Elevate fall flavors with these pumpkin gnocchi tossed in a brown butter pecan sauce. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly autumn-inspired, this dish is a cozy gourmet delight.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the flavors of fall—the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin in your kitchen. This Pumpkin & Sage Gnocchi with Brown Butter Pecan Sauce is my new favorite way to celebrate the season, combining the earthy warmth of roasted pumpkin with nutty, fragrant brown butter and the slight crunch of pecans.
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The magic starts with the gnocchi itself. Soft, pillowy bites of pumpkin-infused dough gently float to the surface as they cook, their subtle sweetness a perfect canvas for the rich, nutty sauce. A hint of nutmeg in the dough adds a whisper of autumn spice, while a touch of sage in the brown butter sauce brings an herby depth that elevates every bite. And let’s not forget the pecans—they toast lightly in the butter, adding texture and a toasty flavor that perfectly complements the soft gnocchi.
This dish is playful enough to impress guests but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Rolling out the dough and shaping each gnocchi becomes almost meditative, and there’s a quiet satisfaction in watching them boil to perfection. When tossed in that golden, fragrant brown butter, the gnocchi transforms into something cozy yet elegant—comfort food with a gourmet twist.
I love finishing the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds and a few fresh sage leaves. Not only does it add visual appeal, but it gives a tiny, satisfying crunch with every bite. A shaving of Parmesan is optional, though it adds a savory, creamy counterpoint that pairs beautifully with the sweet, nutty pumpkin.
Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner or treating yourself to a quiet night in, these Pumpkin & Sage Gnocchi are a seasonal hug on a plate. They remind you that cooking can be both simple and sophisticated, comforting and celebratory. So light a candle, pour a glass of crisp cider, and let this dish fill your home with the cozy scents of autumn.
Pumpkin & Sage Gnocchi with Brown Butter Pecan Sauce
Elevate fall flavors with these pumpkin gnocchi tossed in a brown butter pecan sauce. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly autumn-inspired, this dish is a cozy gourmet delight.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: shaved Parmesan for serving
Garnish:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, egg, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes, about ¾ inch thick.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces and gently press with a fork to create ridges.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the gnocchi in batches.
- Once they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to brown and smells nutty.
- Add sage leaves and chopped pecans.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the brown butter pecan sauce.
- Plate the gnocchi and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh sage, and optional Parmesan.