Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce

Pumpkin Gnocchi is a delightful twist on the classic potato version, offering a rich, autumnal flavor with its vibrant orange hue. The gnocchi are soft and pillowy on the inside, with a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that pairs beautifully with the fragrant, buttery sage sauce. Every bite delivers a burst of comforting flavor that’s ideal for cooler weather.

This dish is a fantastic way to elevate your pasta game with seasonal ingredients. The ricotta in the dough makes it much easier to handle than traditional gnocchi recipes, while the pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the sage and butter. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a special meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation.

Full Recipe:

  • 300g / 10 oz fresh pumpkin (steamed or boiled, then mashed) or 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup ricotta (full-fat)
  • 1 1/4 cup plain flour (all-purpose), plus more for dusting
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Sage Butter Sauce:

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 50g / 3.5 tbsp butter
  • 20 fresh sage leaves

To Serve:

  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

  1. Line a colander with 4 sheets of paper towel. Spread the fresh mashed pumpkin or canned puree onto the paper towel and let it sit for 5 minutes to drain excess moisture.
  2. Measure out 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin, ricotta, flour, parmesan, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface, dust with flour, and form it into a log shape.
  4. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a 2/3 inch thick rope and cut into small gnocchi squares. Optionally, press down on the cut side of each gnocchi with a fork to create ridges.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 1 minute, or until they float to the surface. Drain.
  6. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil and 1 tsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook, shaking the pan, for about 1 1/2 minutes until lightly browned.
  7. Add the remaining butter and sage leaves to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sage is crispy and the butter is golden brown.
  8. Serve the gnocchi immediately, garnished with parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 341 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce: A Perfect Autumn Comfort Dish

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, our palates naturally gravitate towards warm, comforting meals. One dish that encapsulates the essence of autumn is Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce. This pillowy-soft homemade pasta, made with fresh or canned pumpkin, offers a delightful twist on traditional potato gnocchi. Bathed in a fragrant sage butter sauce, it delivers the rich and earthy flavors of the season in a simple, elegant way.

Unlike the classic potato gnocchi, which can be tricky to perfect, pumpkin gnocchi uses ricotta cheese to provide a softer, more forgiving dough. This results in gnocchi that are easier to make but still yield the same delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combined with the savory notes of browned butter and crispy sage leaves, this dish is both indulgent and surprisingly light, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

What Makes Pumpkin Gnocchi So Special?

Pumpkin gnocchi brings together the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the richness of butter and herbs, making it an ideal dish for those who love comforting, hearty meals with a seasonal twist. Here are some of the key elements that make this dish stand out:

  • Pumpkin’s Natural Sweetness: While pumpkin itself has a subtle sweetness, it enhances the overall flavor of the gnocchi without overpowering it. This sweetness complements the salty, savory notes of parmesan and ricotta in the dough.
  • Sage Butter Sauce: The pairing of gnocchi with sage butter sauce is classic in Italian cuisine. Sage leaves, when fried in butter, release their earthy aroma, which permeates the sauce and enhances the richness of the dish. The browned butter adds a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft gnocchi.
  • Texture Contrast: One of the most delightful aspects of this dish is the textural contrast. The gnocchi are soft and pillowy on the inside, while the outside becomes golden and slightly crispy when pan-fried. The crispy sage leaves provide an additional layer of texture, making each bite dynamic and satisfying.
  • Versatility: This recipe is highly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs by substituting ingredients, adding additional flavors, or even pairing it with a different sauce. The dough itself can be flavored with herbs or spices, and the butter sauce can be swapped for a tomato or cream-based sauce for a completely different flavor profile.

Why Ricotta is the Secret Ingredient

Traditional gnocchi recipes often use mashed potatoes as the base, which can be finicky to work with and prone to becoming dense if overworked. Ricotta, on the other hand, creates a much lighter dough that’s easier to handle. It ensures the gnocchi remain soft and fluffy, even after cooking. Ricotta’s creaminess also contributes to the luxurious texture of the gnocchi, making this dish feel indulgent without being overly heavy.

In addition, ricotta has a mild flavor that complements the pumpkin, allowing the latter’s subtle sweetness to shine through. This ingredient swap not only simplifies the process but also enhances the overall flavor and texture of the gnocchi, making it more accessible for home cooks of all levels.

A Healthier Comfort Food Option

While comfort food is often associated with indulgence, Pumpkin Gnocchi offers a healthier spin without compromising on flavor. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that make this dish as nutritious as it is delicious:

  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which promote heart health and aid in digestion.
  • Low in Calories: Unlike many traditional pasta dishes, pumpkin gnocchi is relatively low in calories. The use of pumpkin and ricotta in the dough reduces the need for heavy ingredients like cream, making it a lighter yet still satisfying meal.
  • High in Antioxidants: The sage butter sauce not only adds flavor but also provides antioxidants. Sage has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help protect your cells from damage and support overall health.

Creative Variations and Additions

One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas for adding your personal touch to pumpkin gnocchi:

  • Add Spinach: For a more nutritious and colorful dish, you can add sautéed spinach to the butter sauce. The earthy flavor of spinach pairs well with both pumpkin and sage, making the dish more wholesome and visually appealing.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While parmesan is a classic topping for gnocchi, you can experiment with other cheeses like pecorino romano or gorgonzola for a sharper, more intense flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh mozzarella over the top for a gooey finish.
  • Incorporate Nuts: To add crunch and enhance the dish’s flavor profile, consider adding toasted nuts like pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans. Their nuttiness complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and the richness of the butter sauce.
  • Use Brown Butter: For an even deeper flavor, you can brown the butter before adding the sage leaves. Brown butter has a rich, nutty aroma that intensifies the dish’s complexity, adding another layer of indulgence.
  • Pair with Protein: If you want to turn this dish into a heartier meal, you can serve the pumpkin gnocchi with grilled chicken, sausage, or seared scallops. The gnocchi acts as a perfect base for these proteins, absorbing their flavors while maintaining its soft texture.

How to Serve and Enjoy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Pumpkin gnocchi can be served as a main course or a side dish, depending on the occasion and what you pair it with. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

  • Serve with a Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the gnocchi and sage butter sauce. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the fat and bring a refreshing contrast to the dish.
  • Pair with Wine: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, while its fruity notes complement the gnocchi’s sweetness.
  • Presentation Matters: To enhance the visual appeal, consider serving the gnocchi on a large, flat plate, allowing the golden brown pieces to stand out against the green of the sage leaves. A sprinkle of parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper will finish the dish beautifully.

Conclusion: A Dish for All Seasons

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce is more than just a seasonal dish – it’s a comforting, versatile recipe that can be enjoyed year-round. Its balance of flavors, from the subtle sweetness of pumpkin to the richness of sage-infused butter, makes it a memorable meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a cozy family dinner, or as a make-ahead freezer option, this dish delivers both on taste and presentation.

Best of all, it’s a recipe that invites creativity. You can adapt it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that it becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor and sophistication that the final dish delivers, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Leave a Comment