Substitutions

• Use chicken sausage: Chicken Italian sausage is a good option if you want something a little lighter while keeping the same savory character.
• Try turkey sausage: Turkey sausage can replace traditional Italian sausage and works especially well with the garlic, peppers, and Parmesan.
• Swap the bell peppers: Yellow or orange bell peppers can replace either color and will add a slightly sweeter roasted flavor.
• Use another hard cheese: Pecorino Romano can stand in for Parmesan if you like a sharper and saltier finish.
• Reduce the heat: Leave out the red pepper flakes completely if your family prefers mild dinners.
• Use dried parsley: Fresh parsley gives the brightest finish, but a small sprinkle of dried parsley works when that is what you have in the pantry.

Variations

• Add onions: Toss chunks of red or yellow onion onto the pan for extra sweetness and savory roasted edges.
• Make it extra veggie packed: Add zucchini, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or asparagus, keeping the pieces small enough to roast in the same amount of time.
• Turn up the heat: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes for a dinner with more noticeable spice.
• Add tomatoes: A handful of cherry tomatoes will soften and release some juices as they roast, creating little pockets of tomato flavor throughout the pan.
• Make it extra cheesy: Add a little mozzarella during the last few minutes of roasting, then finish with Parmesan as written.
• Give it an herby finish: Add chopped fresh basil along with the parsley for a brighter Italian inspired flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Give everything room: Crowding the ingredients too tightly can make them steam, so use a pan large enough to spread everything in an even layer.
• Do not boil the gnocchi first: For this method, the gnocchi goes directly onto the sheet pan and cooks in the oven.
• Coat the gnocchi well: Make sure the olive oil reaches most of the gnocchi so the outside develops that lovely lightly roasted texture.
• Cut the peppers evenly: Similar sized pieces cook more consistently, so you will not end up with some pieces nearly raw while others are very soft.
• Watch the salt: Italian sausage and Parmesan can both be salty, which is why a modest amount of added salt is usually enough.
• Finish while the pan is hot: Parmesan sticks and softens much better when you add it immediately after the pan comes out of the oven.
• Taste before adding extra seasoning: Once the cheese is mixed in, taste a piece of gnocchi and sausage together before reaching for more salt.
• Line the pan when cleanup matters most: Parchment paper can make washing up even simpler, although direct contact with the pan may give you slightly more browning.

Serving Ideas

• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the warm sausage, Parmesan, and tender gnocchi nicely.
• Garlic bread: Warm bread makes the dinner feel even cozier and gives you something to swipe through any seasoned olive oil left on the plate.
• Roasted broccoli: Broccoli is an easy way to add another vegetable and its browned edges fit naturally with the flavors in this meal.
• Steamed green beans: Green beans keep the plate fresh and simple without competing with the sausage and gnocchi.
• Caesar salad: Crunchy romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing work especially well alongside this Italian inspired sheet pan dinner.
• Fruit on the side: For a family dinner, a bowl of sliced apples, grapes, or berries is sometimes all you need to round out the table.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly: Let the food cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven: Spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them at about 350°F until heated through if you want to bring back some of the roasted texture.
• Use the microwave when time is tight: Microwave individual portions until hot, understanding that the gnocchi will be softer than it was straight from the oven.
• Prep the peppers early: You can cut the bell peppers a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until dinner time.
• Slice the sausage ahead: If your sausage packaging and storage directions allow it, slicing it earlier in the day can make evening prep even faster.
• Measure the seasonings in advance: Combine the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small covered container so all you have to do at dinner is sprinkle and toss.
• Keep the Parmesan and parsley separate: Wait to add these until after reheating so the cheese tastes fresh and the parsley keeps more of its color.