When you need a cozy meal that combines the silkiness of pumpkin with pillowy-soft handmade gnocchi, look no further than this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). Each forkful is a festival of savory, creamy, and subtly smoky flavors, all intertwined with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for cool evenings, special gatherings, or simply when you crave something both indulgent and surprisingly approachable, this dish transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. If you love the taste of autumn, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Every item brings something irreplaceable to the table: from the flour that gives structure, to the cheese that delivers a salty bite, right down to the garlic and spices that transform everything into a comforting, flavor-packed plate.

All-purpose flour: The base for tender, pillowy gnocchi; have extra on hand for dusting your surfaces.
Pumpkin purée: Infuses both the gnocchi and the sauce with subtle sweetness and a gorgeous orange hue; homemade or canned both work great.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Offers a bold, tangy kick; Parmesan is a fine substitute if you can’t find Pecorino.
Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the gnocchi structure without heaviness.
Unsalted butter: The foundation of the creamy sauce; makes everything taste richer.
Garlic cloves: Adds irresistible fragrance and warmth to the sauce—don’t skimp!
Reserved pasta water: Helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi and ensures a velvety texture.
Heavy cream: Responsible for that luscious, decadent finish that makes this dish so comforting.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t forget to salt the pasta water, too.
Black pepper: Adds depth and just the right hint of spice to play off the pumpkin’s sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Introduces a lovely smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the sauce with mellow, savory notes.
Fresh basil leaves: Finishing touch for flavor and fresh color; it brightens every bite.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect cheesy garnish—pile it on to your liking!

How to Make Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade)

Step 1: Make the Gnocchi Dough

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the flour, pumpkin purée, finely grated Pecorino, and a large egg. Gently knead the mixture until the dough is soft but not sticky, adding a sprinkle of extra flour if it clings to your hands. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough relax for about 10 minutes—this rest helps ensure tender gnocchi later.

Step 2: Shape Your Gnocchi

Dust your work surface with a little flour, then roll out the dough until it’s around 2 cm thick. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut it into strips, then roll each strip into a long rope shape. Slice into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each. Line up your gnocchi on a floured baking sheet so they don’t stick together while you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring it to a rollicking boil. Carefully lower in the gnocchi in batches. For this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade), you’ll know the gnocchi are ready when each piece floats to the top—about two to three minutes. Skim them out with a slotted spoon, and don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water for your sauce! Set the gnocchi aside while you work on the creamy finish.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s fragrant but not browned—about three minutes. In a separate bowl (or a blender for extra smoothness), mix the pumpkin purée with your half cup of reserved pasta water. Pour this pumpkin mixture into the pan, then gently stir in the heavy cream, letting everything warm up together until the sauce is just beginning to bubble.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Turn the heat to low and season your sauce with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Give it a taste at this point and tweak the seasoning as you see fit—this is where the sauce’s flavors come alive.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Add your freshly cooked gnocchi to the pan and stir gently, ensuring every morsel is generously coated in the velvety sauce. Let the gnocchi and sauce simmer together for five minutes so the flavors blend beautifully, and the gnocchi can absorb all that creamy pumpkin goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot, saucy gnocchi onto plates. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves and a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Every bite will be rich, aromatic, and irresistible—the perfect finish for your Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade).

How to Serve Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade)

Garnishes

Fresh basil and extra Parmesan are just the beginning! Try adding crispy sage leaves, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or even a pinch of extra smoked paprika for color and zing. The right garnish makes this already stunning dish look like it belongs in your favorite trattoria.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette brings balance to the creamy, rich Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). Garlic bread (for swooping up every last bit of sauce) and roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots are also excellent companions. A glass of chilled white wine never hurts, either!

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve this dish in shallow pasta bowls and top with an edible flower or microgreens. Hosting a dinner party? Try portioning the gnocchi into individual ramekins, topping with cheese, and broiling for a golden, bubbly finish. The combination of vibrant orange and lush cream sauce looks stunning on the table, however you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) will keep in the fridge for up to three days without losing its fabulous texture or flavor.

Freezing

Want to meal-prep or save some for a rainy day? Freeze just-cooked gnocchi on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. The pumpkin sauce can be frozen in a separate container. When you’re ready for a comfort meal, just defrost both components, reheat, and combine.

Reheating

To reheat, place the gnocchi and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk or cream as needed to return the sauce to its silky state. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the gnocchi tough.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi if I’m short on time?

Absolutely! While homemade gnocchi delivers a uniquely tender texture, high-quality store-bought gnocchi will still work brilliantly with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Just be sure to cook according to the package instructions before adding to the sauce.

Is canned pumpkin as good as homemade for this recipe?

Canned pumpkin purée is a wonderful time-saver and works beautifully in the Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). If you’re making your own pumpkin purée, just be sure it’s well-drained for the best dough consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the gnocchi dough. Just keep an eye on the texture as you mix—it may need a little more or less flour because gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still deliciously silky.

How do I prevent my gnocchi from becoming gummy?

The key is not to overwork the dough—just mix until everything comes together. Also, be sure to cook the gnocchi in boiling water and remove them as soon as they float; overcooking can make them heavy or sticky.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, you truly can’t go wrong with this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with loved ones—or maybe keep all to yourself. Give it a try, and let autumn’s best flavors warm you from the inside out!

Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this homemade pumpkin gnocchi with a luscious pumpkin sauce. Perfect for a cozy autumn evening!

Instructions

Prepare the Gnocchi Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin purée, Pecorino cheese, and egg. Knead gently until a soft dough forms, adding extra flour if necessary. Cover the dough and let it rest.
Shape the Gnocchi: Roll out the dough, cut into strips, and shape into gnocchi pieces.
Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi until they float, then set aside.
Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce: Sauté garlic, mix pumpkin purée with water, add cream, and simmer.
Season the Sauce: Add spices and adjust to taste.
Combine and Simmer: Stir in cooked gnocchi and simmer.
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with basil and Parmesan.

Notes

You can customize the sauce by adding sage, nutmeg, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian