Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi : Comforting, Easy, and Packed with Flavor

Nothing says cozy comfort quite like a bowl of pillowy gnocchi smothered in a silky pumpkin cream sauce. This creamy pumpkin gnocchi recipe combines earthy pumpkin, luscious cream, and a hint of nutmeg for a dish that feels like fall in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant side dish for your next gathering, this pumpkin gnocchi recipe easy delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

If you’re a fan of rich, velvety pasta sauces and crave something a little different than your usual Alfredo, this pumpkin gnocchi sauce recipe is the perfect change of pace. It’s creamy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to whip up in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

This recipe brings together the sweetness of pumpkin and the heartiness of gnocchi in one warm, satisfying dish. The sauce is luxurious but light enough to let the pumpkin shine, making it an ideal comfort meal for cooler nights.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Want a dairy-free version? Easily swap the cream for coconut milk. Need to impress guests? Sprinkle with toasted sage and a drizzle of browned butter for a show-stopping presentation. You’ll love that this pumpkin gnocchi recipe easy enough for busy nights still feels special enough for a dinner party.

The real star here is the pumpkin gnocchi sauce itself — silky smooth, just the right amount of creaminess, and full of flavor that complements the gnocchi beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the gnocchi and sauce

1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi (or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan)
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground sage (or 6 fresh sage leaves)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (omit or use vegan substitute if dairy-free)

Optional garnishes

Extra parmesan
Fresh parsley, sage, or thyme
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Cracked black pepper

For another cozy fall dish to pair with this, you can serve a slice of Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake for dessert to complete your autumn menu.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling gnocchi
Large skillet for sauce
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own gnocchi from scratch following a guide like this Pumpkin Gnocchi Brown Butter Sage for homemade inspiration.

Step-by-Step Preparation: Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Step 1: Cook the gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2–3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the sauce base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the pumpkin and cream

Stir in the pumpkin puree and cream, whisking until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sage. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add cheese and gnocchi

Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Transfer the creamy pumpkin gnocchi to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with extra parmesan, cracked pepper, fresh herbs, or toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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Tips for a Silky Pumpkin Gnocchi Sauce

✅ Use full-fat cream or coconut milk for the creamiest texture
✅ Whisk the sauce constantly after adding cream to prevent separation
✅ Adjust the thickness by adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it seems too thick

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin — it’s too sweet and spiced
🚫 Overcooking the gnocchi — they can become gummy if left in the water too long
🚫 Letting the cream boil — keep it at a gentle simmer to maintain a smooth sauce

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a rustic, elegant look, serve the gnocchi on a large platter and sprinkle with fresh sage or thyme. Add a light green salad with a simple vinaigrette for contrast. A glass of sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing accompaniment.

If you’re serving this as part of a larger meal, it pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a hearty kale salad. For a festive dinner party, you can follow it with Pumpkin Pie Cobbler for dessert.

Recipe Tips and Variations

You can customize this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, cooked crumbled sausage, or spinach to the sauce. If you’d like to make it vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of cream, and a vegan parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for the cheese.

If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can incorporate browned butter into the sauce, similar to a Pumpkin Gnocchi Brown Butter Sage style recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy pumpkin gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the gnocchi.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Pumpkin Recipe Collection

This creamy pumpkin gnocchi is everything we love about comfort food: warm, flavorful, and easy to make. It celebrates the best of fall ingredients while staying light enough to enjoy any night of the week. Whether you’re adding it to your repertoire of easy dinners, looking for a standout side dish, or trying a new pumpkin gnocchi sauce recipe, this dish is sure to impress.

Its simple elegance makes it a perfect choice for family dinners, dinner parties, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the gnocchi fresh and toss with reheated sauce.

What’s the best gnocchi to use?
Store-bought potato gnocchi works beautifully, but homemade gnocchi adds an extra touch if you have the time.

Can I use canned evaporated milk instead of cream?
Yes, evaporated milk is a lighter option that still adds creaminess, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free gnocchi and check your parmesan is gluten-free, this dish can be made gluten-free.

Make and Share This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe Tonight!

This creamy pumpkin gnocchi is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Its rich, velvety sauce, tender gnocchi, and warm fall flavors make it a comfort food classic. Whether you’re new to cooking gnocchi or just looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe fits the bill.

If you loved this dish, don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and subscribe to the blog for more cozy fall favorites, like Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and hearty seasonal meals. Happy cooking!

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