Crispy Gnocchi Sheet Pan with Spinach Pesto, Burrata & Chili Honey: A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Dinner

Imagine a dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and just one pan. This Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner is exactly that kind of magical weeknight hero. Moreover, it transforms humble ingredients into a stunning meal with incredible textures and a perfect balance of flavors. The pillowy gnocchi become irresistibly crispy in the oven, creating a fantastic contrast to the creamy, luxurious burrata cheese. Finally, a vibrant spinach pesto and a sweet-spicy chili honey drizzle tie everything together in a symphony of taste.

This recipe is a masterclass in efficient cooking. Essentially, you will toss everything on a single sheet pan and let the oven do the hard work. Consequently, you get a beautiful, impressive dish with almost no active cooking time. The result is a meal that feels indulgent and special, yet it is deceptively simple to prepare. Whether you are cooking for a busy family dinner or hosting a last-minute gathering, this crispy gnocchi sheet pan dinner is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ultimately, the magic lies in the combination of textures and temperatures. You get hot, crispy gnocchi and blistered tomatoes meeting cool, creamy burrata. Then, the fresh, herbal notes of the pesto play against the gentle heat and sweetness of the chili honey. Every bite is a delightful adventure. This Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner is not just food; it is a full sensory experience that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.

Quick Recipe Highlights

• Flavor Profile: This dish boasts a sophisticated balance of savory, creamy, herbal, and sweet-spicy notes. The umami from the parmesan in the pesto complements the rich burrata, while the chili honey adds a exciting kick that elevates the entire plate.
• Texture: Expect a wonderful contrast between the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the oven-roasted gnocchi and their soft, pillowy interior. The creamy burrata and juicy blistered tomatoes add lush, melting textures that make every forkful interesting.
• Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of roasting garlic and tomatoes, followed by the fresh, grassy aroma of basil and spinach from the pesto. The final drizzle of warm chili honey adds a subtle, sweet fragrance.
• Visual Appeal: The presentation is stunning, with vibrant green pesto swirled around crispy golden gnocchi and blistered red tomatoes. The white, oozing burrata ball in the center creates a beautiful focal point, making it perfect for social media or a dinner party.
• Skill Level Needed: This is a beginner-friendly recipe designed for success. If you can use a sheet pan and a food processor or blender, you can absolutely master this dish. The techniques are straightforward and forgiving.
• Special Equipment: You only need a standard half-sheet pan and either a food processor or a high-speed blender to make the fresh pesto. A good chef’s knife and cutting board are helpful for prepping the garlic and tomatoes.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: We rate this recipe as “Easy” because it involves minimal hands-on preparation and utilizes a simple, foolproof cooking method. The most complex step is making the pesto, which is essentially a dump-and-blend process. There is no fussy technique or precise timing required for the sheet pan roasting, making it very accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Category: This dish perfectly straddles the line between a comforting pasta dinner and an elegant, vegetable-forward main course. It is substantial enough to be a standalone meal but could also serve as a spectacular centerpiece for a vegetarian feast or a impressive side dish for a larger gathering.
• Cuisine: While gnocchi and pesto hail from Italy, and burrata is a classic Southern Italian cheese, the use of chili honey introduces a modern, global fusion twist. This recipe celebrates Italian culinary foundations while embracing contemporary flavor combinations popular in modern American and global cuisine.
• Cost: This is a moderately priced meal that delivers high-end restaurant flavor. Store-bought gnocchi and pre-made pesto can lower the cost and time further. The burrata is the splurge ingredient, but one ball generously serves four people, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy a luxurious cheese.
• Season: This Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner is truly a year-round winner. It feels light and fresh in the spring and summer with peak basil and tomatoes. Conversely, it provides cozy, comforting warmth in the fall and winter months.
• Occasion: Its versatility is a major strength. It is ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, a relaxed weekend lunch, or a stress-free dish for entertaining. The stunning presentation makes it special enough for a date night at home or a casual dinner party with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, the taste and texture of this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner are utterly captivating. Each component brings something unique to the table. The gnocchi develop a fantastic crispy shell that gives way to a soft, potato-y center. Meanwhile, the burst cherry tomatoes offer juicy acidity. The burrata provides an unmatched creamy richness, and the pesto adds a bright, herbal freshness. Finally, the chili honey drizzle is the masterstroke, adding a layer of complex sweetness and gentle heat that ties every flavor together beautifully. Every single bite is a harmonious blend of contrasting yet complementary elements.

Furthermore, the convenience factor of this sheet pan dinner cannot be overstated. You essentially have one pan to wash, and the oven does nearly all the work. This makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy evenings. Additionally, the active prep time is remarkably short. You can have the pesto made and the gnocchi tossed with oil in the time it takes your oven to preheat. Consequently, you can step away and attend to other tasks while dinner cooks itself to perfection. This efficiency is a game-changer for home cooks who want impressive results without spending hours in the kitchen.

From a nutritional perspective, this dish offers a well-rounded profile. Gnocchi provides carbohydrates for energy, while the spinach in the pesto packs in vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and folate. Olive oil and nuts in the pesto contribute healthy fats. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene. Using a whole ball of burrata across four servings allows you to enjoy its decadent flavor without overdoing it on saturated fat. You can easily boost the vegetable content by adding other sheet-pan-friendly veggies like sliced zucchini or bell peppers to the roast.

This recipe also holds tremendous social and entertaining value. Its stunning visual appeal makes it a showstopper that will have guests thinking you spent all day cooking. Importantly, it is largely prepared ahead of time; you can make the pesto and prep the gnocchi tray in advance. Then, you simply pop it in the oven before your guests arrive. This allows you to be present with your company instead of being stuck at the stove. It is a dish that encourages sharing and conversation, perfect for a relaxed, communal dining experience.

Finally, this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner is wonderfully cost-effective and accessible. The ingredients are readily available at most standard grocery stores. While burrata might be a special purchase, the rest of the components are pantry staples or affordable fresh produce. You can also adapt it based on what you have on hand, using walnuts instead of pine nuts in the pesto or a different kind of honey. This flexibility and the sheer volume of flavor you get from a relatively small investment make it a brilliant recipe for any budget.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The story of this dish begins with its core components, each with a rich history. Gnocchi, the little potato dumplings, have humble peasant origins across Italy. Initially, they were a resourceful way to use leftover bread or mashed potatoes. The word “gnocchi” likely derives from “nocca,” meaning knuckle, or “nocco,” a knot in wood, describing their shape. Over centuries, they evolved into a beloved staple, with regional variations appearing on Thursdays in Rome and during Carnival in Venice. Their transformation in this recipe, from boiled to crispy roasted, is a modern interpretation that highlights their versatility beyond traditional preparations.

Pesto, specifically Pesto alla Genovese from the Liguria region, is the vibrant green heart of the sauce. Traditionally, it is made with a marble mortar and pestle—hence the name “pesto” from the Italian “pestare,” meaning to crush or pound. The classic recipe uses Genovese basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and olive oil. Our version incorporates spinach, a common modern adaptation that boosts the nutrient content and offers a slightly milder, earthier flavor while stretching the more expensive basil. This evolution shows how traditional recipes can be respectfully adapted to contemporary tastes and nutritional goals.

Burrata cheese is the relative newcomer but has taken the culinary world by storm. It originated in the early 20th century in the Apulia region of Southern Italy as a way for cheesemakers to use up the scraps of mozzarella (the “stracciatella”). They created a creamy, rich center by mixing these scraps with fresh cream, then enveloping it in a shell of solid mozzarella. The name “burrata” means “buttered,” a perfect description of its luxurious texture. Its inclusion in dishes like this crispy gnocchi sheet pan dinner represents the modern appetite for luxurious, textural contrasts in casual dining.

The final, fusion element is the chili honey. While honey has been used as a sweetener for millennia, and chili peppers were introduced to Europe and beyond after Columbus, their combination is a more recent global trend. This sweet-heat condiment draws inspiration from diverse culinary traditions, from Italian ‘nduja honey to American hot honey. Its drizzle over an Italian-inspired dish exemplifies today’s borderless cuisine, where chefs and home cooks freely combine flavors from different cultures to create exciting new taste experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Let us start with the star: potato gnocchi. For this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner, shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi work perfectly. Look for gnocchi with a short ingredient list, ideally just potato, flour, and salt. Avoid any with added gums or preservatives for the best texture. You do not need to boil them first; their high starch content allows them to crisp up beautifully when roasted directly in oil. For a homemade touch, you can certainly use fresh gnocchi, but reduce the roasting time slightly as they are more delicate. Store unused gnocchi in a cool, dry pantry or according to package refrigeration instructions.

Next, the spinach and basil pesto forms the flavorful base. Fresh basil is non-negotiable for authentic aroma, but adding spinach makes the pesto more economical and nutrient-dense. Use young, tender spinach leaves. For the nuts, traditional pine nuts are ideal, but toasted walnuts or almonds make excellent, more affordable substitutes. Always use extra-virgin olive oil for its fruity, peppery notes. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is far superior to pre-grated, which contains anti-caking agents. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire sauce. Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge with a thin layer of oil on top to prevent browning.

The burrata cheese is the luxurious centerpiece. True burrata should feel soft and yielding, with a delicate, thin outer shell of mozzarella. When you cut into it, the rich, creamy stracciatella interior should ooze out. Always buy burrata as fresh as possible and consume it within a day or two of purchase. Keep it refrigerated in its liquid (usually whey or brine) until ready to use. For the best experience, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow its creamy texture to fully express itself. If you cannot find burrata, fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) is a good, though less creamy, alternative.

Finally, the chili honey is the simple yet transformative finisher. You can use any variety of honey you like—wildflower, clover, or orange blossom all work wonderfully. For the chili component, red pepper flakes are convenient, but you can also use finely chopped fresh Fresno or jalapeño peppers, or even a splash of Calabrian chili paste for more depth. Gently warming the honey with the chili flakes infuses the flavor without cooking the honey. This condiment can be made ahead and stored in a jar at room temperature indefinitely. The flavor will continue to deepen and mellow over time, making it a fantastic staple for your pantry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Sheet Pan: This is the number one reason gnocchi steam instead of crisp. Arrange them in a single, even layer with space between each piece. If necessary, use two pans to ensure proper air circulation and browning.
• Using a Cold Sheet Pan: For maximum crispiness, place your empty sheet pan in the oven as it preheats. Adding the oiled gnocchi to a hot pan gives them an immediate sear, preventing sticking and promoting a golden crust.
• Skipping the Oil Toss: Do not just drizzle oil over the gnocchi on the pan. Instead, toss them thoroughly in a bowl with oil, salt, and pepper. This ensures every single piece is evenly coated, leading to uniform browning and seasoning.
• Not Blotting the Burrata: Before placing the whole ball on the finished dish, gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture from the packaging prevents it from watering down your beautiful pesto and making the plate soggy.
• Blending the Pesto Until Completely Smooth: Pesto should have texture. Over-processing it in a food processor or blender can heat it up and turn it bitter. Pulse until it is just combined but still slightly coarse for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
• Adding Cheese to Hot Pesto Immediately: If you are using a food processor, add the grated Parmesan cheese by pulsing it in at the end or stirring it in by hand after blending the other ingredients. This prevents the cheese from melting into a gummy paste.
• Using Stale or Low-Quality Olive Oil: Since pesto is uncooked, the flavor of your olive oil is front and center. A robust, fruity extra-virgin olive oil makes all the difference. Do not use light-tasting or old oil that has lost its vibrancy.
• Drizzling Cold Chili Honey: The viscosity of honey increases when cold, making it hard to drizzle. Warm the chili honey gently for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat to make it beautifully fluid for finishing the dish.

Essential Techniques

The first crucial technique is achieving the perfect crispy roast on the gnocchi. The key is high heat and space. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C), and place the empty sheet pan inside to get it screaming hot. Meanwhile, toss the gnocchi vigorously in a bowl with ample oil until every surface glistens. This coating conducts heat evenly and promotes browning. When you spread them on the preheated pan, you should hear an immediate sizzle. Resist the urge to stir them too often; let them develop a deep golden crust on one side before giving them a single, careful flip halfway through cooking.

Mastering fresh pesto is another essential skill. The goal is to emulsify the oil with the other ingredients without over-working them. Always start by pulsing the garlic and nuts alone to break them down finely. Next, add the greens (basil and spinach) and pulse until roughly chopped. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together. Finally, transfer it to a bowl and stir in the grated cheese and lemon juice by hand. This method preserves the fresh color, prevents bitterness from over-blending, and keeps the cheese from becoming gummy. A pinch of salt at the end perfects the seasoning.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Gnocchi Sheet Pan Dinner

For extra flavor, toss the gnocchi with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or finely grated vegetarian parmesan along with the oil before roasting. This creates an even more flavorful, cheesy crust on each piece.

If your cherry tomatoes are very large, slice them in half to ensure they blister and release their juices in the same time it takes the gnocchi to crisp. Smaller tomatoes can be left whole.

Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the finished dish just before serving. This adds a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy burrata and crispy gnocchi.

For a more substantial meal, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the sheet pan with the gnocchi. They will also crisp up and add protein and fiber.

Make a double batch of the spinach pesto and freeze half in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag for instant pesto whenever you need it.

Let the sheet pan with the roasted gnocchi and tomatoes cool for just 2-3 minutes before adding the pesto and burrata. This prevents the delicate burrata from melting too quickly and allows the pesto to cling nicely to the warm components.

Use the leftover burrata liquid (whey) from the container. It is packed with flavor and can be whisked into a vinaigrette, added to soups, or used to cook grains like rice or farro.

If you prefer a more pronounced chili flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika (pimentón) or a few drops of high-quality chili oil to the honey infusion.

Variations and Adaptations

Consider regional variations to take this dish on a world tour. For a Greek twist, use a dill and mint pesto with feta cheese instead of burrata, and finish with a drizzle of oregano-infused honey. For a Mexican-inspired version, make a cilantro and pepita pesto, use cotija cheese, and blend the honey with chipotle powder. An Asian fusion approach could involve a pesto made with Thai basil, cashews, and lime, topped with crispy tofu instead of burrata and a sriracha-honey glaze.

Seasonal adaptations keep this recipe exciting all year. In spring, use asparagus tips and fresh peas on the sheet pan alongside the gnocchi. Summer calls for zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. For fall, incorporate cubed butternut squash and sage in the pesto. Winter versions can feature roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli rabe. Simply adjust the roasting time for harder vegetables by adding them to the pan 5-10 minutes before the gnocchi.

Dietary modifications are straightforward. For a gluten-free Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner, ensure you use certified gluten-free potato gnocchi. To make it vegan, omit the cheese in the pesto (use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor) and replace the burrata with a vegan mozzarella ball or a dollop of creamy cashew cheese. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) in the pesto instead of pine nuts.

Serving and Presentation Guide

Plating this dish is part of the fun. For a family-style presentation, swirl most of the pesto directly on the warm sheet pan or a large serving platter. Arrange the crispy gnocchi and blistered tomatoes over the pesto. Place the whole ball of burrata in the center. Just before serving, use a sharp knife to cut a deep “X” into the top of the burrata, allowing the creamy center to spill out invitingly. Finally, drizzle the chili honey artistically over everything and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.

For individual plates, start with a smear of pesto on one side of each shallow bowl. Carefully pile a portion of gnocchi and tomatoes on the pesto. Tear a quarter of the burrata ball and place it gently on top, allowing the stracciatella to drape over the gnocchi. Drizzle with chili honey and finish with a crack of black pepper and a flaky sea salt, like Maldon. This method ensures every guest gets a perfect balance of all components in each bite.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

The ideal wine pairing for this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner should complement its herbal, creamy, and slightly spicy notes. A crisp, unoaked Italian white like Vermentino or a Greco di Tufo works beautifully. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of the burrata and pesto. Alternatively, a light-bodied, fruity red with low tannins, such as a chilled Beaujolais (Gamay) or a Schiava from Northern Italy, can handle the herbal pesto and sweet-spicy honey without overwhelming the dish.

For non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling lemonade or a ginger beer. The effervescence and citrus or spice cleanse the palate between bites. An iced herbal tea, like basil-mint or chamomile, can echo the herbal notes in the pesto. Even a simple glass of chilled club water with a squeeze of lemon and a cucumber slice provides a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness. The goal is to choose a beverage that refreshes the palate without competing with the complex flavors on the plate.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, note that the crispy gnocchi will soften upon storage. The pesto and burrata will keep best if stored separately from the roasted gnocchi and tomatoes. If already combined, it will still be tasty but the textures will meld. To reheat, spread the gnocchi and tomatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Add the fresh pesto and burrata after reheating. Unfortunately, this dish does not freeze well due to the dairy and fresh pesto components.

Make Ahead Strategies

You can prep almost every component of this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner ahead of time. Make the pesto up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge with a layer of oil on top. The chili honey can be made weeks ahead and stored at room temperature. You can even toss the gnocchi in oil and arrange them with the tomatoes on the sheet pan, then cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before roasting. Only add the burrata and final garnishes after baking and just before serving. This makes it an exceptional choice for stress-free entertaining.

Scaling Instructions

This recipe scales beautifully. For two people, simply halve all ingredients and use a quarter sheet pan. The cooking time may reduce by a few minutes, so start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. To double or triple the recipe for a crowd, use multiple sheet pans and rotate their positions in the oven halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. You may need to increase the total cook time by 3-5 minutes. When scaling up, mix the gnocchi with oil in a large bowl in batches to ensure even coating. Consider serving the burrata as multiple smaller balls scattered across the platter for easier sharing.

Nutritional Deep Dive

This dish offers a balanced mix of macronutrients. The gnocchi provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The olive oil and nuts in the pesto, along with the burrata, contribute healthy monounsaturated fats and some saturated fat. The spinach, basil, and tomatoes deliver a wealth of micronutrients: vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. The pine nuts offer magnesium and zinc. While the burrata is rich, using one ball across four servings moderates its calorie and fat contribution per person. For a lighter version, you can reduce the oil used to toss the gnocchi by a tablespoon or use a light olive oil spray.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, the only critical swap is the gnocchi. Seek out certified gluten-free potato gnocchi, which are widely available. Double-check that your chili flakes and other packaged ingredients are certified GF to avoid cross-contamination. To make this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner dairy-free and vegan, create a pesto without cheese using nutritional yeast for a savory note. Substitute the burrata with a high-quality vegan mozzarella or a dollop of rich, homemade cashew cream. Ensure the chili honey uses vegan-friendly honey or substitute with agave nectar or maple syrup infused with chili.

For a lower-carb or keto adaptation, replace the potato gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi (available frozen). Be sure to pat them very dry before tossing in oil to encourage crisping. Increase the healthy fat content by adding extra olive oil to the pesto and using a full ball of burrata per serving. Omit the honey from the drizzle and instead use a sugar-free sweetener infused with chili, or simply use a high-quality chili oil. This transforms the dish into a satisfying, high-fat, low-carb meal.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your gnocchi are not crisping, the oven temperature is likely too low, the pan is overcrowded, or the gnocchi were too wet. Always preheat your oven thoroughly and use a preheated pan. Ensure gnocchi are patted dry if using a refrigerated variety that seems moist. If they are still soft, spread them out and broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. If your pesto turns brown, it was likely over-blended or exposed to air. Always store it with a layer of oil on top and add a small amount of lemon juice, which acts as an antioxidant to help preserve the green color.

If the dish tastes bland, you likely under-seasoned at multiple stages. Season the gnocchi generously with salt before roasting. Taste and season your pesto with salt and lemon juice until it sings. Finally, finish the entire plated dish with flaky sea salt. The chili honey should have a noticeable kick; if it is too mild, warm it gently with more chili flakes and let it steep longer. Balancing salt, acid, fat, and heat is key to making this dish truly exceptional.

Recipe Success Stories

Readers and home cooks have embraced this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner for its versatility. One community member shared how she added pre-cooked Italian sausage slices to the pan for her meat-loving family, creating a complete one-pan meal. Another successfully made it for a vegetarian potluck, where it was the first dish to disappear. Many have noted that the recipe is forgiving; one cook forgot the cherry tomatoes but added sun-dried tomatoes from a jar to the pesto instead, creating a deliciously intense variation. The consensus is that the chili honey is a revelation, with many now keeping a jar of it in their pantry for everything from pizza to roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

If you loved the flavors in this Crispy Gnocchi with Pesto, Burrata, and Chili Honey Sheet Pan Dinner, explore other sheet pan marvels like our Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable and Halloumi Bake or our Harissa Salmon with Crispy Chickpeas. To master pesto in all its forms, check out our guide to Classic Basil Pesto and its many variations, including sun-dried tomato and kale almond pesto. For more on working with delicate cheeses, our article on “Burrata 101: Serving, Storing, and Recipe Ideas” is a great next read. Finally, invest in a good quality half-sheet pan and a sharp chef’s knife—they are the workhorses that make recipes like this so effortless and enjoyable to create.

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Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.