Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe

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If you are craving a dish that tastes like a warm hug from an Italian countryside kitchen, look no further than this Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of velvety pumpkin puree, tender ricotta, and fluffy gnocchi pillows, all coated in a nutty, fragrant sage butter that elevates every bite. This dish perfectly captures the essence of autumn’s harvest and Italian comfort food, making it a wonderful centerpiece for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe are simple yet each one plays an important role. From the earthy sweetness of pumpkin to the richness of ricotta and Parmesan, every element contributes to the gnocchi’s tender texture, vibrant color, and incredible flavor.

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree: Be sure it’s well-drained to avoid soggy dough and keep the gnocchi light and pillowy.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and moisture, balancing the pumpkin’s dryness for a tender dough.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure for soft, yet slightly firm gnocchi.
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth essential for traditional Italian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg: A warm spice that beautifully complements the pumpkin’s sweetness.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Plus extra for dusting; it gives body to the dough without making it tough.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Used for the luscious sage butter sauce that brings everything together.
• 15 fresh sage leaves: Crisped in butter, they add an aromatic, earthy finish that is simply irresistible.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning in the final dish for perfect balance.
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A finishing touch to amplify richness and savoriness.

How to Make Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Base

Start by combining the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until you see a smooth, creamy mixture that hints at all the wonderful flavors about to come. This mixture forms the heart of your gnocchi dough, bringing both moisture and seasoning.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Next, gradually fold in the flour. This is where the magic happens as the wet pumpkin mixture transitions into a soft dough. Stop adding flour once the dough holds together but remains soft to the touch; you want tender gnocchi, not dense or tough ones.

Step 3: Knead and Divide

Lightly flour your workspace and transfer the dough onto it. Knead gently for a minute or two to evenly distribute the flour and improve the dough’s elasticity. Then, divide the dough into four equal portions—this makes rolling and shaping more manageable and consistent.

Step 4: Shape into Ropes and Cut

Roll each piece of dough into a rope approximately the diameter of your thumb. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. These small bites will cook evenly and create that delicate gnocchi texture we love so much.

Step 5: Create Traditional Ridges

To help your Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe capture sauce beautifully, press each gnocchi piece lightly with the back of a fork to form gentle ridges. Besides their charm, these ridges work wonders for holding onto every bit of the sage butter.

Step 6: Boil the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. Gently drop the gnocchi in batches to avoid overcrowding. When they float to the surface, usually in 2 to 3 minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside. This quick cooking locks in the tenderness perfectly.

Step 7: Make the Sage Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until they turn crispy and the butter becomes a light golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. The aroma here is intoxicating and sets the scene for your rustic feast.

Step 8: Toss and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi to your skillet with sage butter. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every little dumpling in that irresistible sauce. Cook for another two minutes ensuring they warm through while soaking up the rich flavors. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

How to Serve Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top instantly enhances both presentation and flavor, making your gnocchi sparkle with creaminess. For a splash of color and a hint of crunch, a few toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy sage leaves work perfectly as garnishes.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides to balance its richness. Think along the lines of a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, consider serving your gnocchi in rustic shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra sage butter on top, finished with a sprig of fresh sage. You might also plate individual portions on warmed plates garnished with microgreens to add freshness and a modern twist to this traditional recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the gnocchi and the butter sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze gnocchi, lay uncooked pieces on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Cook them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to their boiling time.

Reheating

For reheating cooked gnocchi tossed in sage butter, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through to avoid drying out. You can add a splash of butter or olive oil to freshen the sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works beautifully as long as you drain any excess moisture before using to keep the dough from becoming too wet.

What if I don’t have fresh sage leaves?

If fresh sage isn’t available, a teaspoon of dried sage can be added to the butter, but fresh leaves provide the best flavor and crisp texture in this Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative, omit eggs by adding a flax egg or another binder, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?

The telltale sign is when gnocchi float to the surface of boiling water, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Once they float, they are ready to be removed and tossed in the sauce.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the gnocchi a few hours ahead. Keep them dusted lightly with flour and covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magically comforting about making and savoring this Rustic Italian Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe. From the soft gnocchi pillows infused with pumpkin and ricotta to the golden, aromatic sage butter, each bite transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen filled with laughter and warmth. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s not just a meal but an experience worth sharing with those you love.

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