Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage: A Delicious Fall Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish to brighten your fall evenings, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage: A Delicious Fall Recipe is a true favorite in my kitchen. The combination of homemade pumpkin gnocchi and savory sausage sauce is simply delightful. It’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s a joyful way to celebrate the flavors of the season!

There’s something special about making gnocchi from scratch—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll find that this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your soul with its comforting flavors. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This dish wraps you in warmth with every bite, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and freeze them for a quick meal later.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special without fussing over complicated recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you need:

• 1.5 lbs Pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
• 1 large Egg
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• Approximately 2-2.5 cups All-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 5 oz Baby spinach
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Brown butter sauce (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some roasted butternut squash or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
• Change up the greens: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different twist.
• Go vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based cream to make this dish vegan-friendly.

How to Make Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage: A Delicious Fall Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin

If you’re using fresh pumpkin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a lovely flavor. Bake until tender—about 45 to 60 minutes—then let it cool before pureeing.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mixture forms the base of your gnocchi dough while adding rich flavors right from the start.

Step 3: Gradually Add Flour

Start by adding 2 cups of flour to your wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your gnocchi light and fluffy!

Step 4: Knead Lightly

Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for just a minute or two until you have a soft ball that isn’t overly sticky. This step is crucial; too much kneading will make your gnocchi chewy instead of tender.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows gluten to relax and makes rolling easier.

Step 6: Divide the Dough

After resting, divide the dough into four equal portions. Keeping portions covered prevents them from drying out while you work with one at a time.

Step 7: Roll into Ropes

On a floured surface, roll one portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Keeping the remaining dough covered ensures everything stays moist.

Step 8: Cut into Gnocchi

Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, cut your rope into ¾-inch pieces. These little nuggets are what will soak up all that delicious sauce!

Step 9: Shape (Optional)

For traditional-looking gnocchi, roll each piece over the tines of a fork or gnocchi board with your thumb. This creates grooves that help hold onto sauces beautifully.

Step 10: Dust with Flour

Place your formed gnocchi on a lightly floured baking sheet so they don’t stick together while cooking.

Step 11: Bring Water to a Boil

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil; this is where all that beautiful flavor comes together!

Step 12: Cook the Gnocchi

Gently drop your gnocchi into boiling water in batches—avoid overcrowding! They will start sinking initially but watch closely; they’re ready when they float!

Step 13: Wait for them to Float

Cooking takes about 2–3 minutes; once they float to the top, they are done! This is an exciting moment when you know dinner is almost ready.

Step 14: Remove and Drain

Use a slotted spoon to remove cooked gnocchi from water; drain well so they don’t get watery when mixed with sauce.

Step 15: Brown the Sausage

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add sausage and break it up as it cooks until browned—this adds lots of flavor!

Step 16: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add chopped onion next; cooking until softened brings out their natural sweetness. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) shortly after—it will smell amazing!

Step 17: Add the Spinach

Stir in baby spinach next; cook until wilted—this adds color and nutrients while keeping things light.

Step 18: Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour chicken broth into the skillet next; scraping up those delicious browned bits ensures maximum flavor infusion into your sauce.

Step 19: Simmer and Thicken

Bring everything to simmering point; cook for about five minutes until slightly thickened—a luscious sauce awaits!

Step 20: Add Cream (Optional)

If you’d like an extra-rich sauce, stir in heavy cream now! Season with salt and pepper as needed—taste testing is always encouraged here!

Step 21: Add Gnocchi to Sauce

Gently toss cooked gnocchi into this vibrant spinach sausage sauce—make sure each piece gets coated beautifully!

Step 22: Serve Immediately

Plate up this comforting meal immediately! Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh sage if desired—such an inviting sight!

Step 23 & Beyond: Brown Butter Sauce (Optional)

In another light-colored skillet over medium heat melt unsalted butter (about four tablespoons). Swirl occasionally until it turns nutty brown—a fragrant addition if desired!

Feel free to drizzle this brown butter over individual servings before presenting at dinner—the aroma will wow everyone!

And there you have it—a warm embrace of flavors just waiting for you on those crisp fall nights! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage: A Delicious Fall Recipe

Making homemade gnocchi can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh pumpkin if possible: Fresh pumpkin adds a richer flavor and texture compared to canned options. Roasting your own allows you to control moisture levels, ensuring a better dough consistency.

• Don’t over-knead the dough: Kneading just until smooth helps maintain the light and fluffy texture of the gnocchi. Overworking the dough can lead to dense gnocchi, which is not what we want!

• Cook in batches: When boiling the gnocchi, cook them in small batches to prevent sticking together. This ensures that each piece gets perfectly cooked and floats to the top as it should.

• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings along the way, especially when making the sauce. A pinch more salt or some extra red pepper flakes can make all the difference in balancing flavors.

• Experiment with sauces: While this recipe features a delicious spinach sausage sauce, feel free to explore other sauces like sage brown butter or a creamy Alfredo for variation. Each will give your dish a unique twist!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage: A Delicious Fall Recipe

Presentation is key when serving this comforting dish! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory note that complements the rich flavors of the gnocchi.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme can bring freshness and color to your plate, enhancing both aesthetics and taste.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with pumpkin gnocchi, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Garlic bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover sauce, making for a truly indulgent meal.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the gnocchi and sausage, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Sautéed green beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with lemon zest offer a bright flavor that complements the hearty nature of this dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable fall meal that everyone will love! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the gnocchi and the sauce ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy nights. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover gnocchi and sauce in separate airtight containers.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the sauce has cooled down before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze uncooked gnocchi, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For cooked gnocchi, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• The sausage sauce can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
• If using frozen gnocchi, cook directly from frozen by boiling them until they float, then follow with your prepared sauce.
• For frozen sauce, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought gnocchi. Just cook according to package instructions and toss with the spinach sausage sauce.

What goes well with Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. The lightness of these sides complements the hearty flavors of pumpkin gnocchi spinach sausage beautifully!

How do I make Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage vegan?

For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use plant-based sausage as an alternative!

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers into your spinach sausage sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Is Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage suitable for special diets?

Yes! This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted for various dietary restrictions by using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option or plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find great joy in making this Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach Sausage dish! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly fall evening. The combination of flavors will surely bring comfort to your table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations! Happy cooking!