Description
This comforting recipe features tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a rich and creamy pumpkin sauce. Perfect for autumn or any time you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, the sauce combines pumpkin purée, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, all tossed together on the stovetop to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage or parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Once done, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter until melted and combined. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Pumpkin Purée: Stir in the pumpkin purée and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine the flavors and slightly warm the pumpkin.
- Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce base, avoiding lumps or separation.
- Season and Simmer: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss Gnocchi in Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. Gently toss the gnocchi with the creamy pumpkin sauce until they are well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with finely chopped fresh sage or parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of vegetable broth or a pinch of cinnamon while simmering the sauce.
- This dish pairs excellently with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
