Name: Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (16-oz.) package uncooked potato gnocchi; 3 links cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (substitute vegan sausage such as Field Roast brand if desired); 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 1 small red onion (or 1/2 large), sliced into wedges; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup prepared pesto (e.g., DeLallo brand); 8 oz. burrata cheese, halved for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug but comes together with almost no fuss, then you absolutely have to try this Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining pillowy gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and the creamy luxury of burrata, all dressed in fragrant pesto. It’s the kind of dish that turns weeknight dinners into something special without a ton of work or dishes to wash afterward. Let me walk you through why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

Five white bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds a smooth, round ball of white burrata cheese. To the right is a small white bowl with scalloped edges filled with thick, green pesto sauce with a slightly chunky texture. Below the burrata is a white bowl packed with sliced sausage pieces that show small bits of red and herbs inside. To the right of the sausage, a larger white bowl is filled with round, shiny, red cherry tomatoes. At the bottom left, a white bowl contains pale yellow gnocchi with ridged textures. Finally, at the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with large wedges of purple-red onion with visible layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish sing. Each component plays a beautiful role in the balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Don’t worry, these ingredients are simple but essential – no complicated grocery runs or fancy tools necessary.

Potato gnocchi (16 oz.): Soft and pillowy, this is the hearty base that soaks up all the amazing flavors.

Extra-virgin olive oil (3 Tbsp.): Adds richness and helps everything roast perfectly with a golden finish.
Kosher salt (¾ tsp.): Brings out the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper (½ tsp.): Offers a subtle warmth and a bit of spice to balance the dish.

Cooked Italian chicken sausage (3 links, sliced): Protein-packed and full of savory herbs, it perfectly complements the mild gnocchi (sub with vegan sausage if preferred).
Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Roasting these brings out their sweetness and adds juicy bursts of freshness.
Red onion (1 small or ½ large, sliced into wedges): Gives a mild bite and softens into tender sweetness as it cooks.

Prepared pesto (½ cup): This is the aromatic heart of the dish, infusing everything with basil, garlic, and pine nut goodness.
Burrata cheese (8 oz., optional): Creamy, dreamy, and decadently soft, it takes each bite to the next level of indulgence.

How to Make Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Arrange Your Ingredients

First things first, get your oven heated to 425ºF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil to keep cleanup to a minimum. Arrange the gnocchi and sliced chicken sausage on one half of the pan. On the other half, spread out the cherry tomatoes and red onion wedges. This separation helps everything cook evenly and lets the flavors mingle without getting mushy.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Drizzle the entire pan generously with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper all over. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss everything to coat it well—this ensures that each ingredient crisps and caramelizes just right as it roasts.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, stirring and turning everything halfway through so both sides get that beautiful roast. During this time, the gnocchi will get lightly golden, the sausage will heat through, the tomatoes will blister and burst, and the onions will sweeten and soften.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Serve

Once everything is roasted and your kitchen smells like heaven, take the pan out and dollop in the prepared pesto. Toss all components together gently so every piece is luxuriously coated in the herby green sauce. Divide into bowls and if you’re going all out, top each serving with half a ball of burrata cheese for creamy, luscious magic with every bite.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe

The image shows a white baking sheet lined with shiny aluminum foil, filled with a roasted mix of gnocchi, slices of sausage, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes. The gnocchi are golden yellow and slightly crispy, the sausage pieces are browned and round with a textured surface, the red onions are soft with rich purple and pink tones, and the cherry tomatoes are roasted until wrinkly and deep red. All the ingredients are scattered evenly across the foil, with a light coating of herbs and oil creating a glossy finish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add little bursts of flavor, sprinkle fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes over your dish. A drizzle of balsamic glaze also pairs beautifully with the roasted tomatoes and creamy burrata, bringing that extra tangy-sweet contrast that’ll have your guests asking for seconds.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad of mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the meal. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto and juices from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve this Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe family-style right on the baking sheet itself – rustic and charming. Alternatively, place small portions on individual plates, topping each with burrata and a sprig of fresh herb for a restaurant-quality feel that’s still cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes decently, though burrata doesn’t hold up well in the freezer. If freezing, omit the cheese and add fresh burrata only when you reheat and serve. Freeze the rest in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through to retain that lovely roasted texture. Adding a little drizzle of olive oil while reheating helps bring the gnocchi back to life without getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great here; just make sure to toss them with olive oil so they crisp up nicely in the oven without sticking together.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken sausage for your favorite vegan sausage and omit the burrata or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative for a fully vegan version.

What kind of pesto is best for this dish?

A fresh basil pesto with pine nuts and Parmesan shines in this recipe, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or even arugula pesto if you want a twist on the classic flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can chop and prep your ingredients up to a day in advance, but it’s best to roast and combine everything just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?

Mozzarella di bufala or fresh mozzarella balls are lovely alternatives that still offer creaminess without the runny center of burrata.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and feels effortlessly elegant, this Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe is your new go-to. It’s cozy and fresh all at once, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own.

Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Cherry Tomatoes, and Burrata Recipe