Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Spinach (Print Version)

Tender gnocchi in pumpkin cream sauce with spinach and Italian sausage—a comforting autumn meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g potato gnocchi
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 225 g Italian sausage, casings removed
04 - 1 cup pumpkin puree
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
11 - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low and add pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
05 - Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the gnocchi and wilt the spinach.
06 - Return the sausage to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This dish balances the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the sweetness of pumpkin.
02 - For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
03 - For added spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
04 - To make it gluten-free, substitute regular gnocchi with a gluten-free variety.
05 - Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream if the sauce thickens.