Thereโs something magical about a sheet pan mealโthe ease, the minimal cleanup, and the way flavors meld together perfectly in the oven. This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Butternut Squash & Hot Honey is exactly that: a no-fuss, flavor-packed dish that brings together crispy gnocchi, savory sausage, sweet butternut squash, and a drizzle of spicy honey for the perfect balance of flavors.
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Trust me, once you try this, itโll become a go-to for those nights when you want a gourmet meal without the hassle. Ready to dive in? Letโs do this!
Why Youโll Love Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Butternut Squash & Hot Honey
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party. This dish adapts to any occasion effortlessly.
Budget-Friendly
No fancy ingredients neededโjust simple, pantry-friendly staples that come together to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy
Everything goes on one sheet pan, making this a foolproof recipe that even beginners can nail.
Customizable
Swap the sausage, play with different veggies, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A winning combination of flavors that both kids and adults will devour.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Gnocchi
These little pillows of joy crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving the dish a delightful texture contrast.
Spicy Sausage
Adds a smoky, bold kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Butternut Squash
Roasts to tender perfection, bringing natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
Red Onion
Slightly caramelizes in the oven, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances every bite.
Garlic
Because whatโs a good meal without garlic? It infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
Olive Oil
Helps everything roast to golden perfection while adding richness.
Hot Honey
A drizzle of this magic ingredient takes the dish to the next level with a perfect sweet-and-spicy finish.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes)
Simple but essential for enhancing all the incredible flavors.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425ยฐF. A hot oven ensures that the gnocchi gets crispy and the veggies caramelize beautifully.
Prep the Ingredients
Slice the sausage, cube the butternut squash, thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic. The key here is to keep everything roughly the same size for even cooking.
Toss Everything Together
On a large sheet pan, spread out the gnocchi, sausage, butternut squash, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Roast to Perfection
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Youโre looking for crispy gnocchi, caramelized veggies, and juicy sausage.
Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once out of the oven, drizzle generously with hot honey. This step is what makes the dish truly irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy
Plate it up and dig in while itโs hot. Trust me, this is the kind of meal youโll be making on repeat.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Gnocchi
- With a Fresh Salad: A crisp arugula or kale salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover flavors on your plate.
- Parmesan Cheese: A fresh sprinkle on top takes it to another level.
- As a Standalone Dish: Itโs hearty enough on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley adds a fresh touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
Chop the butternut squash and slice the sausage in advance to save time.
Spice It Up
Want extra heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
Dietary Adjustments
Use chicken or plant-based sausage to make it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Double the Batch
This freezes beautifully, so consider making extra for an easy meal later!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi all work greatโno need to boil first.
Can I swap the sausage?
Absolutely! Try chicken sausage, chorizo, or even tofu for a plant-based twist.
What if I donโt have hot honey?
Mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a quick DIY version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything on the pan, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Whatโs the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 375ยฐF for 10-15 minutes to keep the gnocchi crispy.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your sausage is GF-certified.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash?
Definitely! Sweet potatoes roast beautifully and add a similar sweetness.
Whatโs the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love a meal thatโs effortless, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to impress, this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Butternut Squash & Hot Honey is for you. Itโs the perfect blend of crispy, savory, sweet, and spicyโall in one pan.
PrintSheet Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Butternut Squash & Hot Honey
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy sheet pan gnocchi recipe combines crispy gnocchi, roasted butternut squash, and spicy Italian sausage for a flavorful, one-pan meal. Finished with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of hot honey, this dish is the perfect quick dinner or meal-prep option!
Ingredients
For the veggies & gnocchi:
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 red onion, halved and sliced
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 uncooked spicy Italian chicken or pork sausages
For topping:
- 4 oz crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 2โ3 tbsp hot honey (plus more if desired)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Lemon zest, for brightness
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Season & Arrange:
- On the sheet pan, add butternut squash, red onion, and gnocchi.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss everything together until well coated. Spread into an even layer.
-
Add the Sausage:
- Remove sausage from casings and place in 1-inch pieces across the sheet pan.
- Nestle the sausage pieces between the veggies and gnocchi.
-
Roast:
- Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
-
Add Cheese & Hot Honey:
- Remove from the oven and crumble feta or goat cheese over the dish.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes to warm the cheese.
- Drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, and finish with lemon zest.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm and enjoy this flavor-packed sheet pan meal!
Notes
- Want a vegetarian version? Swap sausage for chickpeas or mushrooms.
- No hot honey? Use regular honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Meal prep friendly! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg