Name: Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz fresh or refrigerated gnocchi; 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper; 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls; 2 tablespoons pesto sauce; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and utterly satisfying meal that brings the best of Italian flavors together in one pan, look no further than this Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe. It’s an absolute game changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something effortlessly delicious yet impressive. Juicy cherry tomatoes, pillowy gnocchi, and melty fresh mozzarella mingle with fragrant basil and a touch of balsamic glaze, all baked to perfection. This recipe makes feeding a crowd easy and fun, while treating your taste buds to the freshest, sun-kissed flavors of summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center is a white bowl filled with yellow gnocchi, which have a soft, ridged texture. Above it is another white bowl filled with small, round, white mozzarella balls. To the right, there is a white bowl with bright red grape tomatoes, smooth and shiny. Small white dishes with different spices—light brown garlic powder, white salt, and black pepper—are placed around the bowls. To the left, a bowl with golden yellow olive oil, decorated with a small olive branch drawing, sits next to a bunch of fresh green basil leaves. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds green pesto with an oily texture, and next to it, a white spoon contains dark balsamic vinegar. A few loose basil leaves are scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, this recipe proves that simple ingredient choices can lead to layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color in every bite.

16 oz fresh or refrigerated gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, these little potato dumplings soak up all the delicious flavors as they bake.
10 oz cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they burst with flavor and add a pop of sunshine red to the dish.
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls: Creamy little balls of deliciousness that melt perfectly on top, adding a luscious richness.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity depth and helps everything crisp up just right in the oven.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and subtle savory note.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: A soft hint of sweetness that complements the garlic without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates all the flavors while balancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper: Adds a bit of bite and enhances the overall seasoning.
2 tablespoons pesto sauce: Bursts of basil, pine nuts, and parmesan that layer in herby freshness and richness.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Bright green jewels that provide fragrant, aromatic notes and a beautiful finish.
Balsamic glaze (for drizzling): Sweet tangy finish that ties all the flavors together with a touch of elegance.

How to Make Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While it warms up, slice your cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise so they’ll roast evenly and release their natural sweetness during baking. This preparatory step is key to developing that roasted depth of flavor we’re after.

Step 2: Toss Gnocchi and Tomatoes with Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the gnocchi. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Gently toss everything to coat the gnocchi and tomatoes evenly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Roast on the Sheet Pan

Spread the mixture out in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet. Pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to puff up beautifully and the tomatoes a chance to soften and wrinkle slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Pesto

Remove the sheet pan from the oven and scatter the fresh mozzarella pearls evenly among the gnocchi and tomatoes. Add small spoonfuls of that fragrant pesto sauce over the top. This layering step is what truly transforms the dish into a Caprese feast.

Step 5: Finish Baking and Garnish

Return the sheet pan to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for the mozzarella to warm through without losing its delicate texture. Once out, add fresh basil leaves scattered generously and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to heighten the bright, fresh, and tangy flavors.

How to Serve Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe

A white baking tray filled with three main layers: at the bottom, light golden yellow gnocchi with a smooth, slightly ridged texture; scattered around and in between are roasted red tomato halves for a juicy look; on top are soft, white mozzarella cheese pieces that are round and slightly melted; small dollops of green pesto sauce add texture and color contrast; fresh green basil leaves are scattered over the whole dish for decoration; a spoon made of light wood is lifting a portion of the food showing the layers clearly, all set on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a must; their aromatic scent and peppery bite lift the whole dish. Don’t skimp on a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze—it lends a sweet acidity that balances the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe is wonderful on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables adds a lovely fresh contrast. A crusty garlic bread on the side can also be a great way to mop up any leftover pesto and glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this vibrant dish straight from the sheet pan at your next casual dinner party for an inviting communal experience. Alternatively, pile it high on a large platter and garnish with extra fresh basil and a few whole cherry tomatoes for a rustic yet elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, so it’s great for make-ahead meals or next-day lunches.

Freezing

While fresh gnocchi dishes are best enjoyed soon after cooking, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When thawed, the texture might soften slightly but the flavors will remain delightful.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This method helps maintain the gnocchi’s texture and prevents the mozzarella from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen gnocchi and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture before tossing with the tomatoes and seasonings. This helps achieve that perfect roasted texture.

What if I don’t have pesto sauce on hand?

No worries! You can substitute with a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to keep those herby notes in play.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap out fresh mozzarella pearls for your favorite plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely and add toasted pine nuts or sliced avocado for creaminess.

Is it necessary to use balsamic glaze? What about vinegar?

Balsamic glaze brightens and ties the dish together with sweet tanginess that regular vinegar can’t quite replicate. If you don’t have glaze, reduce some balsamic vinegar until syrupy or drizzle lightly with good quality aged balsamic vinegar.

Are there any variations to this recipe?

Definitely! Try adding roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Caprese gnocchi is very flexible and invites your personal twist.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together with hardly any fuss. Whether you need a quick dinner to dazzle your family or an easy dish to share with friends, it’s always a winner. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting warmth of roasted gnocchi mingling with juicy tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and bright basil in every delicious bite.