How to Make Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

Discover the rich flavors of Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce in this easy, comforting homemade recipe perfect for fall. This dish brings together pillowy gnocchi made from fresh pumpkin, enriched with a nutty, golden butter sauce infused with crispy sage leaves. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous that will quickly become a seasonal favorite at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Comfort: Pumpkin adds a naturally sweet and earthy flavor that makes this dish ideal for cozy autumn nights.
• Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a dish that tastes far more luxurious than it takes effort to make.
• Texture Delight: The soft, tender gnocchi paired with crispy sage leaves creates an irresistible contrast in every bite.
• Impressively Homemade: Making gnocchi from scratch is surprisingly easy and hugely satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Great as a comforting main dish or a standout side to autumnal roasts or sautés.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce is carefully selected to enhance flavor, texture, and color. From the pumpkin’s natural sweetness to the aroma of fresh sage, these simple components come together to make magical comfort food.

• Pumpkin puree: Use cooked and mashed pumpkin for a vibrant, moist base that adds natural sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure to bind the gnocchi without making it heavy.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and tenderness to the dough, making gnocchi light and fluffy.
• Egg yolk: Acts as a binder, enriching the dough’s texture and helping with firmness when cooked.
• Salt and nutmeg: Essential seasoning to elevate the pumpkin’s flavor with warmth and balance.
• Unsalted butter: Creates the base for the sauce, lending a rich, toasty flavor perfect for frying sage.
• Fresh sage leaves: Crisp up in butter and bring a fragrant, slightly peppery quality that complements the sweet pumpkin.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty sharpness when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Variations for Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce is highly adaptable, perfect for swapping out ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal flavor preferences.

• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the gnocchi soft and tender.
• Vegan twist: Use plant-based ricotta and a flax egg or other egg replacer, then swap butter for olive oil.
• Spiced variations: Add cinnamon or ground cloves to the dough for a more pronounced fall spice profile.
• Cheese additions: Mix goat cheese into the dough for a tangy depth or swap Parmesan topping for Pecorino Romano.
• Herb swaps: Try crispy thyme or rosemary instead of sage for a different herbal note.

How to Make Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Start by roasting or steaming fresh pumpkin until tender, then mash it until smooth. Using fresh pumpkin gives your gnocchi the best flavor and moisture level compared to canned versions.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with ricotta cheese, egg yolk, salt, a pinch of nutmeg, and gradually add flour. Mix gently until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the gnocchi light.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into thick ropes on a floured surface. Cut into bite-sized pieces and, if desired, press each piece lightly with a fork to create ridges that hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove gently with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it starts to brown slightly and smell nutty. Add fresh sage leaves and fry until they crisp up. Toss the cooked gnocchi gently in the buttery sauce to coat well.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the gnocchi with crispy sage on top. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan if desired and enjoy immediately while warm and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

• Use dry flour wisely: Start with less flour when mixing dough and add more only if it feels too sticky.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Gentle mixing keeps the gnocchi tender and prevents toughness.
• Test a small batch: Boil a couple of gnocchi first to check the texture before shaping all.
• Butter browning is key: Let the butter reach a light brown color for that irresistible nutty flavor without burning.
• Fresh sage makes all the difference: Use fresh leaves for that crispy texture and proper herbal aroma.

How to Serve Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese adds a salty richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pumpkin. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi pairs wonderfully with sautéed greens like spinach or kale, roasted root vegetables, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, drizzling extra crisp sage butter sauce on top and garnishing with whole sage leaves or microgreens for color and texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the crispy sage butter sauce separate to reheat fresh for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by dropping directly into boiling water when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Gently reheat gnocchi in a pan with a little fresh butter or olive oil over medium heat, adding the crispy sage leaves last to regain that delicious texture without sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well if you choose pure pumpkin without added spices or sugars, but fresh pumpkin will provide the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done cooking?

The gnocchi will float to the surface of boiling water once cooked, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them promptly to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the ricotta with a plant-based version, use a flax or chia egg as a binder, and swap butter for a vegan-friendly oil or margarine.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Add flour gradually but sparingly until the dough is manageable but still soft; too much flour can make the gnocchi tough, so balance is key.

Can I prepare the pumpkin ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast or steam the pumpkin and prepare the puree a day before, storing it tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to make the gnocchi.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Sage Butter Sauce from scratch — it’s a cooking experience that warms the heart and fills the home with seasonal aromas. With its soft, pillowy texture paired with golden, aromatic sage butter, this recipe is a guaranteed winner for fall dinners. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy every bite of this comforting classic with your loved ones.

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