Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This comforting dish brings together pillowy gnocchi with a luscious pumpkin sauce infused with fresh sage and a touch of nutmeg. Cooked in one pot, it streamlines preparation while delivering rich, creamy flavors complemented by Parmesan cheese. Optional spinach adds vibrant color and texture, and crispy fried sage leaves make an aromatic topping. Ideal for a cozy autumn evening, it’s simple to prepare and satisfies with warm, hearty notes.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:09:00 GMT
Creamy pumpkin sage gnocchi pasta, warm and inviting, topped with crispy sage and Parmesan. Save
Creamy pumpkin sage gnocchi pasta, warm and inviting, topped with crispy sage and Parmesan. | crumbnest.com

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

I first served this dish on a cool autumn night and it instantly became a family favorite.

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.
A close-up of the delicious One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, showcasing the creamy sauce and gnocchi. Save
A close-up of the delicious One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, showcasing the creamy sauce and gnocchi. | crumbnest.com

My family loves gathering around the table to share this warm and inviting meal during chilly evenings.

Notes

Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted pumpkin cubes for extra texture and flavor.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 17 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

Golden and glistening one-pot creamy pumpkin sage gnocchi, a comforting vegetarian pasta dish perfect for fall. Save
Golden and glistening one-pot creamy pumpkin sage gnocchi, a comforting vegetarian pasta dish perfect for fall. | crumbnest.com

This dish is a perfect autumn comfort food that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Recipe FAQ

How can I make gnocchi from scratch?

Combine cooked mashed potatoes with flour and a pinch of salt, knead gently, then roll and cut into small pieces before boiling until they float.

Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Yes, half-and-half or plant-based cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free version while maintaining creaminess.

What is the best way to fry sage leaves for topping?

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, add sage leaves, and fry for about one minute until crisp but not burnt.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thin?

Simmer gently and stir occasionally to thicken, allowing the cream and Parmesan to bind and create the desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or roasted pumpkin cubes make excellent additions, adding texture and depth of flavor.

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Tender gnocchi simmered in a velvety pumpkin sauce with fragrant sage and creamy Parmesan notes.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Gnocchi & Vegetables

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

Sauce

01 1 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tbsp 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 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
08 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping (optional)

01 8-10 fresh sage leaves
02 1 tbsp butter

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 03

Create pumpkin sauce: Incorporate pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sage, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined and bring to a gentle simmer.

Phase 04

Cook gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the sauce, stir well, cover, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens.

Phase 05

Add spinach (optional): If using, stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 06

Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Phase 07

Prepare crispy sage topping (optional): In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and fry until crisp, approximately 1 minute. Drain on paper towels.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (cream, butter, Parmesan) and potential wheat (gnocchi). Verify gnocchi packaging for egg or gluten content.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 12 g