Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi

Savor the richness of our Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi, a dish that takes comfort food to gourmet heights with its luxurious flavors.

Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed this fall. It’s not just another pasta dish; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that’ll make you wonder where it’s been all your life. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be making it all season long.

Why this Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe Works

It’s Fall in a Bowl: Seriously, pumpkin and sage together? It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket but in food form. If you love everything autumn, this dish is a must-try.
Fancy but Not Fussy: Look, we all want to impress sometimes, whether it’s date night or you’re just feeling yourself. This dish has that “wow” factor without requiring a culinary degree.
Mix and Match: Got picky eaters or dietary restrictions? No worries. You can easily swap out ingredients to make it vegan, gluten-free, or add some heat if you like it spicy.

Can I freeze the gnocchi?

Yes, you can freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer to a ziplock bag. Cook directly from frozen.

Can I make the pumpkin puree from scratch?

Absolutely, and it will make the dish even more special.

How long will this dish keep in the fridge?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Ingredients for Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi

Pumpkin Puree
- Why: It’s the heart of the dish, giving it that unmistakable fall flavor and gorgeous color.
- How to Pick: Go for organic canned pumpkin puree or, better yet, make your own from a sugar pumpkin. You want that rich, deep flavor.
Russet Potatoes
- Why: They add the fluffiness we all crave in gnocchi. Plus, they’re a classic gnocchi ingredient.
- How to Pick: Look for firm, smooth potatoes. No green spots or sprouts, okay?
All-Purpose Flour
- Why: It binds everything together and gives the gnocchi its structure.
- How to Pick: Unbleached, organic flour is the way to go. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Parmesan Cheese
- Why: Adds a nutty, salty kick that elevates the whole dish.
- How to Pick: Aged Parmesan, the real deal, not the stuff in a can. Grate it yourself for the best flavor.
Fresh Sage
- Why: Sage and pumpkin are like the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of the food world—a power couple.
- How to Pick: Go for vibrant green leaves that smell amazing. If it doesn’t smell like much, it won’t taste like much either.
Garlic
- Why: Because garlic makes everything better. It adds depth and aroma.
- How to Pick: Choose plump, firm cloves. None of that sprouting or soft nonsense.
Salt and Pepper
- Why: They’re the unsung heroes that make all the other flavors pop.
- How to Pick: Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. Once you go fresh, you never go back.
Olive Oil
- Why: It adds a richness and helps the sage and garlic flavors meld beautifully.
- How to Pick: Extra virgin, cold-pressed. It’s like the Chanel of olive oils

What to Serve this with

Green Salad with a Twist
- Why: A simple green salad can balance out the richness of the gnocchi.
- How to Elevate: Toss in some seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or apple slices, and maybe a sprinkle of goat cheese. Drizzle it with a balsamic glaze, and you’ve got yourself a salad that’s anything but boring.
Garlic Bread, but Make It Gourmet
- Why: Because garlic bread is life. It’s also great for soaking up any leftover sage butter sauce.
- How to Elevate: Use a nice artisanal loaf, slather it with garlic-infused butter, and sprinkle some fresh parsley and a touch of sea salt. Bake until it’s golden and irresistible.
White Wine, Specifically Pinot Grigio
- Why: A crisp white wine can cut through the richness of the dish and complement its flavors.
- How to Elevate: Chill the wine beforehand and serve it in a nice wine glass. Presentation matters, people!
Roasted Veggies with a Kick
- Why: Roasted veggies can add a different texture and some nutritional balance to the meal.
- How to Elevate: Think beyond carrots and broccoli. How about some roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chili flakes? Or asparagus tips roasted with a little lemon zest?
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- Why: If you’re going all out with the fall theme, a warm, creamy soup would be a perfect starter.
- How to Elevate: Add a swirl of coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top for that extra oomph.
Apple Cider Sangria
- Why: It’s festive, it’s seasonal, and it’s downright delicious.
- How to Elevate: Use fresh apple cider and throw in slices of real apples and cinnamon sticks. Let it sit for a couple of hours before serving to let those flavors meld.

Switch it up Some

Go Vegan, But Keep It Tasty
- How: Swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use vegan butter for the sauce.
- Why: Because everyone deserves to enjoy this dish, even if they’re plant-based. And trust me, you won’t miss the dairy.
Gluten-Free, Not Flavor-Free
- How: Use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Why: For those with gluten sensitivities, this switch makes the dish accessible without sacrificing flavor.
Add a Little Heat
- How: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sage butter sauce.
- Why: Sometimes you just need a little kick to take things up a notch, you know?
Herb It Up
- How: Swap out the sage for rosemary or thyme.
- Why: Different herbs bring their own unique flavors. Rosemary will give it a piney, earthy note, while thyme adds a subtle, minty layer.
Cheese Please
- How: Add some crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese on top before serving.
- Why: If you’re a cheese lover, this adds another layer of complexity and richness to the dish.
Nutty Toppings
- How: Toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle them on top.
- Why: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Sweet & Savory
- How: Drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup over the finished dish.
- Why: It sounds weird, but the sweetness actually pairs amazingly with the savory elements. It’s like that sweet and salty popcorn, but fancier.
Seafood Twist
- How: Add some sautéed shrimp or scallops to the dish.
- Why: Seafood can add a touch of luxury and a different protein element, making the dish feel brand new.

Tips for Decadent Pumpkin Gnocchi

The Potato Trick
- What: After boiling your potatoes, let them cool a bit and then grate them.
- Why: This makes for a smoother, fluffier gnocchi. No one likes lumpy gnocchi, trust me.
Flour Power
- What: When you’re rolling out your gnocchi dough, keep a small bowl of flour nearby.
- Why: Your hands will get sticky, and a little dusting can make your life way easier.
The Ice Bath
- What: After boiling the gnocchi, give them a quick dunk in an ice bath.
- Why: It stops the cooking process and helps them keep their shape. Plus, it makes them easier to handle in the next steps.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
- What: When you’re cooking the gnocchi in the sage butter sauce, resist the urge to dump them all in at once.
- Why: Crowding the pan can make them mushy. Give them room to groove and soak up that buttery goodness.
Taste as You Go
- What: Before you serve, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning.
- Why: Because not all salts and peppers are created equal. Your taste buds are the ultimate judge.
The Cheese Grater Hack
- What: Use the fine side of the grater for the Parmesan.
- Why: It melts quicker and blends seamlessly into the sauce, making it creamier.
Fresh Herbs, Always
- What: Use fresh sage, not dried.
- Why: Dried herbs are more potent and can easily overpower the dish. Fresh sage brings a more nuanced flavor.
The Leftover Makeover
- What: If you’ve got leftovers, pan-fry them the next day.
- Why: They’ll get this amazing crispy exterior that’s just to die for.
The Double Sauce
- What: Make a little extra sage butter sauce.
- Why: It’s great for dipping bread, drizzling over veggies, or even as a base for a pasta dish later in the week.

Want More Fall Recipes?

Pumpkin & Feta Salad with Pecans and Cranberries
Sausage Stuffing Bites
The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe