Image Source from kirbystirland

Sheet Pan Gnocchi: An Easy, One-Pan Delight

If you’re in search of a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t break the bank or require hours of slaving away in the kitchen, then look no further than sheet pan gnocchi. This dish is a wonderful way to embrace the comforting texture of gnocchi while incorporating a variety of vibrant vegetables, making it both a wholesome and colourful addition to your dinner table.

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a soft, pillowy texture that perfectly absorbs sauces and flavours, making them a versatile base for many dishes. In recent years, they have gained popularity not just as a main dish but as an ideal candidate for sheet pan cooking.

Why Choose a Sheet Pan Recipe?

Sheet pan recipes are celebrated for their ease and simplicity. The beauty of a sheet pan meal lies in its minimal cleanup; everything is cooked on one tray, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Just toss your gnocchi and vegetables together, roast them in the oven, and you’ve got a hearty meal ready in a fraction of the time it would take for traditional preparation.

Ingredients

To create your sheet pan gnocchi, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500g fresh or vacuum-packed gnocchi
• 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 150g baby spinach or kale
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 bell peppers (any colour), sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Prepare Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) or 425°F.

2. Arrange the Ingredients:
On a large baking tray, spread the gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, add the minced garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss everything together until well coated.

3. Roast the Gnocchi:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. The gnocchi will puff up and turn slightly golden while the vegetables become tender and caramelised. Halfway through cooking, give everything a good stir to ensure even roasting.

4. Add Greens:
Five minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the baby spinach or kale to the tray. This will allow the greens to wilt and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

5. Serve:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the tray from the oven and give it a final stir. For an extra touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves over the top.

Tips for Customisation

What’s truly wonderful about sheet pan gnocchi is how adaptable it is. You can easily customise the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have lurking in your fridge. Courgettes, asparagus, or even mushrooms would work well.

Similarly, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices; a dash of chilli flakes for heat, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth could elevate the dish even further.

Conclusion

Sheet pan gnocchi is a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want both convenience and flavour. With minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting yet vibrant meal that pleases the whole family. It’s the perfect recipe to add to your repertoire, allowing you to enjoy the delightful taste of Italian comfort food without the stress. So why not give it a try? You may just find yourself reaching for this dish time and time again.