, we are partial to this easy, healthy gnocchi sauce recipe because it’s loaded with umami and is a terrific way to work some vegetables into an otherwise carb-reliant meal. The roasted broccoli has a complex flavor—roasting this ultra-nutritious cruciferous vegetable brings out its sweetness—and an irresistible texture, too. We like to leave the pesto a bit thick—just stop the food processor when you’re happy with the thickness of the pesto sauce—so that the finished dish has a little added textural goodness, too.
How To Make Sheet Pan Gnocchi (Plus Pesto!)
Grab your trusty sheet pan and a good appetite—a super healthy, easy, vegetarian dinner is so close we can taste it! Here’s how to cook up a speedy gnocchi feast (complete with homemade sauce) all on one sheet.
Make three little sections on your sheet pan—one for gnocchi, one for shallots or red onions and one for broccoli. Keep them separate so that the gnocchi can get crispy and the broccoli is on its own (since you’ll be using it to make the pesto).
Drizzle each section with olive oil and salt.
Roast! Until everything is cooked, about 20-30 minutes.
Make the pesto! Roasted broccoli goes into a food processor with garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. Purée until you’re happy with the texture.
Toss the pesto with the gnocchi and shallots (or red onions) and serve!
Tools You’ll Need:
More Easy Gnocchi Recipes to Try!
Ooooh Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi, We Love You Forever and For Always
Simple dinners are the best, and they can be just as comforting and delectable as their elaborate counterparts. Honest! Whip up this supper, and you’ll see what we mean. When you make it, let us know how it goes OK? Share a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so that we can see your stuff! Happy eating!
