Imagine pillowy-soft gnocchi drenched in a luxuriously creamy pumpkin sauce, speckled with crispy sage leaves and a hint of spice. That’s what this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi delivers—a rich, velvety bowl of comfort perfect for chilly nights or any time you crave a soul-warming dish.

This dish balances the sweetness of pumpkin with the depth of parmesan, garlic, and cream, creating a silky sauce that clings lovingly to each gnocchi bite. Whether served as a show-stopping vegetarian main or a cozy side, it’s sure to earn a spot in your cold-weather comfort food rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet—less cleanup, more flavor.
Seasonal and Cozy: Pumpkin adds warmth and a slight sweetness that screams autumn.
Fast & Fancy: Ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a bistro.
Perfectly Balanced: Creamy, cheesy, savory, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Customizable: Add browned sausage, roasted veggies, or top with nuts for a twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, make sure you have these essentials ready. Each plays a key role in delivering that creamy, dreamy texture.

Large Non-Stick Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ideal for cooking gnocchi and making the sauce in one go, ensuring nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps stir without scratching your pan, especially useful when melting the cheese and integrating the pumpkin puree.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise cream, cheese, and seasoning ratios—a balanced sauce depends on accuracy.
Fine Grater: If using fresh parmesan, grating it finely helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Colander: To drain gnocchi if you opt for boiled instead of pan-seared (both work!).

Have everything measured and ready before heating your pan—this dish moves fast!

Ingredients for the Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building up that luxurious, well-balanced flavor profile:

Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the pumpkin cream sauce like little flavor sponges.
Pumpkin Puree: Adds creamy body and natural sweetness with a rich golden hue.
Heavy Cream: Provides a velvety texture and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives depth, saltiness, and umami that balances the sweetness of pumpkin.
Garlic: Sautéed for warmth and aroma that anchors the sauce.
Butter: Used for sautéing and creating a rich flavor base.
Sage Leaves: Crispy sage adds earthy fragrance and an elegant finish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to make each flavor pop.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick to contrast the creamy sauce.

How To Make the Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Step 1: Crisp the Sage

Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and sauté until crispy and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté until just golden and aromatic, around 30 seconds.

Step 3: Stir in Pumpkin & Cream

Add the pumpkin puree and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until fully combined. Simmer gently to let the flavors meld, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan & Season

Stir in grated parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

If using shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi, cook them according to package instructions (usually a quick boil until they float). Alternatively, sauté directly in the pan until golden.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Toss the cooked gnocchi into the pumpkin cream sauce, gently coating each piece. Warm through for another minute. Top with crispy sage and a sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is best served hot and fresh from the skillet, garnished with extra parmesan and a few crispy sage leaves for that eye-catching finish. Pair it with a simple arugula salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness. A crusty slice of garlic bread also makes an excellent companion.

Leftovers? Absolutely. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?

Both shelf-stable and fresh gnocchi work well. If you enjoy a slightly crispy exterior, pan-fry them before tossing them in the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Cook the gnocchi just before serving for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a thick oat cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute to keep it creamy without the dairy.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Crispy pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded rotisserie chicken are great additions to make it more filling.

Will frozen gnocchi work?

Yes, just cook them according to the package and ensure they’re fully warmed before adding them to the sauce.

How spicy is it with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes offer a mild kick. You can reduce or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Want More Cozy Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi has you craving even more pasta perfection, you’ll love these recipes from the Kitchen by Kate collection:

Chorizo Gnocchi with Mozzarella for a smoky, cheesy twist.
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini for rich and savory indulgence.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Creamy Alfredo Tortellini if you love a hearty, meaty pasta.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for those cheesy comfort food cravings.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy, creamy comfort meal.

And don’t forget to let me know how your creamy pumpkin gnocchi turned out. Did you crisp the sage? Add a spicy twist? Maybe paired it with roasted nuts? Share in the comments below—I love hearing your kitchen creations!

For more comforting and seasonal dishes like this one, visit my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest