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PUMPKIN GNOCCHI WITH SAGE BUTTER RECIPE

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi from Scratch

Pumpkin gnocchi home made healthy and delicious

Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆ (Medium)
Diet type: Vegetarian, Mediterranean
The quantities can be easily doubled or halved

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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients and suggested fillings for this Recipe

1 small Delica pumpkin
300 g all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed to adjust the dough)
Cornmeal (for dusting the surface)
Ghee (about 40–50 g)
Rosemary and sage
Greens (such as Swiss chard or baby chard)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic
Salt and pepper

INGREDIENTS FOR PUMPKIN GNOCCHI

These Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Recipe blend the comfort of traditional Italian gnocchi with a seasonal twist. Instead of the classic potato base, we use sweet roasted Delica pumpkin—lighter, naturally flavorful, and perfect for fall. The result is soft, delicate gnocchi that pair beautifully with a fragrant sage–rosemary butter and sautéed greens. Simple, wholesome, and rooted in Italian tradition, this dish feels both familiar and HealthyanDelicious.

THE PUMPKIN GNOCCHI RECIPE IDEA

1 - Roast the pumpkin

Cut the Delica pumpkin in half and remove the seeds
Roast it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40–50 minutes, until the flesh is soft
Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and purée it
Tip: the drier the pumpkin flesh, the firmer the gnocchi will turn out

2 - Make the dough

Place the warm pumpkin purée on a work surface dusted with cornmeal. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper
Gradually add the flour (about 300 g, but add a little more or less depending on the pumpkin’s moisture) and gently work the mixture until you get a soft, non-sticky dough

3 - Shape the gnocchi

Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each into a long rope
Cut the ropes into ~2 cm pieces and shape the gnocchi as you prefer
Let the gnocchi rest for about 10 minutes on a floured surface

4 - Prepare the greens

Wash the greens (Swiss chard or similar) and roughly chop them
Heat a little olive oil in a pan with a crushed garlic clove
Sauté the greens for a few minutes, season lightly with salt, then set aside

5 - Herb-infused butter

In a saucepan, melt the ghee (or butter)
Add sage and rosemary (chopped or whole) and let them sizzle gently until fragrant

6 - Cook the gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water (salt the water); they are ready when they float to the surface (a few seconds after they rise)
Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer directly into the pan with the herb butter, mix on low heat for about a minute

7 - Serve

Plate the gnocchi, top with the sautéed greens, finish with a grind of black pepper and (optionally) a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and Parmigian cheese. Serve immediately

Don't miss here below, the video for the Pumpkin Gnocchi recipe, it will guide you step by step for the best results.

HOW TO MAKE GNOCCHI STEP BY STEP

For light yet firm pumpkin gnocchi, the most important step is starting with very dry pumpkin purée. Always roast the pumpkin in the oven rather than boiling it, and let it cool slightly before making the dough—this helps excess moisture evaporate and makes the gnocchi easier to shape, just like in our other Mediterranean-style homemade recipes.

When adding flour, work gradually and gently. The dough should be soft and delicate, not dense or sticky. Adding too much flour or overworking the dough will result in heavier gnocchi, so stop as soon as it holds together. If you’re adapting the recipe, you can also explore our gluten-free recipes for lighter dough alternatives and different flour blends.

Finally, cook the gnocchi in well-salted boiling water and remove them as soon as they float to the surface. Transfer them directly into the sage butter so they absorb flavor without overcooking. Serve immediately for the best texture and aroma, and pair them with simple sides inspired by our healthy and delicious vegetan recipes.

TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS

This pumpkin gnocchi recipe is very versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and finish the dish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil instead, keeping it fully in line with the Mediterranean style of cooking.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for fresh pasta or gnocchi. Keep in mind that gluten-free doughs are more delicate, so add the flour gradually and handle the dough gently, as shown in our gluten-free recipe ideas.

For a vegan variation, replace the ghee or butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter and enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme. You can also serve the gnocchi with sautéed seasonal vegetables or leafy greens inspired by our vegetarian and plant-based recipes.

If you prefer a richer flavor, finish the dish with grated Parmigiano or a dairy-free alternative, or add toasted nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts for extra texture and aroma.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Can I use a different type of pumpkin?
Yes. Delica pumpkin works best because it's naturally dense and sweet, but you can use butternut or kabocha as alternatives. Just make sure to roast them well and remove excess moisture so the gnocchi stay firm.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft or mushy?
The key is using pumpkin that’s very dry. If your purée is too moist, add a little more flour — just enough to create a soft dough that isn’t sticky. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the gnocchi tender.

Can I prepare the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes. You can shape the gnocchi and let them rest on a floured tray. They can be refrigerated for a few hours or frozen for longer storage. If freezing, place them on the tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Cook the gnocchi directly from frozen without thawing.
This makes them especially convenient during busy times of the year, such as the Christmas holidays, when preparing part of the meal in advance helps you serve a quality homemade dish with less stress.