Oh, fall! Is there anything better? The leaves changing, the crisp air, and, of course, all the amazing food! And when I think of fall food, my mind immediately goes to pumpkin. Seriously, I’m obsessed. This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall? Total comfort food, and it’s calling your name.
I remember one fall when I was little, my grandma made the *best* pumpkin pie. The whole house smelled like cinnamon and nutmeg for days! This gnocchi kinda brings me back to that. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s packed with that yummy pumpkin flavor we all crave this time of year.
And the best part? It’s SO easy to make! Seriously, even on a busy weeknight, you can whip up this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall in no time. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
What Makes This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall Special
Okay, so there are a million pumpkin recipes out there, right? But trust me, this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall is *different*. It’s got that something special that’ll make you want to make it again and again. Why? Well, let me tell you!
- Quick! Seriously, you can have this on the table in like, 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Easy! Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a fancy chef to make this. It’s super straightforward.
- Flavorful! Hellooo, pumpkin, nutmeg, Parmesan… Need I say more? It’s a flavor explosion!
- Vegetarian! A great meat-free option that’s still super satisfying.
- Perfect for Fall! I mean, come on, pumpkin gnocchi? It’s basically autumn in a bowl!
Seriously, what’s not to love?!
Ingredients for Your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. But listen, using good quality stuff *does* make a difference. You’ll want:
- Gnocchi: 1 pound. I usually grab the shelf-stable kind, but the refrigerated stuff works great too!
- Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon. Nothing fancy, just your regular olive oil will do!
- Onion: Half an onion, chopped. Yellow or white is perfect.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. And hey, if you LOVE garlic (like me!), throw in an extra clove or two!
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup. Make sure it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling, okay? Big difference!
- Vegetable Broth: Half a cup. This adds some extra flavor, but chicken broth works in a pinch.
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup. This is what makes it extra creamy! Don’t skimp!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated. Freshly grated is always best, trust me!
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. This adds that warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Fresh Sage Leaves: For garnish. These add a pop of color and a little extra flavor. Plus, they look so pretty!
Got all that? Great! Let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, for this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall, you really don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Just the basics! You’ll definitely need a large skillet – something big enough to hold all that yummy gnocchi and sauce. And, of course, you’ll need a pot to cook the gnocchi in! That’s pretty much it! Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Okay, people, let’s get down to business! This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall is seriously easy, but follow these steps and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish in no time!
Cooking the Gnocchi
First things first: the gnocchi! Now, you’ll want to cook it according to the package directions, alright? Don’t overcook it, or you’ll end up with a mushy mess – nobody wants that! Usually, it only takes a few minutes, and they’ll float to the top when they’re done. Once they’re cooked, drain them *really* well. We don’t want a watery sauce!
Creating the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce for Fall
While the gnocchi’s doing its thing, let’s whip up that amazing Creamy Pumpkin Sauce for Fall! Grab your large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Then, toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it’s nice and soft – about 5 minutes should do the trick. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it! Now comes the good stuff: stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it gets nice and thick. Mmm, it smells like fall already!
Combining Gnocchi and Sauce
Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Toss it all together gently, making sure every little piece of gnocchi is coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through. And that’s it! You’re basically a culinary genius! Get ready to dig in!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a couple of my favorite tips to make it absolutely perfect!
Choosing the Right Gnocchi
Listen, not all gnocchi are created equal! The regular potato gnocchi is great, but sweet potato gnocchi? *Chef’s kiss!* It adds a little extra sweetness that goes SO well with the pumpkin. Just sayin’!
Enhancing the Pumpkin Flavor
Want even *more* pumpkiny goodness? Add a pinch (or two!) of pumpkin pie spice to the sauce! Seriously, it’s a game-changer. It’ll make your kitchen smell amazing, too! You can find it at pretty much any grocery store. Or, you know, just eyeball it! I usually do!
Variations on This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall, and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). But hey, sometimes you want to mix things up, right? No problem! Here are a couple of my favorite ways to jazz it up!
Adding Protein
Want to make it a little more hearty? Throw in some cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken! Seriously, it’s a game-changer! I love using Italian sausage – it adds a little bit of spice!
Spice It Up
Feeling a little feisty? Add a pinch (or a BIG pinch, if you’re like me!) of red pepper flakes to the sauce! It adds a nice little kick that balances out the sweetness of the pumpkin. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi, but what do you serve with it? Well, honestly, it’s pretty amazing on its own! But if you want to make it a *complete* meal, I’d suggest a nice side salad. Something with a little bit of a bite, like arugula, would be perfect! Or, you know, just grab some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. You can’t go wrong!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Got questions about this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Sure, you *can* make it ahead, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. The gnocchi tends to get a little soft if it sits in the sauce for too long. If you *really* need to make it ahead, store the sauce and gnocchi separately and then combine them right before serving. That way, the gnocchi won’t get all mushy!
Can I freeze this recipe?
Sadly, freezing this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall isn’t the best idea. The sauce can separate when it thaws, and nobody wants a grainy sauce, right? So, I’d say it’s best to just make it fresh. It’s so quick and easy anyway!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Nope, not as written. Regular gnocchi is usually made with wheat flour. But hey, good news! You can totally use gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free! They’re pretty easy to find these days. Just check the label to be sure!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall
Okay, quick note: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay?
Enjoyed the Recipe?
Loved this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall? Leave a comment and let me know! Or, even better, give it a rating! I wanna hear what you think!
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Delightful Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Fall in 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi, a perfect fall dish. It’s comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of olive oil.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for extra protein.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg