Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi: The Coziest Fall Recipe Ever

My latest culinary passion for creamy pumpkin gnocchi delights taste buds with unexpected comfort.

Soft potato pillows dance through a rich, velvety sauce that whispers autumn’s warmest memories.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Italian traditions inspire this rustic recipe, where each bite tells a story of home-cooked magic.

Delicate herbs and smooth pumpkin transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Subtle spices weave through the gnocchi, promising a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Prepare to savor every magical, mouthwatering moment of this comforting classic.

Pumpkin Gnocchi Creamy Dish Flavor Notes

• Craft a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home chefs of all levels who want to impress without stress.
• Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish in just a few simple steps, solving the weeknight dinner dilemma with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for kale, adding crispy bacon, or creating a vegetarian version that suits every taste and dietary preference.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that form the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, rich vegetable puree that adds a warm, autumnal flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that creates a silky and indulgent sauce for the gnocchi.
• Spinach: Fresh, nutrient-packed leafy green that provides color and a subtle earthy taste to the recipe.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a delicious aromatic base for the sauce.
• Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps saute the aromatics and adds a subtle richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and a savory finish to the creamy sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish that provides a hint of heat and extra flavor complexity.

How to Prepare Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Drop the gnocchi into bubbling water and let them dance until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.

Drain the pasta, keeping a small cup of water on the side.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and let them become translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment.

Step 3: Create the Silky Sauce

• Pumpkin puree
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir everything together until smooth.

Let the mixture bubble gently.

Sprinkle in nutmeg, salt, and pepper for a flavor boost.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Fold in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt beautifully.

Gently mix in the cooked gnocchi.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Spoon the creamy gnocchi into warm bowls.

Shower with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty finish.

Tips for Perfectly Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Save the starchy liquid from boiling gnocchi to thin out sauces perfectly and add rich, authentic flavor to your dish.
• Gently stir gnocchi immediately after adding to the skillet to ensure they don't clump together or stick to the pan's surface.
• Toast nutmeg briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to release its intense, warm aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste.
• Add chopped spinach gradually and stir continuously to ensure even wilting and prevent overcooking, maintaining a vibrant green color.
• Adjust sauce thickness by incrementally adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky, smooth texture that coats each gnocchi perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Gnocchi Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer gnocchi to freezer-safe containers, keeping sauce and gnocchi together. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Pour gnocchi into skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently and add small amount of cream or pasta water. Warm slowly, mixing occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy pumpkin sauce with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic, parsley, and a touch of olive oil, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft gnocchi.
• Match with Roasted Autumn Salad: Craft a light salad featuring mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, candied pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Sparkling Prosecco: Elevate the dining experience by pairing the gnocchi with a bubbly Prosecco, whose effervescence and slight acidity will cleanse the palate between bites.

Variations on Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato or gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this creamy dish.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pasta: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and select plant-based gnocchi to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the rich pumpkin sauce while reducing carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked shredded chicken or crispy pancetta to the dish, increasing protein content and providing additional flavor complexity for hearty eaters.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade gnocchi works perfectly. Just ensure they’re properly cooked and have a light, fluffy texture before adding to the sauce.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is vegetarian, featuring gnocchi, pumpkin, spinach, and dairy ingredients like cream and Parmesan cheese.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that provides a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to your personal spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky pumpkin gnocchi celebrates autumn’s warmth with Italian-inspired comfort. Pillowy potato dumplings dance with sage brown butter, inviting seasonal joy to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) store-bought gnocchi
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups (90 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside, keeping 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Pour pumpkin puree into the skillet, stirring in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
5. Allow sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, infusing the flavors and developing a rich consistency.
6. Sprinkle nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste.
7. Incorporate chopped spinach, stirring until leaves wilt and blend seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
8. Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
9. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired silkiness.
10. Transfer the creamy pumpkin gnocchi into serving bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a dairy-free version that’s equally rich and creamy.
• Toast pine nuts or pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft gnocchi texture.
• Choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time constraints, ensuring they’re fresh for the best taste and texture.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce consistency, adding gradually to prevent over-thinning the luxurious pumpkin sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg