Name: Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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); Fine salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Nothing beats a cozy weeknight meal that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to my Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings tender gnocchi, smoky kielbasa, and colorful veggies together in a savory, easy dinner you’ll want on repeat.

The dish is a colorful baked gnocchi meal presented in a black rectangular tray lined with brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer consists of creamy yellow gnocchi scattered evenly across the tray, mixed with chopped red and yellow bell peppers adding bright pops of color. There are dark brown sausage pieces spread throughout, with their glossy texture contrasting against the lighter gnocchi. Fresh green spinach leaves are interspersed among the ingredients, topped with grated white cheese sprinkled all over. Small fresh basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of vibrant green and freshness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how effortless and delicious this sheet pan dinner is. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the gnocchi gets beautifully crispy when roasted with the kielbasa and veggies—such a treat!

One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, which means super easy prep and cleanup.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The smoky kielbasa pairs beautifully with the tender gnocchi and bright roasted vegetables.
Quick and adaptable: You’ll have dinner on the table in just over 30 minutes, and it’s easy to swap in your favorite veggies.
Comfort food with a fresh twist: The addition of fresh herbs and spinach keeps it vibrant and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here lies in simple, quality ingredients coming together effortlessly. Frozen gnocchi is a total game-changer for convenience, and the smoky kielbasa adds punch with minimal effort. Roasting brings out the sweetness in the peppers and tomatoes, making each bite a lovely balance of savory and fresh.

Flat lay of fresh cauliflower gnocchi with its pillowy, slightly irregular shapes, sliced smoked kielbasa rounds with a rich reddish-brown color and glossy surface, two medium bell peppers cut into 1-inch pieces showing vibrant red and yellow hues, thinly sliced half of a medium red onion with crisp purple and white layers, a small cluster of ripe cherry tomatoes with smooth shiny red skins, three peeled garlic cloves with their smooth ivory surfaces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, three fresh rosemary sprigs with delicate needle-like green leaves, a small pile of thinly sliced bright green basil leaves, a modest heap of shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a bunch of fresh baby spinach leaves showing deep green, crinkly textures—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen cauliflower gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi: I love frozen gnocchi because it crisps up without turning mushy—just toss it straight on the pan!
Smoked kielbasa: Adds smoky, meaty flavor—choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
Bell peppers: Roasting deepens their sweetness and adds beautiful color.
Red onion: Thin slices soften quickly and add just the right mild bite.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: These burst and caramelize in the oven, giving great juiciness.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses everything with fragrant warmth.
Olive oil: The binder for crisping gnocchi and roasting veggies—don’t skim here!
Fresh rosemary: If you have it, it adds an earthy note—dried works fine too.
Fresh basil leaves: Sliced thin at the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Parmesan: A sprinkle of shredded cheese brings umami and richness.
Baby spinach: Added last to wilt quickly and sneak in some greens.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that makes all the flavors shine.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up the veggies in this Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini, or swap kielbasa for chicken sausage to keep things exciting!

Vegetable swaps: I often sneak in some sliced mushrooms or broccoli florets for extra texture and nutrition.
Spice it up: Sometimes I add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bit more kick.
Herb variations: Fresh thyme or oregano work great if you don’t have rosemary or basil on hand.
Make it vegan: Use your favorite plant-based sausage and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

A white bowl contains three slices of browned sausage arranged in the center. Underneath the sausage, there is a layer of yellow gnocchi with a smooth texture and red roasted bell peppers cut into pieces. Scattered among the gnocchi are wilted green spinach leaves and small bits of purple onion. The dish is sprinkled with light shreds of white cheese and small fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a gold fork and knife nearby along with a gray cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Sheet Pan

First things first, heat your oven to 425℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. I always use parchment because it saves so much cleanup hassle and keeps things from sticking. Don’t skip this step—it really helps everything cook evenly and makes your life easier.

Step 2: Toss Your Gnocchi and Veggies

Place the gnocchi (no need to thaw if frozen), diced bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic right onto the sheet pan. If you’re using dried rosemary or basil, sprinkle that in now. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then toss gently with your hands or a spatula until the gnocchi and veggies are well coated. This little step is key to getting crispy edges and roasted flavor.

Step 3: Arrange Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs

Spread the vegetable mixture out evenly, then nestle the cut kielbasa pieces on top. If you have fresh rosemary sprigs, place them on top now—it adds such a lovely aroma while it roasts. Then, slide the pan into your preheated oven.

Step 4: Roast and Stir Halfway Through

Bake for about 25 minutes, but halfway through, give everything a good stir to ensure the gnocchi crisps evenly and the veggies roast on all sides. This stirring step makes a big difference between soggy bites and perfect crispiness.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish Baking

Once the timer’s up, carefully remove the pan and evenly scatter the fresh baby spinach on top. Don’t stir yet! Pop it back in the oven for just 2 minutes more to let the spinach wilt gently. Then, take the pan out, mix everything together, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced basil leaves and shredded Parmesan over the top just before serving. The fresh herbs and cheese add that extra pop of flavor that brings the whole dish together.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the outcome. It’s those little touches that make it restaurant-worthy right at home.

Use frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer: Don’t thaw it! Thawing can make gnocchi soggy when roasted, but frozen stays firm and crisps up perfectly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give everything enough space to roast properly—crowding leads to steaming, which makes the gnocchi mushy instead of crisp.
Stir halfway through baking: This simple step ensures even cooking and golden, crispy bits on your gnocchi and veggies.
Add spinach at the end without stirring: Letting it wilt gently on top keeps it fresh and avoids turning everything watery.

How to Serve Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Gnocchi and Kielbasa - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a sucker for a generous handful of fresh basil and parmesan right at the end—they add brightness and a salty finish. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives just the right zing. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can be amazing if you want a touch of sweetness too.

Side Dishes

This sheet pan dinner is pretty complete on its own, but I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any extra juices. A light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this meal family-style on a large wooden board, garnished with extra herbs. It’s a colorful, inviting presentation that invites everyone to dig in. You could also portion it into small cast-iron skillets for a charming individual serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gnocchi and kielbasa dinner in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, just make sure to cool it before covering so it doesn’t get soggy from steam.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers in meal-sized portions a few times. To freeze, wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350℉ to regain some crispness, about 10-15 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it can make the gnocchi gummy, but if you’re in a rush, a quick zap combined with a short pan-sear works too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade gnocchi in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh homemade gnocchi would be delicious, but keep the pieces small and watch the roasting time, as fresh gnocchi cooks faster and may become soft if overcooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to choose gluten-free gnocchi varieties. Many frozen gnocchi options are naturally gluten-free, especially those made from cauliflower or potatoes. Always check the label to be safe.

What if I don’t have smoked kielbasa?

You can substitute smoked kielbasa with any smoked sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Chicken sausage or vegan sausage work well too, just adjust cooking time if needed.

Can I prepare this sheet pan dinner ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and sausage in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble on the sheet pan and roast when ready. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe has become one of my favorite quick meals because it feels special without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—especially when you need a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that everyone loves and minimal cleanup. Next time you want a no-stress, hearty meal, give this a whirl—I think you’ll be hooked just like me!