One-Pan Gnocchi with Vegetables & Herbs
This easy one-pan sheet recipe brings together the comforting flavors of gnocchi with the freshness of summer vegetables and herbs. Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes, fiber from zucchini, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Prepares 2-4 servings (as a main or side)
Ingredients:
1 container gnocchi
4 medium tomatoes
1 zucchini
1/2 onion
1 head of garlic
4 springs fresh thyme
5-6 basil leaves
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup parmesan cheese for topping
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the vegetables: quarter the tomatoes, slice the zucchini, and slice the onion. Cut off the top of the garlic head. Set aside.
On a large sheet pan, spread out the gnocchi, tomatoes, zucchini, and onion in an even layer. Drizzle generously with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Add the thyme sprigs and basil. Nestle the garlic head into the mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the gnocchi are golden and the vegetables are tender.
Mash the garlic for sauce: once out of the oven, remove the garlic head. Squeeze the content into a bowl and mash until it is a smooth paste. Add the paste back to the sheet pan and mix. This serves as your sauce.
Serve the roasted gnocchi and vegetables hot, optionally drizzling with a bit more olive oil or shaved parmesan.
Nutrition Benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Zucchini provides dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and helping to maintain a balanced blood sugar level.
Olive Oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
Fresh Herbs like thyme and basil add flavor without the need for extra salt, and they also bring their own set of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to the dish.
