This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

With the arrival of sweater weather, a comforting bowl of pumpkin and sausage gnocchi is just what you need for a cozy dinner. This creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi recipe is creamy, meaty, cheesy and full of incredible flavors. This easy 30-minute recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and savory sausage, all wrapped up in pillowy gnocchi for a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet simple. With just one pan needed, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to comfort food for the season!

A plate of creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi topped with shredded cheese and garnished with herbs, surrounded by fresh kale, a small pumpkin, a bowl of pumpkin puree, pepper grinders, and a striped napkin.

Enjoy this creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi if you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s both quick and easy to prepare and also really creamy and tasty.

Fans of gnocchi recipes might also enjoy this gnocchi alla sorrentina, French onion gnocchi, or sweet potato gnocchi with garlic sauce.

A plate with creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi topped with cheese and herbs is shown. A spoon is lifting a spoonful of the gnocchi. A small white bowl of mashed carrots is in the background.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and easy: You can make this creamy pumpkin gnocchi in just half an hour and it’s super-simple to make too – there are only 4 steps.
One-pot recipe: As it’s a one-pot recipe that also cuts down on the washing up!
Uses simple ingredients: You’ll be able to find all the ingredients easily at the grocery store.

A close-up of a creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi dish garnished with sage leaves and grated cheese. A small white pumpkin and an orange ornament sit next to a white checkered napkin.

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sausage Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Gnocchi: You can usually find shelf-stable potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle. Homemade gnocchi is really good if you have time to make it.
Pumpkin puree: Ensure you buy 100% pumpkin puree which could be labeled as pure pumpkin. Don’t accidentally use pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and sweetened!
Ground sausage: Adds a meaty flavor. You can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
Kale: Spinach also works if that’s what you prefer.
Sage leaves: Sage is a gorgeous flavor and works so well with the pumpkin puree and sausage flavors.
Chicken broth: Chicken broth, or chicken stock, adds a delicate meaty flavor. You can use another kind.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a fragrant earthy touch of flavor.

A flat lay of various ingredients on a marble surface, including ground meat, leafy green kale, potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, cheese, cream for a delightful creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi dish.

How to Make Pumpkin Sausage Gnocchi

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the sausage: Cook the sausage in some butter and then add the shallots and garlic and cook some more.
Add more ingredients: Stir in the broth, pumpkin, seasonings, cream, cheese, and sage. Bring to a boil, add the kale and gnocchi and cook for a few more minutes.
The finishing touches: Serve immediately, garnished with more sage and/or parmesan cheese if liked.

A plate of creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi in a rich cheese sauce with kale. A small orange decorative pumpkin and leafy greens are also visible next to a white and black striped towel.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, ensure your sausage, chicken broth and gnocchi are gluten-free. This is my favorite gluten free gnocchi.
A stronger pumpkin flavor: The pumpkin flavor in this creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi recipe is quite subtle but you can add more if you want.
Not a sage fan? You can use fresh basil or fresh thyme instead.
Add some coconut: Swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk.
Go fresh or frozen: Choose from fresh or frozen gnocchi. You can even use cauliflower gnocchi.
Swap kale for spinach: If you prefer spinach, you can use that instead.

A wooden spoon scooping creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi with kale and herbs from a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start the meal with Italian tuna potato salad.
Side dishes:
Creamy pumpkin gnocchi pairs well with crusty bread or mushroom focaccia. A Caesar salad would also be good, or perhaps some roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
Desserts and drinks: How about one of these fresh and fruity desserts and maybe even a spiked peach tea lemonade?

A plate of creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi with kale, topped with grated cheese and garnished with sage leaves. A small decorative pumpkin, garlic cloves, and some kale are placed beside it on a checkered towel.

How to Store Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Store: Keep leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze: This isn’t a good dish to freeze because the sauce will separate.
Reheat: You can reheat pumpkin and sausage gnocchi in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

A white plate with creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi, topped with herbs. Surrounding items include slices of bread, a bowl of orange dip, a white pot, salt and pepper shakers, garlic, pumpkin decorations, and greens.

Top Tips

Cooking times: Frozen gnocchi and fresh gnocchi have different cooking times, so check the packaging before cooking it in your creamy pumpkin and sausage dish.
Fresh is best: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is so much better than the pre-packaged kind, while fresh sage and fresh thyme add gorgeous subtle flavors you don’t get with the dried kind.
Perfectly minced sage: Mincing means making it as fine as you can. I like to roll up the sage leaves and cut the roll into lots of thin slivers, before rotating and doing the same in the other direction. You can also use a food processor to mince it.

A skillet filled with creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi, garnished with herbs and shredded cheese. Two wooden pepper grinders, small pumpkins, and a plate of herbs are visible in the background.

Gnocchi with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce FAQs

What exactly is potato gnocchi?

Gnocchi is considered a type of pasta but the difference is, while most pasta is made from wheat, gnocchi is made with potatoes. Sometimes pillowy soft potato gnocchi is better than wheat pasta, depending on the dish you’re making. It’s available fresh and frozen and is simple to prepare.

Can you make a vegetarian version of this creamy pumpkin gnocchi dish?

You can. Swap the Italian sausage for your preferred vegetarian protein and the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

What’s the nutmeg for?

This ingredient adds a touch of earthy, warm spice appeal, pairing beautifully with the creaminess of the dish. If you aren’t a nutmeg fan, you can omit it from the pumpkin gnocchi recipe.

A white plate of creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi covered in a yellow sauce with greens, accompanied by a small dish of orange purée, slices of bread, and decorative pumpkins. A black-and-white checkered napkin is in the foreground.

Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Gnocchi

Enjoy this creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi if you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s both quick and easy to prepare and also really creamy and tasty.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 16 Ounces ground sausage, mild Italian
  • 1 shallot, large, sliced
  • 3 Cloves garlic, minced
  • Cups chicken broth
  • 1 Cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ Teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 Cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ Cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 fresh sage leaves, finely minced, plus more for garnish
  • 3 Cups kale, tough stems removed, roughly chopped
  • 16 Ounces gnocchi, uncooked
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for serving
  • fresh thyme, optional garnish for serving

Instructions 

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Add shallots and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant.
  • Add chicken broth, pumpkin puree, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and minced sage. Bring to a boil.
  • Add kale and gnocchi. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over a medium heat.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with more sage and parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cooking times: Frozen gnocchi and fresh gnocchi have different cooking times, so check the packaging before cooking it in your creamy pumpkin and sausage dish.
Fresh is best: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is so much better than the pre-packaged kind, while fresh sage and fresh thyme add gorgeous subtle flavors you don’t get with the dried kind.
Perfectly minced sage: Mincing means making it as fine as you can. I like to roll up the sage leaves and cut the roll into lots of thin slivers, before rotating and doing the same in the other direction. You can also use a food processor to mince it.

Nutrition

Calories: 847kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 167mg | Sodium: 1953mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 12263IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 7mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

This creamy pumpkin gnocchi with kale and sausage is a great option if you want to whip up some cozy comfort food for dinner. It’s a heavenly combination of juicy Italian sausage, sweet pumpkin puree, cream, cheese, and more. Although it’s super-easy to make, it’s also a luxurious dish that works for any occasion from a simple weeknight meal to a birthday or anniversary dinner.

Other Recipes to Try

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 from 3 votes

3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Wow, this gnocchi is incredible! So creamy and flavorful. My family loved it, and they’re already asking for it again!