Creamy Pumpkin and Sausage Gnocchi 🧡
Pillowy gnocchi, a silky pumpkin-Parmesan sauce, and well-browned Italian sausage—the cozy fall bowl that eats like a hug.
The Short Story
Some nights the goal is simple: warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying. This was that bowl. The sauce turned out luxuriously creamy, with pumpkin grounding everything in a gentle, earthy way. I browned the sausage until the pan built up that gorgeous “pull-up-a-chair” fond. Even using mild Italian, there was a little tingle—Mom noticed it… then went back for seconds. 🍂
What Makes It Work
- Pumpkin = depth, not dessert: It anchors the sauce and lets the savory notes shine.
- Hard sear = big flavor: Deep browning on the sausage builds the base for every bite.
- Gnocchi glow-up: I cut every gnocchi in half. Store-bought can be dense; halving makes them lighter and gives the sauce more to cling to.
- Rich, yet lively: A splash of white wine (or a tiny hit of acid off heat) keeps the creaminess bright, not heavy.
Chef’s Notes (Read Before You Cook)
- Heat balance: Mild sausage can still surprise spice-sensitive diners. Ease it with a splash of cream at the end or extra Parm at the table.
- Texture tuning: After the covered simmer, let the sauce bubble uncovered 1–2 minutes so it clings to the gnocchi instead of pooling.
- Optional sage crunch: Fry a few sage leaves in butter; crumble some in, save a few for garnish. Instant “restaurant” moment.
Serving & Pairings
- Side salad: Shaved fennel + arugula with lemon and olive oil—bright, peppery, fast.
- Sip: Unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Zero-proof: Sparkling apple cider with a squeeze of lemon. 🥂
Make-Ahead & Leftovers
- Make-ahead: The sauce base holds beautifully for 1–2 days; rewarm gently, then add gnocchi and greens to finish.
- Leftovers: Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen—still silky on day two.
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