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Keeping things cozy and delicious today with this Pumpkin Cauliflower Gnocchi with Nutty Browned Butter and Whipped Ricotta. Making gnocchi at home is easy with this recipe using mashed cauliflower, pumpkin puree, flour, parmesan and eggs. It’s light, pillowy, and tossed in a delicious nutty hazelnut and sage browned butter sauce. This gnocchi is the perfect way to spend a relaxing fall night in the kitchen with family and friends.
Starting Monday off with gnocchi might seem a little indulgent, but in the fall, anything goes, and it’s all about the cozy recipes. Plus, this gnocchi is really just like eating a plate full of colorful vegetables…because the two main ingredients are cauliflower and pumpkin. So you see? A plate full of vegetables with a side of whipped ricotta cheese…and nutty sage browned butter sauce too. Best kind of Monday (health) food.
OK. That might be a stretch but just go with me on this. Every last ounce of this recipe is mouth-watering delicious and you need it in your life.
Today…
First, this gnocchi recipe is easier than you think and worth any extra time spent in the kitchen. Trust me on this.
Second, to sum this up real quick, you’re basically mixing pumpkin puree with steamed and mashed cauliflower, flour, parmesan, and eggs. Yes, this gnocchi has just 5 ingredients. And while it takes some hands-on time, it’s really fairly simple to make. For whatever reason, gnocchi gets a bad rap for being difficult. But it’s actually simple and always so much better when made at home. At least in my opinion.
The dough comes together in no time. Once you’ve mashed the cauliflower, just mix everything else in. Then it’s time to shape the gnocchi.
When it comes to forming the gnocchi, I keep it very, very simple. I like to roll the gnocchi dough into a long rope and then just cut that rope into pieces. And that’s it. No fancy tools, no fancy rolling method. Just keeping it simple.
Once you’ve rolled and shaped the gnocchi they can be covered and kept in the fridge for a day or so. Then just boil them off before you’re ready to eat.
Here’s what I have to say about this fall recipe.
You do not taste the cauliflower, but you do indeed taste the pumpkin. So, this isn’t anything like Trader Joe’s Cauliflower gnocchi, though that was where I drew inspiration from. Nope, this is a very unique gnocchi that feels lighter and airier (is that a word?) than most.
It’s different, but GOOD.
Now, for that sauce.
It’s a nutty hazelnut and sage browned butter sauce. It’s truly the best sauce you’ll ever toss your gnocchi with.
Browned butter, garlic, sage, nutmeg, and hazelnuts. 5 ingredients, but when put together they create a rich, warming butter sauce that pairs so well with the pumpkiny flavors in the gnocchi.
You could stop here and the recipe would be great….
But it’s ME, and you all know I like to add in that “extra special” finishing touch to all of my recipes.
Enter the whipped ricotta cheese. Not necessarily needed, but 100% DELICIOUS. If you’re new to whipped ricotta, it’s just what it sounds like, ricotta cheese that has been whipped in the food processor. It’s so creamy, light, and airy, and it makes for the BEST base for pasta of any kind. I first tested this out with my broccoli pesto pasta, but you know what?
I’m pretty sure it’s actually better with this pumpkin gnocchi. Maybe it depends on your mood, but seeing as I’m currently embracing all things fall, this recipe is at the top of my list, and the whipped ricotta is what seals the deal.
When the warm, nutty, buttery, gnocchi is spooned over the light, creamy whipped ricotta, the cheese melts into a sauce, mixing with the butter and gnocchi.
Oh my…SO GOOD!
…extra soft and pillowy.
…has hints of sweet pumpkin throughout.
…is made healthier with the addition of mashed cauliflower.
…tossed in an addicting hazelnut and sage butter sauce.
…spooned over whipped ricotta cheese.
…and topped with crispy, fried sage.
Every last bite is mouth-watering. I’d go on to say more, but really that’s all you need to know. Make this tonight, this weekend, just sometime this fall. It’s one of the best autumn pasta dishes you can enjoy.
Tip? Pour yourself a glass of wine or make your favorite cocktail and cozy up by the fire with a bowl full of pumpkin gnocchi and your favorite fall TV show.
Perfect night.
If you make this fall pumpkin cauliflower gnocchi with nutty browned butter and whipped ricotta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Delightful! I don’t care for nutmeg so I used cinnamon instead. The hazelnuts make this extra special.
Hey Djienne,
I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄
Made this tonight with packaged riced cauliflower that I heated in the microwave and roasted a fall pumpkin to use instead of canned. Added prosciutto for texture. Rave review from guests
Hey Leslee,
Happy Friday!!❄️🧑🎄 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xx
Hello! Excited to try this week! If I wanted to add a protein, any suggestions? (Shrimp, lobster, chicken?) Or maybe this is just better without?
Hey Kathy,
I think ground sausage would be great with this! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Made this tonight with ground sausage, was excellent!!! Thank you!!
Hey Kathy,
Fantastic!! I love that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks so much for giving it a try! xx
This was perfection! I used gluten free flour but kept everything else the same and it was perfect! Sooo good – highly recommend!
Hey Mackenzie,
Wonderful!! Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, so glad it was a hit! xT
love this recipe! omitted the hazelnuts from the sauce because i am allergic and it was still super flavorful. had it with a harvest fall salad and they paired together perfectly!! will make again 🙂
Hi Caroline,
Happy Monday!! I truly appreciate you trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it was enjoyed! xx
This dish was delicious and so easy to make! I didn’t have ricotta but will definitely have to make it again to try with it. I also substituted the hazelnuts for walnuts
Hey Sophie,
Thanks so much for your feedback! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Do you think this would work with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of hazelnuts? My son is allergic to tree nuts, but I want to make this because it looks so amazing!
Hey Cassie,
Totally, either of those would be great options for you! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
I’m going to try this recipe this week. If I have a whole pie pumpkin, would you recommend I roast that and use the flesh from the fresh pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin puree so the dough is less wet? I’ve made potato gnocchi successfully, but nervous this gnocchi might be too much on the wet side.
Hi there! I am sure that would work just fine! Let me know how it goes 🙂 xTieghan
Hi,
I can’t seem to find hazelnuts very easily. Is there another nut you would recommend as a replacement? I was thinking maybe walnuts?
Hi there! Yes, I would recommend walnuts or maybe pecans? 🙂 xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! Could i replace the pumpkin with more cauliflower? If so, is it just a gram for gram replacement? Love all your recipes but this household isn’t as fond of pumpkin as i am 🙂
Hey Elke,
I haven’t tested this, but yes I would use the same amount of cauliflower. I hope you love the recipe, let me know how it turns out! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
We’re gonna make this this weekend, this just sounds like the best! Pumpkin gnocchi when winter is just kicking in? Yes please!! I was just wondering what sides you would recommend for this dish? I thought something very fresh and zesty, like a tomato salad. What you would do?
Hey Maia,
I would do a salad! Here are some ideas:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/winter-salad-maple-candied-walnuts-balsamic-fig-dressing-big-giveaway/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/kale-caesar-salad/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/citrus-avocado-salad/
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan