Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Gnocchi

$- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this recipe, I love using store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and tastes great. If you want, you can make your own gnocchi. Just use your favorite recipe. Unsalted butter is key here. It lets the garlic shine in this dish. Fresh garlic is a must. It adds a nice kick. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor when baked. They add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach brings a lovely green touch. You can also choose other greens if you like. For seasoning, I use dried Italian herbs. They give this dish a cozy feel. Adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. It melts beautifully over the hot gnocchi. Lastly, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and flavor. Now, gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to make a delicious sheet pan dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat helps the gnocchi crisp up nicely. Next, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps everything from sticking. Grab a small saucepan and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it's melted, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it. Remove the saucepan from heat once done. Now, take your prepared sheet pan. Spread out 1 pound of gnocchi, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Drizzle the melted garlic butter over this mix. Toss it gently to coat all the ingredients. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the gnocchi to turn golden and crispy, while the tomatoes should blister. To check for doneness, stir the mixture gently halfway through. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. This makes for a delightful dinner served hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves. To make the best gnocchi, choose store-bought or homemade options that are soft and pillowy. Look for brands that use quality ingredients. If you want to try making your own, use a mix of potatoes and flour. This will give you a great base. For a crispier texture, bake your gnocchi at a high heat. Spread them out evenly on the sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. A little oil or butter also helps achieve that golden brown finish. If garlic isn't your favorite, you can swap it out. Try shallots or leeks for a different taste. These will bring their own unique flavors while keeping the dish tasty. When it comes to herbs, feel free to experiment! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a lovely touch. You can also mix in some chili flakes for a bit of heat. Serving this dish straight from the sheet pan is a great idea. It adds a casual vibe to your meal. If you want to be a bit fancy, transfer it to a large serving bowl. For garnishing, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. This adds flavor and a nice look. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top. A drizzle of extra melted butter can make it shine! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Perfectly Crispy Gnocchi: For extra crispiness, ensure the gnocchi are spread out in a single layer on the sheet pan without overcrowding. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to suit your taste preferences. Make It a Meal: Add protein such as cooked chicken or shrimp to the sheet pan for a complete meal in one dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with add-ins. Try adding vegetables like: - Zucchini, sliced - Bell peppers, chopped These vegetables bring color and flavor. They also add nutrition. For protein, consider: - Chicken, diced and cooked - Shrimp, peeled and deveined - Tofu, cubed These options give you a hearty meal. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many stores sell this now. For dairy-free needs, swap out the butter for olive oil. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. These changes keep the taste while meeting your dietary needs. Seasonal ingredients can change your dish. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas. In fall, use butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. You can also use seasonal herbs. For example, in summer, fresh basil shines. In winter, rosemary offers warmth. Using these ingredients makes your meal fresh and exciting. To keep your leftovers fresh, use an airtight container. Glass containers work best, but plastic ones are fine too. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The best way to reheat gnocchi is in a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave, but it may get a bit soggy. Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet for the best texture. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just toss them straight onto the pan. You do not need to thaw them first. They will cook well in the oven. Make sure to check the cooking time. Frozen gnocchi may take a few extra minutes to get crispy. Homemade gnocchi cooks fast, usually about 2-3 minutes. You can tell they are done when they float to the top of the boiling water. After boiling, you can bake them in the oven as the recipe shows. This gives a nice crispy texture. Garlic butter gnocchi is great on its own, but you can add a few sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh garden salad - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers - Crusty garlic bread - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead. Just keep the gnocchi and veggies in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, drizzle the garlic butter and bake. This makes meal prep easy and quick. This blog post covered the essentials for making a delicious garlic butter gnocchi dish. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for perfecting your meal. Remember, you can customize flavors and storage options to suit your needs. I hope you feel confident enough to try this recipe. Enjoy the cooking process and share it with friends and family. Your kitchen creations can bring joy to everyone at the table. Happy cooking!$

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Gnocchi

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring gnocchi, garlic butter, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste Salt and pepper
for serving Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat.
On the prepared sheet pan, spread out the gnocchi, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
Drizzle the garlic butter over the gnocchi and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated. Sprinkle with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently to combine all ingredients on the sheet pan.
Spread everything out in an even layer and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the gnocchi are golden and crispy, and the tomatoes are blistered.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and stir gently. Let it cool for a minute before serving.
Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with basil leaves. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve directly from the sheet pan or transfer to a large serving bowl. Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top, and serve with additional grated Parmesan on the side.

Keyword garlic butter, gnocchi, sheet pan meal, vegetarian