Name: Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling); ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp nutmeg; 4 fresh sage leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish); 1 lb (450 g) store-bought or homemade gnocchi; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for finishing)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 5 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a cozy meal that celebrates autumn’s flavors with every forkful, look no further than this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi coated in a luscious, garlicky pumpkin sauce, with Parmesan melting in and sage lending a deeply aromatic note. This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall, comes together in just 20 minutes, and makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are few but each serves a key role in perfecting the taste and texture of your Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). Gather these essentials, and you’ll have a golden, comforting sauce plus tender gnocchi in no time.

Butter: Builds a rich base for sautéing and brings out the earthy flavors from the pumpkin and sage.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and savory depth.
Pumpkin Purée: Use pure, unsweetened pumpkin purée—not pie filling—for that true pumpkin flavor and creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: Provides silkiness and richness—if you want a slightly lighter sauce, half-and-half works too.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a salty bite that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings the flavors into balance.
Black Pepper: Lends just the right touch of spice.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives warmth and depth, making the sauce unmistakably cozy.
Fresh Sage Leaves: Chopped and stirred in, sage makes the dish fragrant and autumnal—save some extra for garnish!
Gnocchi: Use fresh, store-bought, or homemade gnocchi for that signature, pillowy bite.
Olive Oil or Butter (for finishing): A finishing drizzle brings extra richness and gloss to your final presentation.

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

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and let the magic happen—they’ll sink at first, but when they float to the surface (usually in just 2–3 minutes), you know they’re perfectly cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate, and set aside while you make your dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the minced garlic and chopped sage. Sauté just until everything is fragrant—about 30 seconds is perfect. This step perfumes your kitchen and builds the savory backbone of your Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade).

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Cream

Now, whisk in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well, letting the mixture gently simmer while you whisk. The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and just a little thickened after about 3 to 4 minutes—don’t rush it! This lets all those autumn flavors fully come together.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Tumble the cooked gnocchi right into the skillet with your hot pumpkin sauce. Toss gently to coat each gnocchi with that velvety goodness. Let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finish your Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) with a drizzle of good olive oil (or brown butter if you’re feeling a little fancy), and a shower of extra Parmesan and fresh sage. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and utterly irresistible.

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

Garnishes

Garnishing makes this dish feel extra special! After plating, add a handful of freshly grated Parmesan, some pretty ribbons of fresh sage, and a swirl of olive oil or browned butter. This not only boosts the flavor but creates a feast for the eyes—your bowl will look and taste truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) is rich and satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is the perfect counterbalance. Crusty bread or garlic knots are ideal for mopping up every drop of that luscious sauce. If you’re craving more veggies, roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the gnocchi in wide, shallow bowls to let the sauce pool around each piece. For a dinner party, you can portion it into mini cocottes or ramekins for an elevated touch. If you want to go bold, spoon the gnocchi over sautéed spinach or nestle it inside roasted pumpkin halves for a dramatic, festive presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing its comforting texture or flavor. The sauce might thicken a bit in the fridge, but that just makes it creamier and even more satisfying as it sits.

Freezing

While the sauce itself freezes very well, gnocchi can sometimes become a bit chewy after thawing. If you’re planning to freeze, consider freezing just the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Then, cook your gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to serve, and toss everything together just before enjoying for that dreamy, just-made texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen things up if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If you’re in a hurry, a minute or two in the microwave (covered) will do the trick—just make sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potato gnocchi instead of regular?

Absolutely! Sweet potato gnocchi are an amazing twist for this recipe and pair beautifully with the pumpkin sauce, adding even more autumn flavor. Just cook them as directed and swap them in directly.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use your favorite unsweetened, creamy plant-based milk (like oat or cashew cream), and substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan to keep the Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade) rich and flavorful without the dairy.

Can I make this recipe with homemade gnocchi?

Homemade gnocchi are always a treat and work perfectly here. Just prepare your gnocchi as usual, then cook and toss them in the sauce as the recipe describes for a truly special version.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin purée?

When a recipe calls for pumpkin purée, it means unsweetened, 100 percent pure pumpkin. Make sure you’re not using pumpkin pie filling—that has added sugars and spices that will throw the flavors off. Canned pumpkin purée works really well in this recipe!

How can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or even some seared Italian sausage are delicious protein boosts for the Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). Add them right before tossing the gnocchi with the sauce, or serve alongside for a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy pasta dinners and the warm flavors of fall, you’re going to adore this Easy Gnocchi Pumpkin Sauce Recipe (Creamy and Homemade). It’s a weeknight wonder that looks fancy but is truly fuss-free, and there’s nothing like the joy of sharing a bowl with someone special. Give it a try—you may just find your new autumn comfort food favorite!