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Cozy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

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A quick and easy fall dinner featuring tender pumpkin gnocchi tossed in nutty brown butter and crispy sage. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) pumpkin gnocchi
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 10–12 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts water).
  2. While the water heats, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt, then swirl occasionally until it turns golden and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the sage leaves to the brown butter; they will sizzle and crisp in 30-45 seconds. Flip halfway through, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Drop the pumpkin gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook until they float, about 2-3 minutes, then let cook 30 seconds more. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  5. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with the brown butter. Increase heat to medium-high and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden on one side. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Sprinkle in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  7. Divide gnocchi among bowls. Crumble crispy sage on top, add toasted nuts if using, and finish with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the brown butter—it can burn in seconds. Pat frozen gnocchi dry after draining for a better crust. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin gnocchi, brown butter sage sauce, fall dinner, quick pasta, vegetarian gnocchi

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/cozy-pumpkin-gnocchi-with-brown-butter-sage-sauce/