Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Imagine sinking your fork into pillowy gnocchi coated in a velvety pumpkin sauce, with each bite delivering the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage transforms seasonal ingredients into an extraordinary comfort dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The rich pumpkin cream sauce wraps around tender gnocchi while Italian sausage adds a delicious depth and spinach brings freshness to this fall-inspired meal. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality pumpkin gnocchi that will impress your family and friends any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and homey satisfaction. The silky pumpkin cream sauce offers a luxurious mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the tender-firm bite of the gnocchi. You’ll appreciate how the sweet, earthy pumpkin harmonizes with the savory Italian sausage, while bright spinach cuts through the richness.

What makes this dish truly special is its impressive presentation despite being remarkably easy to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table. The combination of textures—from the pillowy gnocchi to the crumbled sausage and wilted spinach—creates a multi-dimensional experience that keeps every bite interesting. This autumn pasta dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, based on preference)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

The pumpkin puree provides a naturally sweet, earthy foundation, while the heavy cream creates that luxurious, velvety texture. Fresh spinach adds color, nutrition and lightens the dish, while good-quality Italian sausage brings savory depth and subtle spice notes that complement the sweet pumpkin perfectly.

Pro Tips

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency
For the creamiest pumpkin gnocchi sauce, whisk the pumpkin puree and heavy cream thoroughly before adding to the pan. If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Gnocchi Cooking Technique
Don’t overcook your gnocchi! These little potato dumplings cook incredibly quickly—they’re done as soon as they float to the surface of the boiling water, typically within 2-3 minutes. For an elevated version of this spinach and sausage gnocchi, try pan-frying the boiled gnocchi in a little butter for 1-2 minutes before adding to the sauce for a delightful crispy exterior.

Layering Flavors
Brown your Italian sausage properly to develop deep flavor. Break it into small, bite-sized pieces and allow it to develop a golden crust before stirring. This caramelization creates rich, complex flavors that form the foundation of the dish. For even more depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage and before adding the other sauce ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically just until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Make the Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add the pumpkin puree to the onion-garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Add the nutmeg and dried sage, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Elements
Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the sauce. Stir in the fresh spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. Once all the spinach is incorporated, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring each piece is coated in the luscious pumpkin sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish the Dish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the gnocchi. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Variations

Vegetarian Pumpkin Gnocchi
For a meat-free version of this creamy pumpkin gnocchi, simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To maintain the savory depth, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the sauce. For protein, consider adding 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained white beans, which complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Dairy-Free Adaptation
Create a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The natural sweetness of coconut milk works wonderfully with pumpkin, while cashew cream provides a neutral base that allows the pumpkin flavor to shine. Replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. This variation maintains the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Autumn Harvest Enhancement
Elevate this pumpkin gnocchi with spinach by incorporating additional fall vegetables. Add 1 cup of diced butternut squash, roasted until caramelized, or 1/2 cup of crispy sage leaves fried in butter. For a festive touch, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts before serving, adding both textural contrast and nutritional benefits.

Storage and Serving

Storage Solutions
This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore its silky consistency. Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. While technically freezable for up to 1 month, the texture of the cream sauce and gnocchi is best when enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this autumn-inspired dish in warmed, shallow bowls to keep it at the perfect temperature longer. A rustic loaf of garlic bread makes an ideal accompaniment for soaking up the luxurious sauce. For a complete meal with textural contrast, pair with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette—the acidity will cut through the richness of the dish. A glass of medium-bodied white wine such as Viognier or Chardonnay complements the creamy pumpkin flavors beautifully.

For an elevated presentation, garnish with fried sage leaves, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that would make this dish too sweet. Always use pure pumpkin puree for this savory pumpkin gnocchi.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You may need to simmer it longer to reach the desired thickness or add 1 tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and cook the gnocchi and sausage just before serving. Reheat the sauce, add the freshly cooked components, and finish with spinach and cheese for the best texture.

What type of Italian sausage works best in this recipe?
Both sweet and hot Italian sausage work well. Sweet sausage creates a nice contrast with the pumpkin, while hot sausage adds a pleasant heat that balances the dish’s richness. Choose based on your spice preference.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce. Use about 1/2 cup of frozen spinach to replace the 4 cups of fresh, as it’s more concentrated.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Italian Sausage is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, seasonal masterpiece that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth on cool autumn evenings while still feeling special enough for entertaining. The balance of creamy pumpkin sauce, pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh spinach creates a memorable meal that will quickly become a fall favorite in your recipe collection. Whether for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

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