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Pumpkin Gnocchi with Onion Cream

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish features tender pumpkin gnocchi gently cooked until light and fluffy, then combined with a luscious sauce made by slowly caramelizing onions in butter and olive oil. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a silky texture that perfectly complements the subtly spiced gnocchi. Fresh thyme adds an herbal brightness, balancing the natural sweetness of the onions while a pinch of red pepper flakes gives just a hint of warmth. This comforting meal shines during chilly months and pairs beautifully with peppery greens or a crisp wine. Leftovers reheat smoothly when refreshed with a splash of cream or pasta water.

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Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 20:29:58 GMT
A bowl of food with cheese and herbs. Pin
A bowl of food with cheese and herbs. | easydiyrecipes.com

Coming home with a bag of Trader Joes pumpkin gnocchi sparked my latest kitchen creation. Pairing these little pumpkin pillows with a homemade caramelized onion cream sauce creates pure magic in a bowl. The sweet and spicy notes of the gnocchi blend perfectly with the rich creamy sauce making this my new favorite autumn comfort meal.

I first served these to friends during a chilly fall dinner party and the entire table went quiet with that first bite. Now it is my go to autumn comfort dish whenever I want to make a cozy evening extra special.

Ingredients

  • Trader Joes Pumpkin Gnocchi: brings seasonal warmth and soft texture scoop up two packs as they sell out quickly
  • Olive Oil: keeps everything from sticking and enhances the sauce look for a rich green color for best flavor
  • Salted Butter: gives depth and richness European style makes the sauce creamier
  • Onion: provides natural sweetness sweet varieties like Vidalia work best for caramelization
  • Thyme: adds fresh herbal notes garden picked is best but dried works too
  • Heavy Cream: creates a velvety restaurant style sauce choose the freshest pint available
  • Parmesan Cheese: gives savory tang freshly grated makes a big difference
  • Kosher Salt: balances sweetness and lets flavors shine Diamond Crystal is reliable
  • Red Pepper Flakes: lend subtle warmth look for bright red flakes with a strong scent

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chop and Caramelize Onions:
Chop onions into tiny bits. Warm olive oil and butter in a heavy pan over medium heat. Add the onions salt and pepper flakes then let them sweat and turn golden for a full thirty minutes stirring often. The slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness.
Cook Pumpkin Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the gnocchi stir and cook until they all float to the top about three minutes. Scoop out the gnocchi and save a cup of the cooking water for later.
Bloom the Herbs:
Add fresh or dried thyme to the caramelized onions. Let it cook for one to two minutes so it releases its flavor into the mixture.
Combine Flavors:
Transfer the cooked gnocchi into the onion pan. Toss gently so each piece of gnocchi is coated with the sweet buttery onions and herbs.
Build the Cream Sauce:
Pour heavy cream into the pan and allow it to simmer gently. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted completely. Add splashes of reserved gnocchi water until you get a silky smooth sauce.
Taste and Serve:
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Pile onto plates garnish with extra parmesan and fresh thyme. Serve piping hot.
A bowl of food with a white sauce and cheese. Pin
A bowl of food with a white sauce and cheese. | easydiyrecipes.com

I love using freshly grated parmesan here the nutty flavor really makes the dish sing and brings back memories of grating cheese with my grandmother as we cooked together on chilly autumn afternoons.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the silky texture. Using the stove keeps the sauce creamy while the microwave can cause separation.

A bowl of food with cheese and herbs on top. Pin
A bowl of food with cheese and herbs on top. | easydiyrecipes.com

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find pumpkin gnocchi any plain or sweet potato version works well. Fresh sage can stand in for thyme and blue cheese makes a bold substitute for parmesan. To lighten the dish swap in half and half for the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp salad of arugula and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio works well. For extra fall flair top with toasted walnuts or extra herbs.

Cultural and Historical Context

Gnocchi is an Italian classic known for its pillowy texture and versatility. Trader Joes adds an American autumnal twist with pumpkin and spice. Marrying those flavors with a French style caramelized onion cream sauce combines cozy traditions from both sides of the Atlantic.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can different types of gnocchi be used?

Yes, regular or flavored gnocchi varieties work well with the caramelized onion cream, offering versatility for different tastes.

→ How can I tell when the onions are properly caramelized?

Onions should be a deep golden brown, soft, and fragrant after about 30-40 minutes of gentle cooking without rushing the process.

→ Is it possible to prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat before adding cream and cheese to finish the sauce.

→ What if the sauce is too thick after adding cream?

Thinning with reserved starchy pasta water helps achieve a smooth, silky consistency without diluting flavor.

→ Can this dish be frozen for later use?

While the creamy sauce doesn't freeze well, the caramelized onions can be frozen separately. Prepare the cream sauce fresh at serving.

Pumpkin Gnocchi Onion Cream

Tender pumpkin gnocchi paired with a creamy caramelized onion sauce for warm, comforting meals.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 4 Servings (Four main course portions)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Gnocchi

01 450 grams Trader Joe's pumpkin gnocchi (two standard packages)

→ Sauce

02 30 grams salted European-style butter
03 15 milliliters olive oil
04 250 grams sweet onions, finely chopped (Vidalia preferred)
05 5 grams kosher salt
06 1 gram red pepper flakes (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
07 5 grams fresh thyme sprigs (or 2 grams dried thyme)
08 120 milliliters heavy cream
09 40 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

Step 01

Melt butter and olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until onions turn deep golden brown and soft, approximately 30 minutes.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pumpkin gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Reserve 240 milliliters of starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 03

Toss fresh thyme into caramelized onions. Allow to infuse for 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic oils.

Step 04

Transfer cooked gnocchi into the skillet with onions. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the butter and onion mixture.

Step 05

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a smooth, silky consistency.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese grated on top if desired.

Notes

  1. Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat develops deep sweetness essential for the sauce's richness.
  2. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and enhance silkiness.
  3. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water.

Tools Required

  • Large pot for boiling gnocchi
  • Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
  • Wooden spoon for stirring

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese); contains gluten if gnocchi is not gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 12 g