Creamy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Gnocchi
A comforting fall dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi in a rich, velvety pumpkin and sage sauce, made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (HIGH) or 3 hours 30 minutes (LOW)
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (HIGH) or 3 hours 40 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15-ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 (16-ounce) packages fresh gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh sage leaves. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, vegetable broth, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into a 4-quart or 6-quart slow cooker insert. Do not add the gnocchi yet.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 3 hours. Stir gently once halfway through to prevent skin formation.
- Once the sauce is hot and fragrant, add the gnocchi. Stir gently to submerge them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes. Check at the 20-minute mark; gnocchi are done when they float to the top and feel tender.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh sage or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Do not add gnocchi too early or they will become mushy. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the hot sauce. For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free gnocchi.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pumpkin gnocchi, slow cooker recipes, fall dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta, vegetarian main course, easy weeknight dinner