If you’re searching for a dish that is as comforting as it is impressive, look no further than Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi. This dream-worthy pasta marries pillowy gnocchi with a luscious, autumn-hued sauce rich with pumpkin purée, coconut cream, and fragrant sage. The flavors are beautifully layered, and you get a perfect balance of cozy, savory, sweet, and just a flash of brightness from balsamic vinegar. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or something special for a crisp, golden evening, Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi is bound to become a new favorite in your seasonal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how each simple ingredient works its magic to create the signature taste and texture of this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi. From the plush gnocchi to the vibrant pumpkin sauce, every element plays an important role in building that craveable, restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Gnocchi (16 oz): Light, tender, and dreamy, store-bought or homemade gnocchi become the ultimate comfort base for our creamy sauce.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): A good olive oil is essential for sautéing veggies and infusing luscious richness right from the start.
Yellow onion (1/2, chopped): Brings in softness and a gentle sweetness that creates depth in the sauce.
Red bell pepper (1 small, chopped): Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): No comfort pasta is complete without aromatic garlic, creating an irresistible base flavor.
Pumpkin purée (1 cup): The star of the show, pumpkin brings velvety smoothness and that signature autumn flavor.
Unsweetened coconut cream (1/2 cup): For creamy texture without dairy, use only the thick part scooped from a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk.
White miso paste (1 tbsp): A little miso gives the sauce savory complexity and umami richness—totally plant-based magic.
Maple syrup (1 tsp): Just a touch balances the earthy pumpkin with a delicate sweetness that rounds everything out.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tsp): A splash of balsamic brightens the sauce and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Sage (2 tbsp, chopped): Stirred in for that woodland aroma, plus use fried sage on top for next-level flavor and crunch.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers ever so slightly, toss in the onion. Let it cook down for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add in the garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. By now, everything should smell sweet and savory—this is the foundation for your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the sautéed veggies into a blender along with pumpkin purée, coconut cream, white miso paste, and maple syrup. Blend until you have a completely smooth, dreamy sauce. If your blender is high-speed, it should come together in less than a minute. Pour this golden, velvety sauce back into your skillet, ready for the gnocchi.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce waits, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. If you made homemade gnocchi (go you!), boil until the dumplings float to the surface—usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to gently lift them out and transfer straight into the skillet with your blended sauce, reserving a bit of the gnocchi cooking liquid.

Step 4: Marry the Gnocchi and Sauce

Turn the heat to low and gently warm the gnocchi in their creamy pumpkin bath. If things look a little thick, stir in up to a cup of the reserved gnocchi water to reach your preferred sauce consistency. This step ensures every plump dumpling is blanketed in flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Sage and Balsamic

Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped sage and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top. These last touches brighten and deepen the flavor of your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi, making each bite uniquely satisfying.

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Garnishes

For a little chef-worthy flair, don’t skip a scatter of crispy fried sage leaves on top of your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi. The earthy, herbal crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce—plus, it looks absolutely stunning. You can also add a twist of cracked black pepper, a dusting of plant-based parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil.

Side Dishes

Keep the meal seasonal by serving alongside a garlicky Tuscan kale salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or crusty sourdough bread for scooping up extra sauce. The flavors of Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi play nicely with simple, earthy sides or a tossed green salad with a light lemony vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated dinner party move, serve your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, garnished each with fried sage and a swirl of balsamic reduction. Switch things up by plating the gnocchi over wilted spinach or roasted mushrooms for extra texture and visual pop. If you love rustic looks, try serving it family-style in a well-loved cast iron skillet at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi keeps beautifully for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce stays luscious, and the flavors continue to meld, making your next meal (or midnight snack) even more irresistible.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi. Spread the cooled gnocchi out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps texture just right. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your gnocchi gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or non-dairy milk to loosen the sauce, stir occasionally, and heat until piping hot. This preserves the pillowy gnocchi texture and brings the Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi back to its full, glorious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi makes Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi extra special. Just be gentle with the dough so each piece stays fluffy. The sauce works equally well with homemade or high-quality store-bought gnocchi.

What can I substitute for coconut cream?

If you prefer to skip coconut cream, try unsweetened cashew cream or a splash of any rich, unflavored plant-based cream. Even a bit of plain, thick Greek yogurt (if not vegan) can give that dreamy, rich consistency.

Is this dish vegan and gluten free?

The sauce is naturally vegan and gluten free! Just choose a gluten-free gnocchi brand if you need the whole dish to be gluten free, and always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Can I make Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi ahead of time?

You can make the pumpkin sauce several days in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. For best texture, cook the gnocchi fresh and combine with the rewarmed sauce just before serving.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi?

This cozy dish is fantastic with a crisp, aromatic white like Pinot Gris or a light, juicy red such as Gamay or Pinot Noir. Look for a wine that will complement the savory-sweet pumpkin sauce without overpowering the delicate gnocchi.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about tucking into a bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi, especially when the weather calls for a little extra coziness. With its silken sauce, pops of fresh sage, and soul-warming flavors, this dish is pure comfort with a modern twist. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite fall dinner!