By This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp dried sage (optional)
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook the sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic and spinach:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Make the creamy pumpkin sauce:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sage, nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add gnocchi:
Stir the gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through.
Combine sausage and spinach:
Return the cooked sausage and spinach to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy pumpkin sauce.
Serve and garnish:
Plate the gnocchi, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
