Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the soft, comforting texture of homemade gnocchi with warm, aromatic sage-infused butter. It’s deeply satisfying yet surprisingly effortless, ready in just about 35 minutes. Plus, who can resist a touch of fall magic on a plate?

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 medium-large russet baking potato
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 egg
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for pan-frying)
• For the sage butter sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • A few sage leaves and 1 smashed garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup starchy water (reserved from cooking the gnocchi)

Directions

1. Prep the potato: Bake (or microwave) the potato until tender, peel, let cool, then grate finely.
2. Make the dough: Mix the shredded potato with pumpkin purée. Create a well in the flour on a surface, add egg and salt, then incorporate with a fork and knead gently until a cohesive, slightly soft dough forms.
3. Shape gnocchi: Slice dough into portions, roll into ropes, and cut into bite-sized gnocchi pieces. Flour lightly to prevent sticking.
4. Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi in batches; once they float, lift them out with a slotted spoon. Pan-fry briefly in butter until one side is lightly crispy. Set aside.
5. Make sauce: In the same pan, sauté sage and garlic in butter over low heat until fragrant and sage is crisp. Remove the garlic, then whisk in flour, followed by cream. Slowly whisk in starchy water until the sauce has a silky “sheen.”
6. Combine and serve: Toss gnocchi in the sauce, garnish with sage leaves and Parmesan, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yields 4 regular servings or 2 extra-generous servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Flavor twist: Swap pumpkin with sweet potato for a different nod to autumn.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend start with less and adjust for dough consistency.
• Sauce adjustment: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat, gently sauté in a pan to restore crispness and warmth, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

Can I freeze the gnocchi?

Yes! Form the gnocchi, flash-freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Boil directly from frozen add a minute or two to the cooking time as needed.

What if the dough is too sticky?

Dust lightly with flour start small to avoid tough gnocchi. The dough should remain soft but manageable.

Can I make the sauce without cream?

Absolutely use a little milk or broth and whisk until you reach a silky consistency, though it may be a bit lighter.

How do I know when gnocchi are cooked?

They’re done when they float to the surface of boiling water just scoop them out at that point.

Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes form them, freeze (or store in the fridge briefly), then cook when ready. Refrigerated gnocchi should be cooked the same day.

What’s the best potato for this?

Russet or baking potatoes are ideal for their dry texture and easy shredding.

Can I omit garlic if sensitive?

Yes skip it or use garlic-infused oil instead for a subtler flavor.

How crispy should I make the gnocchi?

Just enough to get a golden edge on one side that contrast in texture adds a lovely bite.

Any tips for rolling gnocchi?

Keep your surface lightly floured, and don’t overwork the dough aim for softness for that tender, pillowy result.

Can I add cheese to the dough?

While not traditional, a small amount of finely grated Parmesan can add flavor just be cautious, as it may slightly alter the dough texture.

Conclusion

This pumpkin gnocchi with sage butter sauce is seasonal comfort at its finest pillowy dumplings cloaked in a buttery, aromatic glaze that’s both simple and sophisticated. In just over half an hour, you can create a dish that looks elegant and tastes like fall on a plate. Perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want a little delicious indulgence.

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