Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi – 30-Minute Comfort Meal

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is the perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of fall. This easy-to-make, one-pan recipe is bursting with seasonal flavors like pumpkin, sage, and thyme, paired with soft potato gnocchi and savory sausage. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a comforting dish for entertaining, this creamy pumpkin gnocchi will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe

This recipe for creamy pumpkin gnocchi is not only delicious but also incredibly quick and easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy pumpkin sauce, combined with the chewy gnocchi and savory sausage, creates a flavorful and hearty meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

To make this creamy pumpkin gnocchi, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:

• Gnocchi: These soft potato dumplings add the perfect texture to the dish. I recommend using shelf-stable potato gnocchi for a quick cook time.
• Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is the base for the creamy sauce, offering a rich and smooth texture.
• Spicy Italian Sausage: Adds a bit of heat and savory depth to the dish. You can substitute it with mild sausage if you prefer a less spicy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety consistency.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a nice balance to the richness of the sauce.

• Fresh Herbs (Sage and Thyme): These fragrant herbs enhance the autumn flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory depth and helps thin the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: For seasoning and cooking.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

If you’re looking to customize the recipe, there are plenty of ingredient swaps you can make:

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute regular gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi, which is available in most grocery stores.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or another dairy-free cream to make the dish dairy-free.
• Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach, feel free to use kale, arugula, or even frozen spinach, ensuring it’s thawed and drained well.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Making this dish is simple, and with just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on your table in no time:

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add Gnocchi and Liquids: To the same skillet, add uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil and stir. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the gnocchi cook in the sauce.
3. Stir in Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree and minced garlic to the pan, stirring to combine.
4. Add Spinach: Throw in the fresh spinach and continue cooking until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Season and Serve: Add fresh thyme, fresh sage, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
6. Finish Cooking: Let everything simmer for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it for a bit longer.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A high-sided skillet or cast-iron pan ensures even cooking without any burning.
• Check the Gnocchi: Make sure the gnocchi is fully cooked by tasting it or checking for a soft texture.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, simply cook the gnocchi and sauce a little longer, or add a touch more cream.
• Flavor Boost: Feel free to add extra herbs, such as rosemary or sage, for additional flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

To complete your meal, try serving creamy pumpkin gnocchi with these pairings:

• Salad: A simple spinach or arugula salad with balsamic vinegar or a lemon dressing will cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Bread: Serve with a warm slice of Italian bread, garlic bread, or even a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Seasonal Delight: Why Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is Perfect for Fall

Pumpkin is a quintessential fall ingredient, and this creamy pumpkin gnocchi recipe highlights its natural sweetness and earthy flavor. The combination of rich cream, fragrant sage, and the soft texture of gnocchi makes this dish a comforting, seasonal treat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your autumn cravings.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is a perfect dish to indulge in during the fall season. With its comforting combination of soft gnocchi, savory sausage, and rich pumpkin cream sauce, this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make in just 30 minutes and with minimal cleanup, it’s a weeknight winner and a great option for entertaining. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner or something a bit more special, this dish brings the flavors of autumn to your table in the most delicious way.

FAQ for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Zucchini Bread: This moist and flavorful bread combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with zucchini, making it a perfect fall treat. It complements the creamy pumpkin gnocchi with its rich texture and comforting flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: For dessert lovers, this spiced pumpkin cake topped with creamy cheese frosting is a delightful choice. The warm spices and pumpkin flavors match the richness of the creamy pumpkin gnocchi, making it a perfect fall pairing.
• Chewy Brown Butter Maple Pumpkin Cookies: These cookies bring together the nutty flavor of brown butter, the sweetness of maple, and the richness of pumpkin. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a sweet and comforting autumn-inspired snack after a savory meal like creamy pumpkin gnocchi.

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