Introduction

Oh, friends, this is the dish for fall. This Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce is what cozy autumn dreams are made of! Imagine tender, pillowy potato gnocchi swimming in the most luxurious, velvety pumpkin cream sauce, studded with savory sausage and hints of earthy sage. It’s one of those easy autumn recipes that tastes incredibly decadent (like a million bucks!) but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s the ultimate balance of rich comfort and seasonal food.

Serving Versatility

This is one of those perfect gnocchi dishes that is a complete, satisfying meal all in one bowl. You don’t need to serve it over anything. Just ladle it high into a cozy bowl, maybe with a side of crusty bread to sop up the sauce, and dive in.

Full Recipe Section

Creamy Pumpkin Pecan Gnocchi with Sausage

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried sage)
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (16 oz) package shelf stable potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
2. Start Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and fresh sage. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Build Sauce: Whisk in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Add the nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Gnocchi: Add the uncooked shelf stable gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Stir to coat. Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender and have floated to the top.
5. Finish: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked sausage (along with any juices). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with the toasted chopped pecans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan & So Quick: This entire gourmet meal comes together in one pan in just 25 minutes!
• Budget Friendly Indulgence: Uses affordable pantry staples like shelf stable gnocchi and canned pumpkin to create a meal that tastes like a million bucks.
• Ultimate Cozy Flavor: This is one of the best cozy fall recipes. The combo of savory sausage, creamy pumpkin, and nutty pecans is pure comfort.
• Wholesome & Hearty: A wonderfully satisfying meal packed with seasonal flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage, or add a few big handfuls of fresh spinach at the end!

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)

Gnocchi are wonderful little Italian dumplings, traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and egg. While homemade gnocchi is a true labor of love, this recipe utilizes high quality, shelf stable gnocchi. The magic of this dish is that the gnocchi cooks directly in the creamy pasta sauce, absorbing all that rich pumpkin and sage flavor while its starches help to thicken the sauce to a perfect, velvety consistency.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Crusty Bread: An absolute must for sopping up every last drop of that creamy gnocchi sauce.
2. With a Salad: A simple arugula salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery bite to balance the richness.
3. Add Heat: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top adds a wonderful, warm kick.
4. Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp, full bodied white wine like a Chardonnay or even a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Pumpkin Puree: Double check your can! You want 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: Once you add the cream and cheese, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling a cream sauce can cause it to separate.
• Toast Your Pecans: Don’t skip this! Toasting the pecans (in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes) releases their oils and makes them extra crunchy and flavorful.
• Shelf Stable Gnocchi: This recipe is designed for the packaged, shelf-stable gnocchi found in the pasta aisle. If you use frozen, cook them according to package directions first.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce, so it will be thicker.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its creamy glory.

Closing Paragraph

This Millionaire Gnocchi is truly one of my all time favorite cozy fall recipes, and I’m so excited for you to try it. It’s a restaurant quality meal that’s so simple and comforting, perfect for any night of the week. Go ahead and customize it, and please, let me know what you think by leaving a comment and a rating below!

🎀 Final Thoughts

This is my ultimate “I deserve a treat” meal. It’s just so decadent, and it makes the whole kitchen smell like autumn. That combination of the creamy pumpkin, savory sausage, and the crunchy, sweet pumpkin pecan topping is just everything. It’s a hug in a bowl, plain and simple.