Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

Featured in: One-Pot Meals

This dish combines pillowy gnocchi with a smooth pumpkin sauce delicately spiced with fresh sage and nutmeg. Sauteed onions and garlic create a fragrant base enriched by cream and Parmesan, offering a luscious texture and warm flavors. Optional spinach adds a touch of green, while crisp fried sage leaves provide an aromatic, crunchy finishing touch. Ready in 30 minutes, it's a simple yet elegant meal perfect for cozy autumn nights.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:54:00 GMT
Creamy One-Pot Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi pasta, plated beautifully, with golden crispy sage and Parmesan. Pin
Creamy One-Pot Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi pasta, plated beautifully, with golden crispy sage and Parmesan. | garlicgroove.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 made this for a chilly fall night and was amazed at how the flavors blended perfectly and how quickly it came together.

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.
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My family loves gathering around this dish on cool nights sharing stories and savoring every bite.

Notes

For a vegan version use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven (with lid), wooden spoon or spatula, small skillet for crispy sage (optional), knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cream butter Parmesan), Wheat (gnocchi may contain wheat). Double-check gnocchi packaging for possible egg or gluten content if allergies are a concern.

A steaming bowl of comforting One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, perfect for a chilly autumn dinner. Pin
A steaming bowl of comforting One-Pot Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi, perfect for a chilly autumn dinner. | garlicgroove.com

This recipe brings cozy comfort with minimal effort and maximum flavor every time.

Creamy Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi

A comforting dish featuring gnocchi in a rich pumpkin and sage sauce, ideal for cozy dinners.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

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 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
07 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
08 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping (optional)

01 8 to 10 fresh sage leaves
02 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent; stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Prepare Sauce: Stir in pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add Spinach: If using, fold in baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

Prepare Crispy Sage Topping (Optional): In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Fry fresh sage leaves for about 1 minute until crisp, then transfer to paper towel to drain.

Step 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains milk (cream, butter, Parmesan) and wheat (gnocchi may contain wheat). Check packaging for possible egg or gluten presence.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein: 12 g