We all have those days where we want something warm, delicious, and comforting—but without spending hours in the kitchen or using a dozen dishes. That’s where this One-Pan Shrimp Gnocchi with Veggies recipe steps in like a superhero wearing an apron. It’s colorful, flavorful, satisfying, and—best of all—everything cooks in just one pan.
What makes this dish so special? It balances rich, juicy shrimp with pillowy gnocchi and tender vegetables, all kissed by garlic and olive oil. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this is a recipe that makes dinnertime feel exciting again.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Recipe
There’s something comforting about knowing your entire meal can come together in a single skillet. Here’s why this recipe wins hearts:
- Less cleanup: Only one pan!
- Full of flavor: Garlic, herbs, shrimp, veggies, and crispy gnocchi make magic together.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Adaptable: You can switch veggies or add spice to your liking.
Ingredients at a Glance
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 🦐 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🥔 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 🥦 1 cup broccoli florets
- 🧅 1 small red onion, sliced
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍋 Juice of half a lemon
- 🌿 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 🌶 Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- 🧀 Optional: shaved Parmesan for topping
- 🫒 2 tbsp olive oil
Picking the Right Gnocchi
Shelf-stable gnocchi is ideal for this recipe because it holds its shape and browns beautifully in the pan. Skip boiling—yes, really! You’ll crisp it straight in the skillet. Refrigerated or homemade gnocchi works too, but keep a close eye on texture while cooking.
Shrimp: Fresh vs Frozen
Frozen shrimp are totally fine and convenient—just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry. Fresh shrimp offers a slightly better texture but isn’t necessary for everyday meals. Choose medium or large shrimp for the best bite.
The Best Vegetables to Use
Feel free to experiment with what’s in your fridge, but here are some veggies that pair beautifully with shrimp and gnocchi:
- Red bell peppers – for sweetness and color
- Broccoli or broccolini – adds crunch and fiber
- Zucchini – cooks quickly and absorbs flavor
- Spinach – throw it in during the last minute
- Cherry tomatoes – bursty and juicy
You want a mix of textures and colors to make the dish pop both visually and in taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sear the Gnocchi
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and let it brown undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then toss and cook another 3 minutes until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add the shrimp to the other side. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
4. Combine Everything
Add the crispy gnocchi back to the pan. Squeeze in lemon juice, stir everything together, and let flavors mingle for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve
Top with Parmesan shavings, red pepper flakes if you like heat, and serve hot!
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This helps the gnocchi crisp instead of steam.
- Use high heat briefly: Browning adds deep flavor.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.
- Use a wide skillet to give everything room to breathe.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian? Skip the shrimp and add chickpeas or white beans.
- No gnocchi? Try orzo or even cubed sweet potatoes.
- Spicy twist? Toss in some Cajun seasoning or a bit of chili oil.
- Add cream at the end for a rich, saucy version.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal due to gnocchi texture changes.
- To reheat: Pan-fry leftovers for crispiness or microwave with a splash of water.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Veggies
This meal is a nutritional win:
- Shrimp is rich in lean protein and low in calories.
- Gnocchi, while hearty, keeps you full when balanced with protein and veg.
- Veggies add antioxidants, fiber, and flavor.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats for satiety.
One-Pan Cooking: Why It Works So Well
One-pan meals save you more than just time—they offer:
- Even flavor blending
- Minimal cleanup
- Efficient heat distribution
- Less mess = less stress
It’s the weeknight kitchen hero we all deserve.
Serving Suggestions
Want to round out the meal?
- Add a side salad with a citrus vinaigrette
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices
- Top with extra herbs like basil or parsley for freshness
Wine and Drink Pairings
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp perfectly.
Non-alcoholic? Try a chilled cucumber-mint lemonade or a sparkling lime water.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overcooking the shrimp – watch for when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Boiling the gnocchi first – unnecessary and makes them mushy in this method.
- Adding too much liquid – this is a crisp-style recipe, not saucy.
- Not seasoning enough – taste as you go!
Conclusion
If you’re craving something cozy but don’t want a pile of dishes, this One-Pan Shrimp Gnocchi with Veggies recipe delivers on every front. It’s easy, delicious, balanced, and flexible. Plus, it looks like a million bucks on the plate, even though it only took you 30 minutes in the kitchen.
One-Pan Shrimp Gnocchi with Veggies – Easy Flavorful Dinner
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb potato gnocchi shelf-stable
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 lemon juiced
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
For Garnish (Optional)
- 0.25 cup shaved Parmesan for topping
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden. Toss and cook 3 more minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté red onion, bell pepper, and broccoli for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Push vegetables to one side. Add shrimp, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
- Return gnocchi to the skillet. Squeeze lemon juice over everything. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with shaved Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed before pan-searing to avoid sticking or steaming.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
3. What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
Chicken breast strips, scallops, or even tofu are great substitutes.
4. Can I meal prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can pre-chop your veggies and marinate the shrimp a day ahead.
5. How do I make it creamy without adding too much fat?
A splash of unsweetened cashew milk or Greek yogurt at the end can add creaminess without heaviness.
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One-Pan Shrimp Gnocchi with Veggies – Easy Flavorful Dinner