Sheet Pan Sausage Gnocchi with Crispy Kale
When you need an easy-to-make autumnal sheet pan dinner that is ready in 30 minutes, you’ll want to grab this recipe for Sheet Pan Sausage, Gnocchi and Crispy Kale. It’s a delicious seasonal favourite that will save your dinnertime dilemma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This delicious recipe is gluten-free, incredibly satisfying, and full of ingredients that can help manage blood sugar levels and support balanced hormones, especially for women in menopause.
Why This Recipe Works
When we think about supporting our hormones, balancing blood sugar is one of the most effective and natural ways to do so. Keeping blood sugar stable reduces the roller-coaster effect of energy highs and lows. This reduces cravings, and supports overall hormone health. Women in menopause are particularly sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations, which can impact mood, sleep, and energy levels. Here’s how this sheet pan recipe can help:
Lean Protein (Sausage): Protein helps slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream, keeping you fuller for longer and providing steady energy. Sausage is flavourful and satiating, but you can opt for a leaner chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer.
Complex Carbs (Gnocchi and Butternut Squash): The combination of gnocchi and butternut squash provides complex carbs that digest more slowly, resulting in a gradual release of glucose. This helps avoid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can lead to fatigue and irritability—two things no one wants, especially in menopause!
Fiber and Nutrients (Butternut Squash and Kale): Butternut squash and kale are both high in fiber, which also supports blood sugar balance and digestive health. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function, while kale provides calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants that support bone health and reduce inflammation—key elements for women’s health during and after menopause.
Sheet Pan Sausage Gnocchi with Crispy Kale
Ingredients:
18 oz pre-cooked sausage of choice (approx 4 links) Double check that your sausage is gluten free!
16 oz gnocchi Not all gnocchi is gluten free! Be sure to buy a brand that does not use wheat flour**
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2” cubes
2 cups torn kale leaves
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Cut the pre-cooked sausage into rounds. Place the sausages, gnocchi, and butternut squash onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the spices. Using your hands, toss to coat.
Place the sheet pan into the oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven, toss and add the kale. Place the sheet pan back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
Remove from the oven when the butternut squash looks slightly caramelized and the kale is crispy. Let it sit for 5 minutes, add the parmesan cheese and serve!
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Want More delicious fall recipes?
Have you tried some of these?
Autumn Harvest Chicken and Veggie Bowl
Sheet Pan Sausage, Sweet Potato and Apples
Creamy Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Bacon, Fennel and Rosemary
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