Name: Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound store-bought gnocchi; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

I toss store-bought gnocchi with a silky sauce made from pumpkin puree, cream, and Parmesan, then swirl in fresh spinach for a cozy, satisfying one‑pan dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers full, comforting flavor with minimal effort. Sweet pumpkin meets creamy sauce and tender gnocchi in a beautiful balance, while spinach adds a pop of freshness. It comes together quickly—just 35 minutes—making it ideal for weeknight dinners or when I want a little indulgence without fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb store-bought gnocchi
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
2 Tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Gnocchi
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float—about 2–3 minutes. I drain them (saving ½ cup of the pasta water) and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent (~5–7 minutes), then add garlic and cook another minute.
Make the Sauce
I stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, simmering for about 5 minutes. I season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Add Spinach and Gnocchi
I fold in the chopped spinach until wilted, then gently mix in the cooked gnocchi. If the sauce is too thick, I add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.
Serve
I divide the creamy gnocchi into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a hint of heat.

Servings and timing

I make this dish for about 4 servings. It takes around 35 minutes total—15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.

Variations

I often swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make a vegan version that’s just as luscious.
If I have kale instead of spinach, I’ll use that—just give it a bit more time to soften.
I sometimes stir in cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, or white beans for extra protein and flavor.
A dusting of fresh sage or a drizzle of browned butter gives it a cozy, autumnal finish.
Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the gnocchi in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has become too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. I use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan and dairy-free version.

What gnocchi should I use?

I usually use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience. Just check the label if you want a vegan or gluten-free option.

Can I add protein?

Yes—I often stir in white beans, cooked sausage, or mushrooms to make the meal more filling.

Can it be made ahead?

I can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the gnocchi just before serving—just reheat and combine for freshness.

How do I avoid a watery sauce?

Using reserved pasta water helps adjust consistency; I add it little by little to keep the sauce creamy instead of watery.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight is one of my favorite comfort-food dinners—rich, cozy, and full of fall flavor. It’s quick to make yet feels indulgent, perfect for both weeknight dinners and relaxed entertaining. Want a printable version, lighter tweak, or gluten-free guidance? Just let me know—happy to help tailor it to your needs!