Prepare to embark on a flavor odyssey with this savory pumpkin gnocchi dish. Sink your teeth into these pillowy-soft morsels, coated in a luxurious sage butter sauce that will transport your taste buds to a cozy autumn evening. This recipe is a celebration of the season’s bounty, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the aromatic elegance of sage. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of comfort and culinary adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a twist! This savory pumpkin gnocchi dish is a delightful departure from the classic potato version, offering a velvety texture and a burst of autumnal flavor in every bite. The sage butter sauce lends a cozy, aromatic element that perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Elevate your gnocchi game with a few key ingredients. You’ll need pumpkin purée, all-purpose flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and salt for the dough. The sage butter sauce calls for unsalted butter, fresh sage leaves, and a pinch of salt. Gather these simple yet flavorful components, and you’re well on your way to creating a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
- 1 cup – Pumpkin purée (homemade or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 2 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon – Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pumpkin Purée: Canned pumpkin purée (for a time-saving alternative)
- Butter: Plant-based butter (for a dairy-free option)
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating this autumnal masterpiece.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by roasting the pumpkin until it’s tender and caramelized. Mash the roasted pumpkin until smooth, then let it cool. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, flour, eggs, Parmesan, nutmeg, and salt. Knead the dough until it comes together, being careful not to overwork it.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Roll the dough into long, thin ropes, then cut them into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently drop the gnocchi into the water. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook until they’re crispy and fragrant. Drain the cooked gnocchi and add them to the sage butter sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve the savory pumpkin gnocchi immediately, garnished with additional crispy sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sage butter sauce for an earthy, umami twist.
- Crispy Pancetta: Top the gnocchi with crispy pancetta for a savory, salty crunch.
- Creamy Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta or goat cheese, for a creamier texture.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Toss the cooked gnocchi in a bit of pumpkin seed oil for a vibrant, autumnal color and nutty flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Storage: The gnocchi can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply boil the gnocchi and toss them with the sage butter sauce.
Reheat: The gnocchi are best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan. Gently reheat them in the sage butter sauce before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can make the gnocchi dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply roll and cut the gnocchi as directed.
Nutrition Information
This savory pumpkin gnocchi dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving contains a generous amount of vitamin A from the pumpkin, as well as protein from the eggs and cheese. The sage butter sauce adds a touch of richness, but the overall dish remains a wholesome and well-balanced option.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 46 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin purée instead of roasting my own?
Yes, you can absolutely use canned pumpkin purée as a time-saving substitute. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before incorporating it into the gnocchi dough.
How do I keep the gnocchi from becoming gummy or dense?
The key to light and fluffy gnocchi is to handle the dough as little as possible. Be gentle when kneading, and resist the urge to overwork the dough. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the pot when boiling the gnocchi.
Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gnocchi in advance and store them in the freezer. Simply follow the recipe up until the boiling step, then freeze the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with the savory pumpkin gnocchi?
The sage butter sauce is the perfect accompaniment, but you can also serve the gnocchi with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this savory pumpkin gnocchi dish is vegetarian-friendly. Simply ensure that you use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Pancakes With Maple Drizzle
- Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With Cheese Sauce
Savory Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory pumpkin gnocchi is a delightful dish with a rich sage butter sauce. Perfect for fall and winter, it’s comforting and full of flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
4. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into a long rope, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
6. Drop gnocchi into boiling water and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
7. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
8. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add sage leaves.
9. Cook until the butter is golden brown and the sage is crispy.
10. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sage butter sauce.
11. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a more decadent dish, add a splash of cream to the sage butter sauce.
You can also use frozen pumpkin puree if fresh is not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: gnocchi, pumpkin, sage, pasta