Autumn Comfort on a Plate: Pumpkin Gnocchi with Savory Sausage & Spinach Delights

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage: A Cozy Fall Favorite

Introduction

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage delivers comfort in every bite, blending pillowy pumpkin gnocchi with savory sausage and fresh spinach in a dish that embodies autumn’s heartwarming flavors. With its inviting orange hue and robust, satisfying taste, this meal is perfect when temperatures drop and you crave something cozy, quick, and full of seasonal flair.

Why Pumpkin Gnocchi is a Cozy Fall Favorite

This recipe stands out for its balance of sweet pumpkin, earthy spinach, and spicy sausage. The pillowy, homemade gnocchi pairs beautifully with hearty sausage, creating a meal that satisfies any appetite. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its impressive presentation means it can double as a dinner party centerpiece.

Easy Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi Made Simple

Making pumpkin gnocchi is less intimidating than it seems. Mixing canned pumpkin puree with ricotta and flour creates a soft dough, shaped into small cushions that cook up light and fluffy. If pressed for time, store-bought pumpkin or potato gnocchi works well, but homemade offers unmatched flavor and texture.

Building Flavor: Sautéed Sausage and Spinach

The sausage adds a smoky, savory richness, while spinach brings freshness and color—both sautéed in one pan for ease and flavor. Deglazing the pan with a splash of broth or cream scrapes up all the tasty browned bits, creating a silky sauce that coats every gnocchi.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Comfort

Garnish your Pumpkin Gnocchi with extra parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a beautiful and satisfying plate. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 420-490 calories, depending on ingredient choices, making it a filling dinner or lunch option packed with protein, iron, and vitamin A.

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage (Recap)

What makes this recipe a fall favorite is its vibrant color, rich flavor, and comforting textures. The easy method and crowd-pleasing ingredients mean it’s a repeat-worthy addition to your cold-weather meal rotation.

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 1/2 – 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
3/4 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
4 cups baby spinach, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or heavy cream)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Pinch of nutmeg, toasted pine nuts, red pepper flakes

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a shopping list by store aisle—making meal planning and efficient grocery trips a breeze.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Prepare Gnocchi Dough: In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, ricotta, egg, parmesan, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape Gnocchi: Dust a clean surface with flour. Divide dough into quarters. Roll each into a rope about 3/4-inch thick and cut into 1-inch pieces. Press lightly with a fork for traditional ridges, if desired.
  3. Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil gnocchi in batches until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté Sausage: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in garlic; cook until fragrant.
  5. Add Spinach: Add spinach to the skillet in batches, letting it wilt.
  6. Finish Sauce: Deglaze pan with broth or cream, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1-2 minutes.
  7. Toss Together: Add gnocchi to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Plate with extra parmesan and optional garnishes.

Weekly Meal Planning

Make this Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage part of your weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI and enjoy organized grocery lists that combine all ingredients you need for the week—no more forgotten sausage or duplicate pumpkin purchases!

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically aggregates ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by grocery store section for quick trips
– Prevents buying redundant items and missing essentials
– Streamlines your weekly meal prep and planning

Pro tip: When you schedule your fall recipes in CookifyAI, overlapping ingredients like spinach or ricotta are calculated for the whole week, reducing waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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