Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the crisp autumn air invites evenings of warmth and comfort, I can’t help but gravitate towards this delightful recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together—just 30 minutes—and yet it felt like a luxurious treat. With soft, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a silky pumpkin-cream sauce and the smoky whispers of bacon throughout, this is pure comfort food in a single pan. Not only does it satisfy cravings for cozy flavors, but it also makes for a convenient weeknight dinner that you can whip up without fuss. Who knew a dish this indulgent could be so effortless? Ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness? Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Gnocchi? Easy to Prepare: This recipe is a breeze, coming together in just 30 minutes! Savory Comfort: With rich pumpkin flavor and crispy bacon, each bite feels like a warm embrace. One-Pan Wonder: Save time on clean-up while enjoying a delectable meal that hits the spot. Versatile Base: Feel free to customize by adding spinach or opting for a vegetarian twist with tempeh. Fall Favorite: Perfect for cozy autumn nights, this dish brings the essence of the season right to your table. Pair it with a light arugula salad or crusty bread for a complete experience and say goodbye to bland takeout! Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Ingredients For the Sauce • Extra-virgin Olive Oil – Enhances cooking and flavor; can substitute with butter for a richer taste. • Onion (2 cups, chopped) – Provides base flavor and sweetness; yellow or white onions work best. • Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Adds aroma and depth to the sauce; fresh is optimal, avoid pre-minced. • Fresh Thyme (2 tbsp + extra for garnish) – Delivers an earthy aroma and flavor; dried thyme can work in a pinch. • Reduced-fat Milk (1½ cups) – Creates creaminess; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version. • Reduced-fat Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened) – Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce; regular cream cheese can be substituted. • Canned Pumpkin (1½ cups, unseasoned) – Core ingredient for creaminess; ensure using pure pumpkin, not pie filling. • Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Adds spice; adjust to taste for more or less heat. • Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Complements flavors with a salty finish; nutritional yeast can be swapped for a vegan option. For the Gnocchi • Gnocchi (2 packages) – Base of the dish for a satisfying texture; opt for shelf-stable for easier crisping. For the Bacon • Bacon – Adds smokiness and crunch; can substitute with tempeh for a vegetarian option. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Step 1: Cook Bacon In a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, around 5-7 minutes. Watch for a nice golden color and ensure it doesn’t burn. Once done, remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel, keeping the rendered fat in the pan to add flavor to the dish. Step 2: Sauté Gnocchi In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the rendered bacon fat. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the gnocchi. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and crispy. Once crispy, remove from the pan and set aside, keeping the skillet ready for the next step. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics Lower the heat to medium, and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring until the onions are translucent and tender. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This aromatic base will make the creamy pumpkin gnocchi shine. Step 4: Make Sauce Pour in 1½ cups of reduced-fat milk, then add 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1½ cups of canned pumpkin to the skillet. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce, about 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes silky, bringing together the flavors for your creamy pumpkin gnocchi. Step 5: Combine Return the sautéed gnocchi and the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the gnocchi and bacon are well-coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors perfectly. Step 6: Finish Sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with ground black pepper to your taste. Once everything is well combined and bubbling, prepare to serve your Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon, garnishing with extra thyme and Parmesan for a beautiful presentation. How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the gnocchi in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Divide into portions for easy thawing. Reheating: To reheat, transfer the dish to a skillet and add a splash of milk. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and creamy. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen, adding a little extra milk to restore the creamy texture of your pumpkin gnocchi. Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Variations Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish with these fun variations! Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and substitute tempeh or mushrooms for a flavor-packed, meat-free version. You won’t miss the meat! Different Pasta: Swap the gnocchi for pasta shapes like farfalle or penne. This provides a different texture while still complementing the creamy sauce perfectly. Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or kale for an added nutritional punch and a burst of green color that adds vitality to your plate. Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk with dairy-free cream cheese to make this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet. The flavor will still be incredible! Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a small chopped jalapeño to introduce some heat into the dish. It will elevate the savory flavors even more! Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy twist. Their nuttiness pairs delightfully with the sweet pumpkin. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like sage instead of thyme, to create a warm and aromatic profile. Each herb brings a unique flair to this cozy dish. Creamier Sauce: For an ultra-luxurious experience, stir in a little heavy cream at the end. This will take the creaminess to a whole new level. If you’re exploring other comforting meals, try out my Baked Cajun Salmon or those scrumptious Butter Chicken Bites. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon? Aromatic and hearty, every bowl of this dish deserves delightful companions to elevate your dining experience. Crispy Arugula Salad: This peppery salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the creaminess of the gnocchi. Parmesan Garlic Bread: Warm and buttery bread infused with garlic complements the flavors beautifully and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty, caramelized taste from roasting brings a lovely contrast and a hint of sweetness alongside the savory dish. Sautéed Spinach with Lemon: This bright, slightly tangy side dish enriches your plate with vitamins and a burst of color to go with your comforting gnocchi. To round out your meal, consider a warm apple crisp for dessert. It’s the ideal sweet ending, merging the cozy flavors of fall into one delightful feast. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy pumpkin sauce (steps 3 and 4) up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and sauté the gnocchi ahead of time, storing them separately until ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish, simply reheat the sauce gently in a skillet, add the sautéed gnocchi and bacon, and cook everything together for a few minutes. This approach ensures the flavors remain just as delicious, making your weeknight dinners a breeze while still providing that warm, comforting experience! Expert Tips for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Cream Cheese Care: Always soften cream cheese before adding it to the sauce to avoid unpleasant lumps. This ensures a smooth texture in your creamy pumpkin gnocchi. Gnocchi Choice: Opt for shelf-stable gnocchi for easier crisping; fresh gnocchi can be too sticky and may require boiling first. Stir Gently: When combining gnocchi and bacon with the sauce, toss gently to keep the textures intact. Use a spatula to fold rather than stir aggressively. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of milk or veggie broth, whisking until reaching the desired creaminess for your creamy pumpkin gnocchi. Reheating Tips: To keep leftovers creamy, reheat gently on the stovetop with a small splash of milk, ensuring the dish doesn’t dry out. Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon Recipe FAQs How do I select the perfect pumpkin for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing canned pumpkin, ensure you pick pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling. Fresh pumpkin can also be used; look for firm, heavy pumpkins with smooth skin, and avoid ones with dark spots. For the freshest flavor, sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal, typically sweeter and richer in taste. What’s the best way to store leftovers of Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon? Very! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep that creamy texture intact. Can I freeze Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon? Absolutely! For freezing, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept for up to 2 months. Remember to divide it into portions for convenient reheating. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen, adding a little milk to restore creaminess. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? No worries! If the sauce thickens more than you like, simply add a splash of milk or vegetable broth gradually while stirring, until you reach your desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon and continue adjusting until it’s just right—smooth and creamy makes those gnocchi sing! Are there any dietary considerations for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon? Absolutely, it’s essential! For a vegetarian option, you can swap the bacon for tempeh or mushrooms to still get that satisfying bite. If you’re catering to dairy allergies, use almond milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. Just ensure to double-check all ingredient labels for allergens! Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon for Ultimate Fall Comfort Experience the delightful Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon, a luxurious treat that comes together in just 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sauce2 tbsp Extra-virgin Olive Oil Enhances cooking and flavor; can substitute with butter for a richer taste.2 cups Onion, chopped Provides base flavor and sweetness; yellow or white onions work best.4 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aroma and depth to the sauce; fresh is optimal, avoid pre-minced.2 tbsp Fresh Thyme Delivers an earthy aroma and flavor; dried thyme can work in a pinch.1.5 cups Reduced-fat Milk Creates creaminess; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.3 oz Reduced-fat Cream Cheese, softened Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce; regular cream cheese can be substituted.1.5 cups Canned Pumpkin, unseasoned Core ingredient for creaminess; ensure using pure pumpkin, not pie filling.0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adds spice; adjust to taste for more or less heat.0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated Complements flavors with a salty finish; nutritional yeast can be swapped for a vegan option.For the Gnocchi2 packages Gnocchi Base of the dish for a satisfying texture; opt for shelf-stable for easier crisping.For the BaconBacon Adds smokiness and crunch; can substitute with tempeh for a vegetarian option. Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with BaconIn a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, around 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to the rendered bacon fat. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the gnocchi. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and crispy. Set aside.Lower the heat to medium, and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and tender. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.Pour in 1½ cups of reduced-fat milk, then add 3 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1½ cups of canned pumpkin. Whisk until you have a smooth sauce, about 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.Return the sautéed gnocchi and the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Gently toss together, ensuring that the gnocchi and bacon are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.Sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with ground black pepper to taste, then serve garnished with extra thyme and Parmesan. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesAlways soften cream cheese before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
