Deliciously Simple Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe You Need to Try

Oh, pumpkin gnocchi—don’t even get me started! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly autumn evening. The moment those tender little dumplings hit your plate, they spill their sweet, earthy charm all over your dinner time. Just imagine, I mean, the way they fluff up and soak up that beautiful sauce, it’s… it’s like they were made to be together. Trust me, once you try making this at home, it’ll quickly become a cozy favorite you’ll want every fall (and honestly, anytime).

Why You’ll Crave It

• Cozy and comforting—the ultimate fall dish that feels like home.
• Super customizable! Toss in your favorite sauce or toppings, the possibilities are endless…
• A fun, hands-on cooking experience. Seriously, who doesn’t love rolling out dough?
• Perfect for impressing friends or family with your newfound culinary skills!

My family fights over the last gnocchi, every single time!

What You’ll Need

• Pumpkin puree: 1 cup, fresh or canned will do, but oh, fresh is just so nice.
• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ to 2 cups, depending on the moisture of your pumpkin. Just play it by ear!
• Egg: 1 large, for binding everything together. Sort of like magic, really.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, it makes everything sing.
• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon, just a hint for that warm spice. So good…trust me!
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated, optional but I mean, come on, it adds that lovely savory touch.

Easy How-To

Prep Your Pumpkin

So, first things first—you’ll want to get that pumpkin ready. You can roast it or steam it; just make sure it’s fork-tender, you know, so it mashes up nicely. I usually go for roasting because, oh, that caramelization is everything.

Mash It Up

After it’s cooked, transfer it to a bowl and mash it… like really mash it until it’s super smooth. A fork works fine, or a potato masher if you’ve got one lying around. Just no lumps, okay? We want those delightful pillows of goodness.

Mix In The Good Stuff

Now, in that bowl of pumpkin, toss in your flour and salt. Start mixing with a fork to keep it tidy, but then, get your hands in there—it’s the only way! Knead it gently into a dough, but remember, don’t overdo it or they’ll turn tough. We want tender, soft gnocchi, not tiny rocks.

Shape It Up

So here’s the fun part—divide your dough into smaller portions, and roll each one into a long rope, about half an inch thick. Then, cut those ropes into inch-long pieces. Like little pillows waiting for their sauce!

Mark The Gnocchi

Grab a fork and gently press each piece to form those cute little ridges, but it’s totally okay if you skip this if you’re short on time. Ridges help sauces cling better, but hey, they’ll taste great regardless!

Cook The Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and then, like a gentle wave, add the gnocchi. They’ll float to the surface when they’re ready, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. Perfect time to tidy up a bit while you wait, right?

Serve It Up

Now, this is the best part! Serve your gnocchi with whatever sauce makes your heart sing—brown butter with sage is my go-to, but you could use marinara or just sprinkle with cheese. Whatever works for you!

Good to Know

• When choosing pumpkin, go for sugar pumpkins—they’re sweeter and perfect for this recipe.
• Adjust the flour as needed… the key is to get the dough just right, not too sticky.
• If you want to save some for later, throw them in the freezer after shaping! Just line them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then toss them in a bag.

Serving Ideas

• A simple sprinkle of Parmesan and some freshly cracked pepper can elevate this dish wonderfully.

Top Tricks

• If you have leftover gnocchi, heat them in some butter for a delightful crispy finish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pumpkin puree instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling. I mean, that would be a bit odd, right?

What type of flour is best for making gnocchi?

All-purpose flour usually does the trick perfectly, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try 00 flour for a different vibe!

How should I store leftover gnocchi?

Right! Uncooked gnocchi can chill in the fridge for a day or you can freeze them. Cooked ones can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of days—easy!

Can I freeze the cooked gnocchi?

Yes, you can! Just cool them completely first, then freeze in a single layer, and bag them up. Just reheat gently when you’re ready.

What can I serve with pumpkin gnocchi?

Try pairing it with sage brown butter, rich cream sauces, or sautéed veggies for a pop of color and flavor. You can’t go wrong!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! This delicious pumpkin gnocchi is not just a dish; it’s a cozy embrace on a plate. Simple ingredients, fun to make, and a perfect way to celebrate all things autumn, or any time you need a little comfort, really. You’ll be dreaming of this dish long after the last bite.

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

This version leans lighter with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta, perfect to pair with a simple butter sauce.

Potato and Herb Gnocchi

A classic, loaded with potatoes and fresh herbs—just right for summer served with a bright pesto.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter

Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with sage-infused butter.

Mushroom Ravioli

Try this, and fill ravioli with mushrooms for a different flavor but maintain that classic shape. So fun!

Chunky Vegetable Sauce

Toss those gnocchi in a hearty, chunky vegetable sauce loaded with seasonal goodies for a wholesome meal.

Walnut Pesto

Drizzle with a walnut pesto for a nutty twist that’s just so satisfying. Seriously, go for it!

Cheesy Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with cheesy garlic bread on the side, it adds a lovely crunch to each meal.

Mixed Green Salad

And a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette balances everything out beautifully, so refreshing!