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Gnocchi with Pumpkin Thyme Sauce Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This Gnocchi with Pumpkin Thyme Sauce recipe offers a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional gnocchi, featuring a creamy pumpkin sauce infused with fresh thyme, garlic, and warming spices. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a hearty, vegetarian pasta dish, this meal comes together quickly in just 30 minutes, making it an easy weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 2 16-ounce packages gnocchi

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2/3 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup milk (any type)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (for garnishing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics: Mince the shallot and garlic cloves finely to release their flavors and ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce.
  2. Sauté shallots: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook for about 2 minutes until tender and translucent, forming the flavor base for the sauce.
  3. Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the white wine. Cook for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated, concentrating the flavors and softening the garlic.
  4. Add vegetable broth and tomato paste: Pour in the vegetable broth and whisk in the tomato paste to combine, creating a rich and flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
  5. Incorporate pumpkin and seasonings: Whisk in the canned pumpkin, then add the milk, fresh thyme leaves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, harmonious flavors.
  6. Cook gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes.
  7. Combine gnocchi and sauce: Drain the cooked gnocchi thoroughly and stir them gently into the simmering pumpkin thyme sauce, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy flavors.
  8. Serve and garnish: Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • You can use any type of milk for the sauce, such as dairy, almond, or oat milk, depending on dietary preferences.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
  • If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stovetop.