The Cozy, One-Pan Gnocchi Dinner I Keep Coming Back To (and You Will Too)
If you're anything like me, dinner needs to check three boxes:
✅ Easy to make
✅ Super satisfying
✅ Healthy but still delicious
This Sheet-Pan Gnocchi with Broccoli? It nails all three.
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This is a go-to recipe in my house when I want something warm and comforting, but I don’t want to stand over the stove or do a million dishes afterward.
The best part of sheet pan meals? Everything roasts together on a single pan — even the gnocchi — and it comes out golden and perfectly crisp on the edges.
You don’t even need to boil the gnocchi first (seriously!). It crisps up right in the oven while the broccoli gets those toasty edges. A drizzle of good olive oil, a little lemon at the end… and you’ve got a full, feel-good meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
One of the things I love about this dinner is how lazy person-friendly it is.
Most of the time, I already have everything I need — a package of gnocchi, some broccoli in the fridge, and of course, olive oil and garlic.
That’s one of the beauties of Mediterranean-style eating: it often uses simple, whole ingredients that come together fast.
This meal is plant-based, but it’s still hearty and filling. The gnocchi brings the cozy factor, while the beans and broccoli make it balanced enough to keep you full for hours.
Another Reason I Love It
You guys, feeding a family (or just yourself) can get expensive!
Plant-based meals like this one, that use easy-to-find and buy ingredients, are so easy on our wallets. Hooray. (See here for more tips on budget-conscious healthy eating.)
How to Make This Recipe
First, pick a very large baking sheet or roasting pan. We recommend this one for size and sturdiness. If the pan is too small, food may become mushy rather than crispy.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line your large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine gnocchi (we recommend this brand but any will work), broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until gnocchi is golden and broccoli is crisp-tender. (Keep an eye on your food to make sure your oven is heating evenly and nothing burns.)
Remove from your oven. Squeeze lemon juice over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs and optional cheese.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Got Questions? Here Are Some I Get All the Time
Can I really roast gnocchi without boiling it first?
I KNOW, right? That's the magic of this recipe! Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly when tossed with olive oil and roasted. It gets crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside — like little pillows of joy.
Is this Mediterranean diet-approved?
Definitely. This meal includes whole grains (gnocchi), vegetables (broccoli), and healthy fat (olive oil), all key parts of Mediterranean-style eating. Homemade meals are an important part of healthy eating, and look at you accomplishing that here!
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can, but I don't recommend it. Fresh will give you a better texture. Additionally, frozen broccoli may not be done at the right time. If you give it a try, let us know!
Can I make it ahead of time?
For sure. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the leftovers reheat like a dream — especially if you toss them back in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.
Does the kind of oil matter?
We recommend olive oil. Olive oil is such a healthy food.
One of the largest research studies found that adding 4 tablespoons of olive oil to your diet each day can reduce your risk of heart-related issues by 30%! More on that here. We recommend this olive oil, but there are lots of great ones on the market.
Need To Modify? We've Got You With Easy Add-Ons and Swaps
Add cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper for more color and sweetness.
Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of roasting.
Sprinkle on Parmesan or feta, or keep it vegan as-is.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spoonful of pesto takes it over the top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about this meal that feels like a hug. It's warm, cozy, and satisfying.
It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to serve to guests but easy enough to make on a Wednesday night when you’re tired and hungry and just want something good.
Give it a try, and let me know how it goes — I think you’ll be hooked.
