There’s something truly magical about sitting down to a plate of Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi on a chilly evening—each bite is pillowy and golden, delicately flavored with pumpkin and nutmeg, and finished with a buttery sage aroma that wraps you in instant coziness. This recipe is my go-to whenever I crave big comfort with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight treat or showing off for friends, Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi ticks all the boxes: quick, approachable, and seriously delicious.

Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’ve never made homemade gnocchi, you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients create something so flavorful and elegant. Each component plays a subtle role in delivering that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture with the unmistakable taste of fall.

Pumpkin purée: Provides beautiful color, earthy sweetness, and keeps the gnocchi moist and tender.
Large egg: Binds everything together and helps create that classic gnocchi dough.
Ricotta cheese (well-drained): Makes the gnocchi extra soft and creamy, so be sure it’s not watery!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and depth of flavor in every bite.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and rounds out the flavor profile.
Nutmeg: This touch of spice is the secret to authentic-tasting pumpkin dishes.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to hold the dough together without making it heavy—use a light hand for fluffier gnocchi.
Butter (for sautéing): Brings richness and helps create those irresistible golden edges.
Fresh sage leaves (optional): The best garnish, infusing the finished dish with warmth and fragrance.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Step 1: Create the Pumpkin Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together your pumpkin purée, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg. This gorgeous, orange-speckled mixture sets the stage for gnocchi that are rich but never heavy. Feel free to sneak a taste—this is where the foundation of flavor gets built!

Step 2: Form the Dough

Now, add your flour in stages, stirring gently after each addition. You want the dough to look and feel soft and a little bit sticky, but still workable. The trick here is to add just enough flour to hold the dough together—if you add too much, your Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi could become dense rather than light and airy.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi

Dust your work surface with flour and then turn out the dough. Divide it into four pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope about three-quarters of an inch thick. Slice each rope into little bite-sized pillows—don’t worry about perfect shapes; rustic gnocchi is always charming!

Step 4: Boil the Gnocchi

Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your gnocchi, giving them a quick little stir so they don’t stick. As soon as they float to the top—usually in just two or three minutes—they’re ready! Use a slotted spoon to transfer them straight into your pan for the next step.

Step 5: Sauté for Golden Perfection

In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Gently add the warm gnocchi and sauté until the outsides are lightly crisped and golden, about two minutes. This step really sets off the flavor—especially if you toss in those fresh sage leaves for an aromatic finish.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Garnishes

To make Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi look as good as it tastes, shower the finished dish with extra Parmesan and scatter a few fried sage leaves on top. The pop of green from the sage and the elegant snow of cheese turn a cozy meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi shines alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp, garlicky roasted vegetable medley. For a more indulgent touch, serve it with a fresh, crusty baguette to mop up all that butter and sage.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to elevate dinner, try plating Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi over a swirl of creamy Alfredo or brown butter sauce. You can also sprinkle it with toasted walnuts for crunch, or give it a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi (lucky you!), allow them to cool, then transfer them into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, ready for a quick reheat whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

For make-ahead convenience, arrange uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last for up to two months, and you can cook them straight from the freezer for a speedy meal.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, sauté the chilled gnocchi in a bit of butter until heated through and crisp on the edges. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the lovely texture you worked hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! If you have a fresh pumpkin on hand, just roast and purée it until smooth. Make sure to drain off any excess moisture so your Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi stays light instead of soggy.

What’s the best way to ensure my gnocchi aren’t too dense?

It all comes down to adding the flour gradually and stopping as soon as the dough is workable. Using less flour means softer, fluffier gnocchi, so resist the urge to add too much—sticky dough is a good sign!

Can I make Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The method stays the same, but be sure to check the taste and texture as you go and make adjustments if needed.

Is it okay to skip the ricotta cheese?

Ricotta is what makes these gnocchi extra soft and tender. You could substitute with cottage cheese (well-drained and blended), but for the creamiest results, ricotta is best.

What sauces pair well with Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi?

Brown butter and crispy sage is a classic match, but creamy Alfredo, gorgonzola, or even a light tomato cream sauce would be gorgeous as well. These little pillows work beautifully with all sorts of toppings!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to making gnocchi or just want the easiest, coziest fall dinner, this Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t wait for the weather to get chilly—give it a try tonight and let every bite take you straight to comfort food heaven!