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Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe

Bring cozy fall flavors to your table with this creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi. Pillowy potato gnocchi is coated in a silky pumpkin Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, sage, and warm spices, creating a comforting dinner that's elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 472

Ingredients
  

Pumpkin Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Gnocchi
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potato gnocchi according to the package directions. Once the gnocchi float to the surface, drain them well and set aside.
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant without letting it brown.
    Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat
  3. Stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and milk, whisking until the sauce is completely smooth. Add the Parmesan, sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, then continue stirring until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
    Stir in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and milk
  4. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the pumpkin sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
    Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss
  5. Finish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving warm.
    Finish with fresh parsley

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest sauce.
  • Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as they become soft quickly.
  • Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
  • Fresh sage adds the best flavor, but dried sage works in a pinch.