Name: Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe: 30-Minute Fall Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Oh, fall! Is there anything better than curling up with a big bowl of comfort food as the leaves start to turn? For me, it’s all about pumpkin. Pumpkin spice lattes? Yes, please! Pumpkin bread? Absolutely! But you know what *really* hits the spot? This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s so easy to whip up, even on those crazy weeknights when you’re thinking about ordering takeout. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was just perfect. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Okay, so why *this* Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall? Well, let me tell you! It’s got everything you could want in a fall dinner. It’s super quick, unbelievably easy, and the flavor? Forget about it! But here’s the breakdown:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering pizza! And most of that time is just letting the sauce simmer and get all cozy.

Bursting with Fall Flavors

Pumpkin, nutmeg, Parmesan…it’s like fall exploded in your mouth in the best possible way. The pumpkin and nutmeg are just *meant* to be together. I swear!

Comfort Food at Its Finest

That creamy sauce, those soft little gnocchi…it’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good. You know? Like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

A Vegetarian Delight

Yep, completely meat-free! So, if you’re looking for a tasty vegetarian option that’s perfect for fall, this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall is *it*!

Ingredients for Your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic happens, folks. And trust me, using good quality stuff makes ALL the difference. So, grab your grocery list and let’s get started!

1 pound gnocchi. I usually just grab the pre-made kind from the store – it’s so easy! But if you’re feeling ambitious, go for homemade.
1 tablespoon olive oil. Nothing fancy, just your everyday olive oil will do!
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Don’t skimp on the chopping! You want those little pieces to practically disappear into the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced. I’m a garlic girl, so sometimes I add a *little* extra. Don’t tell anyone!
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree, *not* pumpkin pie filling! This is super important. You want 100% pumpkin, not all that sugary stuff.
1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium. I like low sodium so I can control the saltiness myself.
1/2 cup heavy cream. This is what makes it SO creamy! Don’t try to substitute with milk – trust me on this one.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, *freshly* grated! The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same, ya know?
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. This is what gives it that warm, cozy fall vibe. Don’t skip it!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Seasoning is key, people! Don’t be shy.
Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional), chopped. Adds a little something extra, but totally optional. If you have it, great! If not, no biggie.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall - detail 1

How to Make This Delicious Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! This is where the magic *really* happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of delicious Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi before you know it! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Cooking the Gnocchi

First, you’ll want to get your gnocchi going. Just follow the package directions – usually, it involves boiling some water and tossing them in. They’re done when they float to the top! It’s kind of fun to watch, actually. Just don’t forget to drain them really well after they’re cooked. Nobody wants watery gnocchi!

Sautéing the Aromatics

Next up, grab a large skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Throw in your chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened and translucent – about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute or so, until it’s nice and fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic, or it’ll get bitter! Nobody wants bitter gnocchi!

Creating the Pumpkin Sauce

Now for the good stuff! Stir in your pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine, then bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce can thicken up and all those flavors can meld together. Mmm, it smells SO good at this point!

Combining Gnocchi and Sauce

Gently add your cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Toss them gently to coat everything evenly. You want every single little gnocchi to be covered in that creamy, dreamy sauce. Don’t be too rough, or you’ll squish them!

Serving Your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Serve it up immediately! If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh sage leaves. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts, either! And that’s it! You’ve just made the most amazing Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Want to take your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve! These tips will help you nail this recipe every single time.

Using Fresh vs. Store-Bought Gnocchi

Okay, so fresh gnocchi is definitely a *treat* – they’re pillowy soft and melt in your mouth. But honestly? The store-bought kind works just fine and saves a TON of time. If you’re using store-bought, just make sure they’re not too hard or gummy. Nobody wants gummy gnocchi!

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

Sometimes, that pumpkin sauce can be a little finicky. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more vegetable broth or cream until it thins out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce. Trust me, you’ll get the hang of it!

Adding Extra Flavor

Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a clove or two of roasted garlic to the sauce! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of dry white wine while the onions are cooking adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just don’t go overboard!

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall - detail 2

Variations on This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi – awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? Don’t worry, this recipe is *super* easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Spicy Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Want to add a little kick? Just sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while the sauce is simmering! Start with a small pinch, and add more to taste. Careful, a little goes a long way!

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall with Spinach

For a pop of color and some extra nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh spinach right at the end, just before serving. It’ll wilt down in the warm sauce. Easy peasy!

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall with Sausage

If you’re not strictly vegetarian, try adding some cooked Italian sausage! Just brown it in the skillet before you start the sauce. Trust me, the savory sausage with the sweet pumpkin is a match made in heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Okay, HUGE no-no here! Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which will totally mess up the flavor of your sauce. You want 100% pure pumpkin puree – trust me on this one! It’s usually right next to the pie filling in the store, so just double-check the label!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the onion and garlic, grate the Parmesan… But I wouldn’t recommend making the whole dish in advance, because the gnocchi can get a little mushy. If you *really* need to, you can store it in the fridge for a day or two, but reheat it gently and maybe add a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce.

Can I freeze Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall?

Freezing isn’t ideal, to be honest. The gnocchi can get a weird texture when it thaws. But if you absolutely *have* to, make sure to cool it completely first, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Just don’t expect it to be *quite* as good as fresh!

What if my sauce is too thick/thin?

Sauce not cooperating? No problem! If it’s too thick, just add a splash more vegetable broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up. Easy peasy!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? Here’s a rough estimate for one serving of this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the brand of gnocchi and how much Parmesan you sprinkle on top!

Approximately:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g, Unsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0g – yay!)
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 8g

So, there you have it! Not exactly a health food, but hey, it’s all about balance, right? And this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is SO worth it! Treat yourself!

Enjoy Your Delicious Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall!

Alright, that’s all there is to it! I really, REALLY hope you give this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall a try. It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite fall dishes, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do!

And hey, if you make it, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me! I’d love to see your creations. Tag me on social media or leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!