Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon and Fragrant Sage: Your Ultimate Fall Comfort Meal

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that encapsulates the very essence of autumn: super creamy pumpkin gnocchi. This indulgent yet surprisingly simple recipe brings together the delicate texture of potato gnocchi with a rich, velvety pumpkin sauce, enhanced by crispy bacon and aromatic fresh sage. Crafted with just a handful of pantry staples, this elegant meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor or sophistication. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and more fresh sage, and you have a dish that promises to warm both body and soul.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal after a long day, this pumpkin gnocchi stands out. Its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma will transport you straight to a cozy autumn evening, no matter the weather outside. Get ready to create a memorable culinary experience that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to devour.

A Gnocchi Journey: From Skepticism to Culinary Love

For many years, the mere mention of gnocchi would elicit a sigh of disappointment from me. My earliest encounter with these potato dumplings, at a bustling Boston restaurant, was nothing short of a culinary tragedy. Each gnocchi was dense and stubbornly chewy, refusing to absorb the surrounding sauce. With every bite, these “pillows” of potato, flour, and egg landed in my stomach like miniature bricks, leaving me with a heavy, uninspired feeling. The experience left such a sour taste that I actively avoided gnocchi for years, convinced they were simply not for me.

My gnocchi narrative took a dramatic turn during the winter of 2011, while dining with a friend at a newly opened restaurant in Austin. Hesitantly, my friend ordered a gnocchi dish, and out of sheer curiosity, I decided to try a bite. What arrived at our table was a revelation: perfectly pillowy-soft dumplings, each melting delicately in the mouth. They were enveloped in a luscious, smooth gorgonzola sauce, studded with crispy bacon bits, and finished with delicate shavings of Parmesan. It was pure heaven on a plate, an exquisite symphony of textures and flavors that completely reshaped my perception. I was not just impressed; I was utterly in love and knew I had to welcome more gnocchi back into my life.

Since that transformative moment, I’ve embarked on a delightful journey of pairing potato gnocchi with an array of exquisite sauces. From vibrant basil pesto to creamy roasted red pepper creations, each experiment has deepened my appreciation for these versatile potato parcels. Now, I’m thrilled to introduce our new household favorite: a truly irresistible, velvety pumpkin puree sauce. Infused with the savory crunch of bacon, the rich depth of Parmesan, the subtle sweetness of fried garlic, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage, this dish is nothing short of a culinary triumph. It’s an ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly fall evening, yet its remarkable simplicity makes it an ideal candidate for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

The Heart of Autumn: Crafting the Velvety Pumpkin Sauce

This pumpkin gnocchi dish perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, even if the crisp fall air hasn’t quite reached us in Austin. The magic truly lies in its sauce – a creamy, smooth blend that pairs exquisitely with the tender, cloud-like gnocchi. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of autumnal flavors that evoke comfort and warmth, reminiscent of cooler climates and cozy gatherings.

When I step into the kitchen, I often embrace the challenge of transforming traditionally rich and heavy dishes into equally delicious, yet lighter, alternatives. For the creamy component of this particular pumpkin sauce, I opted for low-fat milk instead of conventional heavy cream or half-and-half. This conscious choice allowed me to achieve a delectably smooth and luxurious sauce, all while significantly reducing the calorie count without sacrificing any of that desired velvety texture. However, for those special occasions, holidays, or when entertaining cherished friends and family, feel free to indulge by substituting some or all of the milk with cream for an even richer, more decadent experience. This recipe is also incredibly versatile and can be easily doubled or even tripled to generously feed hungry guests, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this autumnal delight.

The Key Ingredients and Their Contributions:

• Pumpkin Puree: The undeniable star, offering its earthy sweetness and natural creaminess. It forms the rich foundation of our sauce, bringing that quintessential fall flavor. Using canned pumpkin puree makes this dish incredibly quick and convenient.
• Crispy Bacon: Beyond adding a delightful crunch, the bacon renders its fat, creating a savory base that infuses the entire sauce with smoky, salty depth. Its presence is absolutely crucial for balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Fresh Sage: This herb is pumpkin’s best friend. Its aromatic, slightly peppery, and earthy notes complement the pumpkin and bacon beautifully, adding a sophisticated layer of flavor that screams autumn.
• Garlic: Fried until fragrant and soft, garlic provides an essential aromatic warmth and a subtle pungency that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the sauce and sprinkled as a garnish, Parmesan delivers a salty, umami kick that brings everything together, adding a touch of sharpness and a wonderful cheesy richness.
• Milk (or Cream): The chosen liquid base helps create that desirable silky-smooth consistency. Whether you choose low-fat milk for a lighter version or cream for ultimate decadence, it’s key to the sauce’s luxurious mouthfeel.

Simplicity on Your Stove: Step-by-Step Perfection

Eager to cook this comforting dish yourself? You’ll be delighted by how straightforward it is! The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency and the seamless way the components come together. While your pot of water comes to a boil for the gnocchi, you’ll simultaneously be creating the incredibly flavorful sauce, ensuring minimal waiting time and maximum enjoyment.

Begin by setting a medium pot of water to boil for your gnocchi. In a separate, large skillet heated to a medium setting, sizzle a hearty handful of chopped bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. Once the bacon is golden and its fat has rendered, add whole garlic cloves and a few fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Allow them to sauté gently for a minute or so, until the garlic turns fragrant and soft, and the sage releases its inviting aroma into the bacon fat. This aromatic base is crucial for building the sauce’s complex flavor profile.

Next, pour in your pumpkin puree and begin whisking constantly. Continue whisking for a few moments until the pumpkin is thoroughly warmed through and slightly bubbles. Gradually pour in about 1/2 cup of milk (or cream, for a richer sauce) while you continue to whisk vigorously. The constant whisking is key to achieving a truly smooth, well-blended sauce without any lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubbling boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the sauce will achieve its desired velvety consistency.

While your sauce simmers, keep an eye on your gnocchi water. Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi. They cook incredibly quickly, usually floating to the surface within 2-3 minutes when perfectly done. As the gnocchi boils, whisk the grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg into your simmering pumpkin sauce. Remember to go light on any additional salt at this stage; the bacon and Parmesan already contribute perfectly salty notes to this scrumptious dish! Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them gently and toss them directly into the luscious pumpkin sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps with a final flourish of extra shredded Parmesan and a fresh sage leaf for garnish.

Our Trusted Partner: Why Oscar Mayer Bacon Elevates This Dish

I was genuinely thrilled to collaborate with Oscar Mayer Bacon for this particular recipe. This partnership allowed me the wonderful opportunity to share not only one of my all-time favorite ingredients but also a beloved new family dish with you, our readers. Oscar Mayer bacon has been a staple in my kitchen for years, consistently delivering on quality, flavor, and that perfect crispness we all crave.

What sets Oscar Mayer bacon apart for me is its unwavering consistency and delicious smoky, salty goodness. Whether I’m frying it on the stovetop to kickstart a hearty breakfast, crumbling it over a crisp salad for an extra layer of flavor and texture, or wrapping it around cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños for an irresistible appetizer, it always cooks up perfectly crisp and packed with flavor. Its perfectly balanced smoky and salty profile complements every meal, from early morning breakfasts to late-night snacks. Even my little girl, with her discerning palate, has always loved this bacon, which makes it an undeniable family favorite in our household. Choosing a trusted brand like Oscar Mayer ensures that the bacon component of this gnocchi dish is always outstanding, contributing significantly to its overall deliciousness.

Perfect Pairings: Completing Your Comfort Meal

While this Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon and Sage is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, it truly shines when paired with a thoughtful accompaniment. To round out your comfort meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh, leafy green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing would provide a lovely bright contrast to the richness of the gnocchi sauce, cleansing the palate with every bite.

However, for the ultimate experience, I highly recommend serving it with my celebrated No Knead Crusty Artisan Bread. This bread is not just an accompaniment; it’s an essential tool for fully appreciating every last drop of that velvety pumpkin sauce! I recently experimented with this artisan bread recipe, adding a touch of honey and molasses for subtle sweetness, along with a medley of seeds like pumpkin and sunflower, plus millet grain. These additions proved to be absolutely awesome, imparting even more flavor complexity and a delightful, rustic texture to the bread. Its sturdy crust and airy interior are perfect for mopping up any leftover pumpkin sauce from your plate, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste. The combination of the warm, crusty bread with the savory, creamy gnocchi is pure culinary bliss.

Gnocchi with Pumpkin, Bacon and Sage Sauce

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 fresh sage leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind, low-fat recommended for lighter sauce)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pkg. (16 oz.) potato gnocchi
• 2 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
2. In a large skillet set to medium heat, add chopped bacon and fry until just crisp. Add sage and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin puree to the skillet, whisking constantly until heated through. Slowly add 1/2 cup milk while continuing to whisk the pumpkin mixture. If the sauce is too thick, stir in additional milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook until gnocchi float to the top of the water, typically 2-3 minutes.
5. While the gnocchi cooks, whisk the 1/2 cup Parmesan, pepper, and nutmeg into the simmering sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, being mindful of the saltiness from the bacon and Parmesan.
6. Drain the cooked gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat thoroughly.
7. Serve immediately with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves for garnish, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

TIP: For an even richer sauce, you can substitute some or all of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. This sauce is also incredibly versatile and delicious when paired with other small pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or orecchiette.

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Conclusion: Savor the Season

This creamy pumpkin gnocchi with bacon and sage is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the comforting flavors of fall in a dish that is both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re rediscovering gnocchi like I did, or simply looking for a new favorite weeknight meal, this recipe promises to deliver a rich, satisfying experience. From the velvety sauce to the tender gnocchi and the crispy bacon, every element works in harmony to create a memorable meal that truly embodies the spirit of comfort food. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring the warmth and deliciousness of autumn into your kitchen tonight!