As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I can’t help but drift back to cool autumn afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. That warm, inviting space was filled with the most wonderful aromas—baking bread, simmering sauces, and, of course, her legendary pumpkin dishes. One of the recipes we often crafted together was creamy pumpkin gnocchi. Today, I’ve given it a twist that would make Grandma proud—I’ve added savory Italian sausage!

This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Italian Sausage became a household favorite, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a blanket of comfort and nostalgia. Get ready to savor every bite while filling your kitchen with delicious scents that will draw everyone to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly creamy and comforting flavors—ideal for cozy evenings.
• Simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for company.
• Loaded with fall flavors, making it a seasonal favorite!
• Budget-friendly and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Before you start, make sure you have everything on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Feel free to play around with the cheese; a little ricotta added at the end can make it extra creamy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into this deliciousness! This is where the magic happens:

1. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the top—this usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
2. Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to get those lovely crisp bits, they add great flavor!
3. Add the aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and dried sage into the pan with the sausage. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring often (and trying not to let your kitchen smell too good!).
4. Incorporate the pumpkin: Pour in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. Cook on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until it bubbles gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The colors and smells will be a feast for the senses!
5. Melt in the cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully into the sauce. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi straight into the skillet, tossing to coat them in that luscious sauce. Let them sit in the sauce for a minute, as they absorb all those flavors.
7. Serve hot: Dish out your creamy pumpkin gnocchi with Italian sausage and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to taste as you go! This will help you adjust the seasoning just right.

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is so versatile! Here are some fun twists and additions you might consider:

• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes when sautéing the sausage.
• Veggie version: Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delightful vegetarian take!
• Different cheeses: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist!
• Nutty crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is stunning on its own, but here’s how I like to serve it:

Pair your creamy pumpkin gnocchi with some crusty garlic bread to mop up that fabulous sauce. A simple side salad with earthy greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish perfectly. And if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a glass of your favorite white wine—nothing like a little Riesling to elevate the experience!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to store this dreamy dish:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the gnocchi if needed. Just let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 3 months.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, defrost the gnocchi overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet on low, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will add an extra touch of love to the dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to float!

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, and you’re in for a treat!

Can I add other veggies?

Totally! Roasted butternut squash, kale, or even some sautéed bell peppers would complement this dish nicely.

How do I make this dairy-free?

You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese!

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce a day ahead and just add the cooked gnocchi right before serving. It saves time, and the flavors meld beautifully!

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Italian Sausage recipe! It’s a delightful way to autumn-proof your dinner table and a guaranteed winner for your friends and family. If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your feedback and any tasty variations you come up with in the comments below. Happy cooking, my friend!

Decadent Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Savory Italian Sausage Recipe

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in decadent creamy pumpkin gnocchi paired with savory Italian sausage This recipe delivers rich flavors perfect for a cozy meal 151 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and dried sage, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Incorporate the pumpkin: Pour in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.

Melt in the cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, adding pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Combine: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce and letting it absorb flavors for a minute.

Serve hot: Dish out and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Keywords: Pumpkin Gnocchi, Italian Sausage, Autumn Recipe, Comfort Food