This three-ingredient Trader Joe’s recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Featuring tender roasted sweet potato gnocchi, savory Italian chicken sausage, and vibrant basil pesto, it’s a remarkably simple sheet pan meal bursting with flavor.

Effortless Trader Joe’s Sheet Pan Dinner: Roasted Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Italian Chicken Sausage with Pesto

Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly easy and flavorful this 3-ingredient sheet pan dinner truly is. It’s the ultimate solution for anyone craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a gourmet-tasting dinner on the table that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

While the star ingredients in this recipe shine brightest when sourced from Trader Joe’s – especially their unique seasoned sweet potato gnocchi – we’ve also included tips for delightful variations if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s location nearby. The secret to this recipe’s incredible texture lies in roasting the gnocchi. Forget the traditional stovetop method that often yields a soft, sometimes mushy result. When roasted, frozen gnocchi transforms into crispy, golden-brown pillows with a tender interior, creating an addictive contrast you won’t believe!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Recipe

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Unbeatable Simplicity: With only three main ingredients, meal prep and cooking are minimal. You simply combine, roast, and serve – perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a break from complex recipes.
• Explosion of Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this dish is packed with layers of flavor. The savory Italian chicken sausage, the slightly sweet and herbaceous gnocchi, and the bright, fresh basil pesto create a harmonious and satisfying profile.
• Minimal Cleanup: As a one-sheet pan meal, cleanup is a breeze! Less time scrubbing pots and pans means more time enjoying your delicious dinner and relaxing.
• Trader Joe’s Magic: For fans of Trader Joe’s, this recipe highlights some of their best, most convenient products, making it a celebration of their unique offerings.
• Gnocchi Transformation: If you’ve ever been underwhelmed by boiled or microwaved gnocchi, prepare to have your mind changed. Roasting them elevates their texture to a whole new level – crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy within.

Essential Ingredients for Roasted Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Sausage with Pesto

The beauty of this dish lies in its streamlined ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. While Trader Joe’s products are highly recommended for their quality and convenience, we’ve also provided tips for substitutions.

• Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage

  This is the secret weapon of the recipe. A single bag of Trader Joe’s frozen sweet potato gnocchi, seasoned with butter and sage, eliminates the need for extra oils, butter, or complex seasonings. When roasted, these delightful dumplings develop a perfectly crisp exterior while remaining wonderfully tender and soft on the inside. The inherent sweetness of the potato combined with the earthy sage and rich butter provides a complex base flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Look for it in the frozen aisle; it truly streamlines the cooking process.

• Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage

  We are absolutely enamored with Trader Joe’s sweet Italian chicken sausage for this recipe. Its pre-cooked nature means less work for you, and its savory, slightly sweet profile, infused with classic Italian herbs, pairs exquisitely with both the gnocchi and the vibrant pesto. Chicken sausage offers a leaner protein option compared to traditional pork sausage, making this meal a bit lighter without sacrificing any flavor. If Trader Joe’s isn’t an option, any high-quality sweet Italian chicken or pork sausage will work, just ensure it’s fully cooked or adjust roasting time if using raw.

• Fresh Basil Pesto

  The pesto is the brilliant finishing touch that masterfully ties all the flavors together. Its bright, herbaceous notes and rich, garlicky aroma elevate the entire dish, adding a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the roasted elements. We highly recommend a refrigerated, freshly made basil pesto, typically found near fresh pasta and gourmet cheeses in your local grocery store. Brands like Rana’s Basil Pesto are often excellent store-bought choices. While fresh pesto can be a bit pricier, a little goes a long way, and its intense flavor significantly impacts the meal. It’s a worthwhile investment for its ability to transform simple dishes into culinary delights.

Top Tips for a Perfect Roasted Gnocchi and Sausage Meal

Achieving culinary perfection with just three ingredients is easier than you think. Follow these simple tips to ensure your roasted sweet potato gnocchi and chicken sausage dish turns out fantastic every time:

• Generously Grease Your Sheet Pan

  This step is absolutely crucial! The delicious butter and sage sauce coating the Trader Joe’s gnocchi, while incredibly flavorful, can become quite sticky during roasting. To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, give your large sheet pan a generous spray with olive oil cooking spray or lightly brush it with olive oil before adding any ingredients. This creates a non-stick barrier, allowing the gnocchi to crisp up beautifully without clinging to the pan.

• Pesto to Your Preference

  The amount of pesto you add is entirely up to personal taste. Some prefer a light coating, while others (like us!) love their gnocchi and sausage generously smothered in that vibrant green goodness. Instead of specifying an exact amount, we recommend starting with a few dollops and tossing. Taste, and then add more if desired. For the best experience, you can even serve the entire container of pesto on the table, allowing everyone to customize their plate with as much or as little as they’d like.

• Single Layer for Optimal Roasting

  For that coveted crispy gnocchi and caramelized sausage, ensure your ingredients are spread in a single, even layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, preventing that delightful golden-brown crispness. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using two sheet pans.

• Don’t Forget to Toss Mid-Way

  Halfway through the cooking time (after about 10 minutes), use a sturdy metal spatula to give the gnocchi and sausage a good toss. This ensures all sides get exposed to the heat, promoting even browning and preventing any single side from getting too dark. It’s key to achieving that perfect texture all around.

• Experiment with Add-ins

  While this recipe is fantastic as a 3-ingredient dish, feel free to get creative! During the last 5-7 minutes of roasting, you can add quick-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach (toss spinach in after roasting) for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Sausage with Pesto is a complete meal on its own, offering protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few simple suggestions:

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of the roasted gnocchi and sausage.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is excellent for soaking up any leftover pesto on your plate.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: If you’re not adding veggies directly to the sheet pan, a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would be a delicious and nutritious addition.

More Gnocchi Recipe Inspirations

If you’ve fallen in love with gnocchi, or are simply looking for more ways to incorporate these delightful potato dumplings into your cooking, explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Chicken Gnocchi Soup An Olive Garden copycat recipe that’s wonderfully creamy and comforting.
• White Bean Gnocchi A hearty and flavorful dish, all made conveniently in one skillet.
• Sausage Gnocchi A classic combination featuring savory sausage and crushed tomatoes.
• Baked Gnocchi and Vegetables A vibrant and healthy option with zucchini, red onion, and sweet peppers.
• Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Pasta A rich and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for families.

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Roasted Sweet Potato and Sausage with Pesto

By Chelsea Lords

This easy three-ingredient Roasted Sweet Potato and Sausage with Pesto is a sheet pan meal made in no time! Roast sweet potato gnocchi and chicken sausage, then toss with fresh basil pesto.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)

Ingredients

• 1 (14.1-ounce) package Frozen Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter & Sage recommended: Trader Joe’s brand
• 1 (12-ounce) package Italian-style chicken sausage
• basil pesto to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a large sheet pan with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
2. Carefully pour the frozen sweet potato gnocchi onto the prepared pan. Thinly slice the Italian chicken sausage and distribute evenly over the gnocchi. Toss them together gently to ensure an even coating and spread everything in a single layer across the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and use a sturdy metal spatula to toss the gnocchi and sausage, ensuring they brown evenly. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the sausage is lightly caramelized and browned, and the gnocchi is tender with crispy edges. Toss again before serving.
4. Serve immediately, adding dollops of fresh basil pesto to your personal preference directly on each plate. Enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious meal!

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Note: Nutritional information provided below does not include pesto, as the amount added will vary significantly by personal preference. Please account for your added pesto when calculating total nutritional values.

Storage: Store any leftover roasted gnocchi and sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly heated through, or place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until warmed and slightly crispy again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 720kcal |
Carbohydrates: 58g |
Protein: 35g |
Fat: 38g |
Saturated Fat: 15g |
Cholesterol: 190mg |
Sodium: 1940mg |
Sugar: 12g |
Vitamin A: 600IU |
Vitamin C: 2mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.