Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is a delightful dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of Fall. This recipe combines crispy gnocchi with savory sausage, enveloped in a creamy pumpkin sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, it brings warmth to any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of crispy gnocchi, savory sausage, and rich pumpkin sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing canned pumpkin gives this dish a seasonal touch that celebrates the essence of Fall.
• Versatile: Adjust the level of spice by choosing sweet or hot sausage, catering to different palates.
• Comfort Food Classic: The creamy sauce paired with the crispy gnocchi makes for a comforting meal that feels indulgent without requiring too much effort.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything on hand will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing ingredients evenly and achieving that perfect crisp on the gnocchi.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise measurements for balanced flavors in your creamy pumpkin sauce.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Gnocchi

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided, plus more as needed)
• 1 12 to 18 ounce package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed if links)

For the Sauce

• 8 – 10 fresh sage leaves + 1 tablespoon chopped sage
• 3 large shallots (or 1 onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup))
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons))
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 2 cups (15oz can) canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese or heavy cream)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (for serving)

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat oven to 275ºF and set a rack in the middle. Pull apart any stuck-together gnocchi.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add half of the olive oil. Once hot, add the sausage. Break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add shallots (or onion), garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté until shallots are soft.

Step 4: Deglaze with Vinegar

Pour in white apple vinegar to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet as it simmers for about two minutes.

Step 5: Mix in Pumpkin

Stir in canned pumpkin along with chicken or vegetable stock. Bring this mixture to a simmer; cook until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Remove from heat; stir in mascarpone cheese until fully combined.

Step 7: Crisp Gnocchi

In another skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on all sides.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Carefully fold crispy gnocchi into the pumpkin sauce mixture. Ensure they are well coated before serving warm topped with grated cheese.

Enjoy your delicious Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce!

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Crispy gnocchi paired with creamy pumpkin sauce is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Sage: Top your dish with additional chopped sage for an aromatic touch.
• Parsley Sprinkles: Add fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add a savory depth.
• Ricotta Dollops: A few dollops of ricotta can bring creaminess and balance the flavors.

With Toasted Nuts

• Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add richness and complement the pumpkin nicely.

As Part of a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve alongside a simple mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables for added nutrients and taste.

How to Perfect Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

To achieve the best results with this delicious recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Gnocchi: If available, opt for fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable for an even better texture.
• Control the Heat: Cook the sausage over medium heat to ensure it browns well without burning.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to substitute mascarpone with cream cheese or heavy cream based on your preference.
• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutritional value and a green element to your plate.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile.
4. Crispy Kale Chips: Baked kale chips offer a healthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and acidity to balance the richness of the main course.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing adds freshness and complements the pumpkin sauce well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many gnocchi or sausage pieces at once, they won’t crisp up properly. Cook in batches to achieve that ideal texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can taste bland. Be generous with salt and pepper, and consider tasting as you go for best results.
• Skipping the Sage: Sage adds an essential flavor to this dish. Don’t skip it! Fresh sage leaves give an aromatic punch that enhances the overall taste.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can lower the temperature of your pan, leading to uneven cooking. Make sure everything is at room temperature before you start.
• Neglecting to Stir: Letting the gnocchi sit too long without stirring can lead to uneven browning. Stir gently but frequently for optimal crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper for easy portioning.

Reheating Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Yes, vegetable stock is a great substitute if you’re looking to keep it plant-based while maintaining flavor.

How do I make gnocchi crispy?

To achieve crispy gnocchi, ensure your pan is hot before adding them. Stir occasionally for even browning.

What type of sausage works best?

Hot or sweet Italian sausage gives great flavor, but feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage as alternatives.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth or toss in sautéed vegetables for added nutrition.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish reheats well and makes for convenient meal prep options throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Gnocchi and Sausage with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. This dish makes a perfect Fall dinner that’s quick and satisfying—give it a try!