Cozy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe for Fall

Crafting delightful pumpkin gnocchi transports you straight to a cozy italian kitchen where comfort meets culinary creativity.

Soft pillows of potato and pumpkin dance with fragrant sage leaves in a rich, golden butter sauce.

Autumn’s warmth radiates through each carefully crafted morsel, promising a memorable dining experience.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that whispers of home-style cooking and rustic charm.

Delicate herbs and smooth pumpkin merge into a symphony of flavor that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Subtle nuances of nutmeg and parmesan cheese complete this inviting plate.

Take a culinary journey and let these tender gnocchi become your new favorite fall comfort meal.

Why Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Is Dreamy

• Craft a Homemade Masterpiece: Create restaurant-quality pumpkin gnocchi right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, using different cheeses, or incorporating seasonal vegetables for a personalized touch.
• Comfort Food Champion: Enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, sage, and buttery sauce for a cozy meal perfect for cool evenings.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious dinner in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Gnocchi Perfection

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that provides a rich, autumnal flavor to the gnocchi.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a soft, creamy texture and mild tangy taste to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and create a tender gnocchi texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the gnocchi dough together.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to balance and enhance the flavors of the gnocchi.

• Butter, Sage Leaves: Create a classic, aromatic butter sauce that complements the pumpkin gnocchi with a rich, herbaceous flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle depth to the cooking process.

• Parmesan Cheese, Black Pepper: Add extra flavor and a finishing touch to the completed dish.

Steps to Make Sagey, Buttery Gnocchi Bliss

Step 1: Drain Pumpkin Moisture

Place paper towels inside a colander. Spread pumpkin puree across the towels and allow liquid to drain completely for several minutes.

Step 2: Create Silky Dough

• Pumpkin puree
• Ricotta cheese
• Flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until a smooth, soft dough develops.

Step 3: Shape Dough Log

Sprinkle flour on your work surface.

Transfer dough and dust with additional flour. Gently roll into a long, elegant log shape.

Step 4: Cut Perfect Gnocchi Pieces

Slice dough into 6 equal sections. Roll each piece into slender rope approximately two-thirds inch thick.

Chop into small gnocchi squares. Optional: Create delicate fork ridges along each piece.

Step 5: Boil Gnocchi

Fill large pot with salted water. Bring to rolling boil.

Drop gnocchi into water and cook until pieces float upward, approximately one minute. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Golden Gnocchi Sear

Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium-high temperature. Add gnocchi and shake pan, creating golden-brown exterior for roughly 90 seconds.

Step 7: Infuse Sage Butter

Introduce remaining butter and fresh sage leaves into skillet. Cook until sage becomes wonderfully crispy and butter turns golden brown, around two to three minutes.

Step 8: Serve with Flourish

Transfer gnocchi immediately to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese and crack fresh black pepper on top.

Cooking Tips for Silky Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Drain pumpkin thoroughly to prevent soggy gnocchi and ensure a perfect texture. Pat the puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.
• Choose fresh ricotta for a creamier, smoother dough that holds together well during cooking. Opt for whole milk ricotta for richer flavor and better consistency.
• Keep your work surface and hands lightly floured to prevent sticky dough from clinging and making gnocchi formation challenging. Use a light touch when rolling and cutting to maintain a delicate texture.
• Test one gnocchi first to check seasoning and texture before cooking the entire batch. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, and ensure water is properly salted for best flavor.
• Work quickly when browning gnocchi in the skillet to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking. Use medium-high heat and shake the pan to promote even browning and prevent sticking.

Autumn-Inspired Twists on Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Replace pumpkin with roasted, mashed butternut squash for a sweeter, nuttier flavor profile that complements the sage butter sauce perfectly.
• Spinach Herb Gnocchi: Incorporate finely chopped spinach and fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the dough for a vibrant green color and added nutritional boost.
• Goat Cheese Pumpkin Gnocchi: Swap ricotta for creamy goat cheese to introduce a tangy element that elevates the overall taste of the gnocchi.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Gnocchi: Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture and taste.

What to Serve with Sage Butter Gnocchi

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, earthy pumpkin and sage flavors, cutting through the buttery sauce with its balanced acidity.
• Elevate with Crispy Pancetta: Sprinkle crisp, salty pancetta bits over the gnocchi to add a crunchy texture and enhance the savory depth of the dish, creating a delightful contrast with the soft gnocchi.
• Match with Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the gnocchi, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the buttery sage sauce.

How to Store Gnocchi Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled gnocchi to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks.
• Microwave Reheat: Sprinkle a few drops of water over gnocchi, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Skillet Reheat: Warm a small amount of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and gently pan-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally to prevent burning and restore crispy exterior.

Pumpkin Gnocchi Questions, Answered

• What ingredients make pumpkin gnocchi unique?

The combination of pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, and flour creates a soft, tender texture with a subtle sweet and earthy flavor that sets these gnocchi apart from traditional potato versions.

• How do I know if my gnocchi dough is the right consistency?

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, incorporate a small amount of additional pumpkin puree.

• Can I prepare the gnocchi in advance?

Yes, you can make the gnocchi and store them on a floured baking sheet in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Just make sure to dust them with flour to prevent sticking.

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 10-11 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful pumpkin gnocchi with sage butter sauce brings Italian comfort to your autumn table. Pillowy potato-pumpkin dumplings dance in golden sage-infused butter, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of seasonal warmth.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Gnocchi Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10 ounces) fresh pumpkin (steamed or boiled, then mashed) or 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat)

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 20 fresh sage leaves

Garnish:

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a colander lined with paper towels and spread pumpkin puree to drain excess moisture for 5 minutes.
2. Create a soft dough by thoroughly blending pumpkin, ricotta, flour, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Dust a clean work surface with flour and transfer the dough, shaping it into a smooth log.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, then roll each piece into a slender rope approximately 2/3 inch thick.
5. Cut the rope into small gnocchi pieces, using a fork to create optional textured ridges on each dumpling.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, carefully dropping gnocchi into the water and cooking until they float to the surface, approximately 1 minute.
7. Drain the gnocchi and transfer to a skillet heated with olive oil and butter over medium-high temperature.
8. Sauté the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes, gently shaking the pan to ensure even browning.
9. Add remaining butter and sage leaves to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until sage becomes crisp and butter turns golden brown.
10. Plate the gnocchi immediately, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper for a final touch of flavor.

Notes

• Drain pumpkin thoroughly to prevent soggy gnocchi and ensure a perfect texture that holds together during cooking.
• Use fresh ricotta at room temperature for smoother dough consistency and easier mixing of ingredients.
• Create consistent gnocchi sizes by rolling dough into even ropes and cutting with a sharp knife for uniform cooking.
• Experiment with alternative flours like gluten-free options or whole wheat for dietary adaptations without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg