Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Fall Dinners 🍴

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There’s something magical about fall evenings, when the air feels crisp and the table calls for comfort food. For us, living as a digital nomad family between the Netherlands and Southern Europe, food is where we find home no matter where we are. And nothing says cozy quite like a bowl of Pumpkin Gnocchi.

This dish is creamy, colorful, and so much fun to make. And if you’ve been looking for new pumpkin recipes that bring both flavor and comfort to the table, this is one of those vegetarian dinner ideas that will instantly become a favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or planning a special Thanksgiving Gnocchi side, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly versatile.

Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe

This recipe can be made two ways: the quick version with store-bought gnocchi or the cozy homemade version where you make the gnocchi dough from scratch. Choose whichever fits your day — both are delicious, comforting, and perfect for a fall vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients (Choose Your Version)

If Using Store-Bought Gnocchi (Quick & Easy)

1 package (about 16 oz) premade gnocchi
2 cups roasted pumpkin (or butternut squash)
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh sage leaves (6–8)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, mixed greens

If Making Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi (From Scratch)

2 cups roasted pumpkin (about 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 cup ricotta cheese (drained well)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh sage leaves (6–8)
Optional toppings: crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, mixed greens

Quick Kitchen Essentials for Pumpkin Gnocchi 🍴

Before you get started, a few tools make the process smoother (and more fun):

Potato ricer for silky pumpkin puree
Wooden cutting board for rolling and shaping gnocchi
Large non-stick skillet for golden sage butter sauce
Beautiful pasta bowls to serve your cozy creation

With these on hand, you’ll be ready to turn simple ingredients into a joyful family dinner.

Instructions

1. Roast the Pumpkin

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice pumpkin into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Choose Your Path

If Using Store-Bought Gnocchi (Quick & Easy):

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes until they float).
Drain and set aside.

If Making Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi (From Scratch):

Mash or rice the roasted pumpkin until smooth.
Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, salt, and nutmeg.
Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms (slightly sticky but workable).
On a floured surface, divide dough into 4 portions. Roll each into a rope about 1 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
Boil in salted water until they float (about 2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.

3. Make the Sage Butter Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until butter turns golden and fragrant.
Add the cooked gnocchi (either version) and toss gently to coat.

4. Finish and Serve

Plate your gnocchi and add toppings like crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, or a handful of greens.
Enjoy as a cozy Pumpkin Recipes Dinner — or serve it as a side dish for a festive Thanksgiving Gnocchi spread.

👉 Next step could be the How To Cook Gnocchi chapter, where we explore boiling, pan-frying, and oven-roasting for extra texture and flavor

How To Cook Gnocchi

One of the best things about gnocchi recipes is how versatile they are. You can boil them for a pillowy-soft bite, roast them for a golden crisp, or pan-fry them for that perfect mix of soft inside and slightly crunchy outside. The beauty of this Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe is that you can experiment with all three methods depending on your mood and the meal.

Boiled Gnocchi (Classic Way)

Boiling is the most traditional method. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and drop in your gnocchi. As soon as they float to the surface (usually within 2–3 minutes), they’re ready to scoop out. Toss them immediately in a sauce — sage butter, creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Sauce, or even a light tomato base all work beautifully. If you’re wondering how to cook gnocchi without overdoing it, just remember: once it floats, it’s done.

Pan-Fried Gnocchi (Golden Crisp)

If you like your Gnocchi With Pumpkin Sauce to have a little extra bite, pan-frying is the way to go. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet. Add the boiled gnocchi in a single layer and let them crisp for 2–3 minutes per side. This method gives you golden, slightly crunchy edges that pair wonderfully with roasted pumpkin and feta. It’s also a great way to make Healthy Gnocchi Recipes feel indulgent but still light.

Roasted Gnocchi (One-Pan Wonder)

For an easy, hands-off dinner, try Roasted Gnocchi. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a sheet pan, toss uncooked store-bought gnocchi with olive oil, salt, and your favorite veggies (pumpkin, red onion, peppers). Roast for 20 minutes until the gnocchi is puffed and golden. Add crumbled cheese or fresh greens before serving. This version transforms your gnocchi into a hearty traybake — ideal for busy weeknights or even a simple pumpkin recipes dinner with friends.

Joyful Cooking Tip

For families, cooking gnocchi is an activity in itself. Our kids love to sprinkle cheese on top or add greens before serving. It turns cooking into connection, and the end result — a warm, colorful bowl of Pumpkin Gnocchi — feels like joy in every bite.

Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipes

Once you’ve got your base recipe down, the magic really begins. There are endless ways to enjoy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipes, whether you prefer buttery, creamy, festive, or fresh. Below are detailed ideas with extra ingredients, step-by-step tips, and serving inspiration. Each one can stand alone as a complete vegetarian dinner or work beautifully as a side dish.

1. Classic Sage Butter Gnocchi

Ingredients:

Cooked pumpkin gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8–10 fresh sage leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper

Instructions:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add sage leaves and let them crisp for about 1–2 minutes. Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet, tossing gently until each piece is coated in buttery goodness. Sprinkle with Parmesan and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Tips: Use a cast iron skillet for even browning. Serve in warm bowls with an extra sage leaf for garnish — it makes this classic Gnocchi Dish feel restaurant-worthy.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Sauce

Ingredients:

Cooked gnocchi
1 cup roasted pumpkin puree
½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Olive oil

Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add pumpkin puree, cream, and nutmeg. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes until creamy. Add Parmesan and stir again. Toss gnocchi into the sauce until coated, then serve with extra Parmesan on top.

Tips: For a lighter version, replace cream with milk or a splash of vegetable broth. This cozy Pumpkin Gnocchi Sauce is one of those healthy gnocchi recipes that feels decadent but still nourishing.

3. Thanksgiving Gnocchi

Ingredients:

Cooked gnocchi
2 tablespoons butter
6 sage leaves
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
Maple syrup drizzle
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:
Prepare the sage butter as in the classic recipe. Once the gnocchi is coated, add cranberries and toasted pecans. Toss gently, then drizzle lightly with maple syrup. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.

Tips: This dish is festive, colorful, and perfect for the holiday table. Serve in a big platter as a side dish — it will quickly become everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving Gnocchi.

4. Light and Fresh Vegetarian Gnocchi

Ingredients:

Cooked gnocchi
2 cups baby spinach
2 garlic cloves, sliced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Crumbled feta or goat cheese

Instructions:
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Toss in the gnocchi and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Add lemon zest for brightness, then finish with crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Tips: This variation proves that vegetarian recipes can be light yet satisfying. It’s a wonderful weeknight meal when you want something healthy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

5. Roasted Traybake Gnocchi With Pumpkin

Ingredients:

1 package uncooked store-bought gnocchi
2 cups cubed roasted pumpkin
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
1 red onion, sliced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Handful of walnuts
Fresh greens

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss gnocchi, pumpkin, chickpeas, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes until gnocchi is golden and puffed. Top with walnuts and a handful of fresh greens before serving.

Tips: This sheet pan dinner is ideal for busy nights — minimal effort, maximum flavor. It’s a fun twist on Roasted Gnocchi and makes a hearty pumpkin recipes dinner that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Joyful Serving Inspiration

Whichever version you choose, serving your gnocchi in beautiful pasta bowls with a fresh salad and a warm loaf of bread transforms dinner into a cozy celebration. Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with orange slices to set the mood.

Bringing Joy to the Table ✨

Cooking Pumpkin Gnocchi isn’t just about the food — it’s about slowing down, gathering together, and finding joy in the little moments. Whether you choose the quick version with store-bought gnocchi or dive into making it from scratch, every bite feels like comfort and creativity rolled into one.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring:

Save this recipe to Pinterest so you’ll always have it ready for your next cozy night in. A bowl of gnocchi with pumpkin might just become your family’s new fall tradition. 🍂💛

Easy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Fall Dinners 🍴

📌 Love our ideas? Follow us on Pinterest