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Crispy Sheet Pan Italian Sausage with Peppers and Gnocchi

crispy sheet pan italian sausage with peppers and gnocchi - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan meal featuring crispy Italian sausage, roasted bell peppers, and golden gnocchi with a perfect texture contrast. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage links
  • 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Slice the Italian sausage into 1-inch thick rounds; keep the casing on.
  3. Slice bell peppers into thin strips and onion into thin slices.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced peppers, onion, minced garlic, and gnocchi. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange the sausage slices on one side of a large rimmed sheet pan in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Spread the gnocchi and vegetable mixture on the other side of the pan in a single layer.
  7. Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes.
  8. Halfway through cooking (around 10 minutes), use tongs or a spatula to turn the sausage slices and gently toss the gnocchi and vegetables.
  9. After 20 minutes, check for doneness: sausage should be browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C), gnocchi should have crispy edges, and peppers tender but not mushy.
  10. If needed, roast for an additional 5 minutes to reach desired crispness.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If using frozen gnocchi, thaw first or add a few extra minutes to roasting time. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness. Toss ingredients halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Use leaner sausage or turkey sausage to reduce saturated fat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and check sausage labels. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage, sheet pan dinner, gnocchi, peppers, easy recipe, quick meal, roasted vegetables, weeknight dinner