Name: Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-inspired with Asian umami twist)
Ingredients: 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ yellow onion, chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup pumpkin purée; ½ cup unsweetened coconut cream; 1 tbsp white miso paste; 1 tsp maple syrup; 2 tsp balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp chopped sage (plus extra fried sage for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the moment the leaves start crunching underfoot and Starbucks rolls out their pumpkin spice lineup, you’re ready for all things pumpkin. Enter: creamy pumpkin gnocchi—a dish that’s equal parts comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is that it hits that magical balance between rich and wholesome. The sauce is silky smooth thanks to pumpkin purée and coconut cream, while miso paste sneaks in a little umami magic that makes the whole thing taste like it simmered for hours (spoiler alert: it didn’t). Bonus points—it’s a completely vegan gnocchi recipe, so everyone at the table can dig in.

This is the kind of fall comfort food that feels restaurant-worthy but is made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it comes together in 30 minutes—faster than waiting for delivery.

So, tie on that apron, pour yourself a glass of wine (or cider if you’re feeling festive), and let’s dive into this dreamy pumpkin sage pasta situation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Ready in 30 minutes flat
Cozy, creamy, and 100% dairy-free
Packed with seasonal flavors (hello pumpkin + sage!)
A versatile dish that works for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course

Ingredients You’ll Need

16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream
1 tbsp white miso paste
1 tsp maple syrup
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp chopped sage (plus extra fried sage for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook 5–8 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
Make the sauce: Transfer veggies to a blender with pumpkin purée, coconut cream, miso, and maple syrup. Blend until silky smooth. Pour back into the skillet and keep warm.
Cook the gnocchi: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook gnocchi until they float (2–3 minutes for fresh). Scoop them into the skillet, reserving some cooking water.
Bring it together: Toss gnocchi in sauce, adding cooking water until it’s your desired creaminess. Stir in chopped sage and balsamic vinegar.
Serve it up: Plate warm and top with crispy fried sage leaves for a little crunch and elegance.

Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Gnocchi

Don’t skip the miso. It’s the secret weapon here—giving the sauce depth without any dairy.
Blend well. A high-speed blender gives you that dreamy, restaurant-style creamy texture.
Cooking water = liquid gold. Adding starchy water helps the sauce cling to every pillowy gnocchi bite.
Make it ahead. You can prep the sauce in advance and just cook the gnocchi before serving. Perfect for weeknights!

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I tested this recipe, my kids thought I was making mac and cheese (the orange sauce gave me away). After the first bite, though, they were hooked—one even asked if I could make “pumpkin pasta” every Friday night. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another weeknight dinner—it was a keeper.

There’s something magical about how pumpkin transforms a simple dish into pure comfort. Growing up, fall meals at my house always meant casseroles and soups, but I love reinventing those cozy vibes into dishes like this. And when I can sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing? That’s a mom win.

What to Serve with Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

This dish is rich and satisfying, so pair it with something light and fresh. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess beautifully. Garlic bread or focaccia is a no-brainer (because carbs on carbs is always a good idea). If you’re entertaining, a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider makes it feel extra special.

Want to go all-in on the fall vibes? Serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup for the ultimate seasonal feast.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or veggie broth to loosen up the sauce—gnocchi loves to soak it all in overnight.

For longer storage, keep the sauce and gnocchi separate. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, warm it up, and toss with freshly cooked gnocchi for an almost instant dinner.

FAQs About Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Can I use sweet potato gnocchi instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potato gnocchi works beautifully here and adds even more fall flavor.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

You can sub with cashew cream or even oat cream if you prefer. The key is keeping it creamy, but still dairy-free gnocchi.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just grab gluten-free gnocchi from the store and you’re set.

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. Make the sauce a day or two before and just cook fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to serve.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, creamy pumpkin gnocchi is everything I want in a fall dinner—fast, comforting, and full of seasonal goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of friends, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few “wow, can I get the recipe?” moments.

So grab that can of pumpkin, light a candle, and let your kitchen fill with the cozy aroma of sage and garlic. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat all season long.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.