Sheet Pan Sausage & Gnocchi with Pesto Burrata (Easy One-Pan Dinner)
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This is one of those dinners that looks fancy but takes almost no effort — which is exactly what busy families need more of. When you want something cozy, comforting, and a little elevated without creating extra work (or dishes), this sheet pan sausage and gnocchi is the answer.
Everything roasts together on one pan, the gnocchi gets golden and slightly crisp, the tomatoes burst and turn jammy, and then it’s finished with pesto, fresh spinach, and creamy burrata. It’s weeknight-easy but special enough to feel like a treat — and it’s surprisingly kid-friendly, too.
Sheet Pan Sausage & Gnocchi with Pesto Burrata Recipe
(Serves 4–5)
Ingredients
1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
1 (16–18 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi
1 carton grape tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
To finish:
⅓ cup pesto
1–2 handfuls fresh spinach
Burrata cheese
Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 415°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.Add Everything to the Pan
Add the ground Italian sausage, gnocchi, and grape tomatoes directly to the sheet pan.Season and Toss
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Use your hands or a spatula to break up the sausage and toss everything together until evenly coated.Bake
Spread everything into an even layer and bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sausage is cooked through and the gnocchi is lightly golden.Finish the Dish
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately stir in the pesto and fresh spinach. The heat will gently wilt the spinach.Top with Burrata
Tear burrata over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
• Everything cooks on one pan
• Minimal prep and cleanup
• Store-bought gnocchi keeps things fast
• Familiar, cozy flavors kids enjoy
• Feels special without extra effort
This is a true “throw it in the oven and breathe for a minute” kind of dinner.
My Go-To Sheet Pan for This Recipe
This recipe works best when everything has room to roast instead of steam, so a quality sheet pan really matters. I always use this rimmed sheet pan because it heats evenly, cleans easily, and holds everything without crowding.
👉 This is my favorite sheet pan for weeknight dinners — I use it constantly for one-pan meals like this.
The Pesto I Always Use
To keep this meal fast and consistent, I usually reach for store-bought pesto instead of making it from scratch. This is the one I use most often — it has great flavor and works perfectly in recipes like this.
👉 This is my go-to pesto for easy dinners
The Olive Oil I Cook With Daily
A good olive oil makes a big difference here, especially since it helps everything roast instead of sticking. This is the olive oil I keep on my counter and use for most weeknight cooking.
👉 This is the olive oil I use for everyday meals
Picky Eater Tips
This meal is easy to adjust for kids who prefer simpler foods.
✔️ Serve gnocchi and sausage without pesto if needed
✔️ Add burrata on the side for dipping
✔️ Keep spinach separate
✔️ Let kids sprinkle cheese on their own plate
Plain gnocchi + sausage still counts as dinner.
Easy Variations
• Use chicken or turkey sausage
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers
• Swap pesto for marinara
• Finish with grated parmesan instead of burrata
• Add crushed red pepper for adult bowls
Healthy Swaps (Optional)
• Use chicken sausage
• Add extra vegetables
• Reduce burrata and add more spinach
• Use whole-wheat gnocchi
Balance > perfection.
Storage & Leftovers
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave
• Add burrata fresh after reheating
Great for next-day lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, but shelf-stable gnocchi crisps better on a sheet pan.
Do I need to cook the sausage first?
No — it cooks fully in the oven.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Skip the burrata or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes — use two sheet pans so everything roasts evenly.
This sheet pan sausage and gnocchi recipe is cozy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy — exactly the kind of dinner busy parents need on repeat. It proves that weeknight meals can be simple and feel special, all without extra dishes or stress.
Looking for another one-pan dinner win?
Try Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies next — another easy favorite for busy nights.
