Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

This comforting one-pot gnocchi features tender potato dumplings simmered in a luscious pumpkin sauce enriched with cream, Parmesan, and fresh sage. Aromatic garlic and nutmeg enhance the flavor, while optional spinach adds a fresh green touch. The sauce thickens beautifully as the gnocchi cooks, creating a creamy, velvety texture. For a finishing touch, crispy sage leaves tossed in butter provide a delightful contrast. Perfect for an easy, flavorful dinner during cooler months.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:14:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, garnished with crispy sage and Parmesan. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, garnished with crispy sage and Parmesan. | citrushearth.com

A cozy, comforting pasta dish featuring pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious, creamy pumpkin sauce with aromatic sage&mdashperfect for autumn evenings.

This dish quickly became a family favorite during chilly fall nights and reminds me of cozy gatherings around the table.

Ingredients

  • Gnocchi & Vegetables: 500 g (18 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade), 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 200 g (7 oz) baby spinach (optional)
  • Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 250 g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree, 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving, 1 tsp fresh sage finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried), 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Topping (optional): 8-10 fresh sage leaves, 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add pumpkin puree vegetable broth heavy cream grated Parmesan chopped sage nutmeg salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4:
Add gnocchi to the pan. Stir well cover and cook for 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5:
If using spinach add it now and stir until wilted 1-2 minutes.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 7:
For the crispy sage topping (optional) In a small skillet melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and fry for about 1 minute until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.
Step 8:
Serve the gnocchi hot topped with extra Parmesan and crispy sage leaves.
Close-up of golden-hued One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, thick sauce enveloping fluffy gnocchi. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of golden-hued One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, thick sauce enveloping fluffy gnocchi. | citrushearth.com

Our family loves gathering around this dish especially on chilly fall evenings filled with laughter and warmth.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 12 g per serving

Tips for Vegan Version

Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid Wooden spoon or spatula Small skillet for crispy sage optional Knife and cutting board

Flavorful One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi pasta, showcasing a creamy pumpkin sauce and tender gnocchi. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi pasta, showcasing a creamy pumpkin sauce and tender gnocchi. | citrushearth.com

This pumpkin sage gnocchi is the perfect cozy meal that’s both easy to make and unforgettable in taste.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought gnocchi work well and absorb the creamy pumpkin sauce beautifully.

Is it necessary to add spinach?

Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant element to balance the richness of the sauce.

How do I make the sage leaves crispy?

Fry fresh sage leaves in melted butter over medium heat for about a minute until they become crisp, then drain on paper towels.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

Yes, half-and-half works well for a lighter, yet still creamy, sauce texture.

What can I add for extra texture?

Sautéed mushrooms or roasted pumpkin cubes complement the gnocchi and enhance the dish's texture.

Is this suitable for a vegan diet?

Using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives can make this dish vegan-friendly.

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Tender gnocchi cooked in a smooth pumpkin and sage sauce with Parmesan, ideal for cozy autumn meals.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
20 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

Gnocchi & Vegetables

01 18 ounces potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 7 ounces baby spinach (optional)

Sauce

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
04 1 cup vegetable broth
05 ½ cup heavy cream
06 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
07 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
08 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping (optional)

01 8-10 fresh sage leaves
02 1 tablespoon butter

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine sauce ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 04

Cook gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the pan. Stir well, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and sauce thickens.

Step 05

Add spinach: If using spinach, stir into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 07

Make crispy sage topping: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry fresh sage leaves for about 1 minute until crisp. Drain on paper towel.

Step 08

Serve: Plate gnocchi hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and crispy sage leaves if desired.

What You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small skillet for frying sage
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cream, butter, Parmesan) and wheat (gnocchi might contain wheat)
  • Check packaging for possible egg or gluten presence in gnocchi if allergic

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 54 grams
  • Protein amount: 12 grams