Delicious Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce and Bacon

Featured in Saucy pasta that hits the spot.

This comforting dish pairs the warm flavors of roasted pumpkin with hearty gnocchi. The pumpkin, baked with garlic and herbs, is turned into a creamy, velvety sauce that coats pan-fried gnocchi. Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly. Optional chestnuts give this fall dish even more depth, while fresh parsley and parmesan bring it all together with a gourmet touch.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:02:40 GMT
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Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon | Tasteofsavor.com

Sweet roasted squash pairs beautifully with crispy bacon in this comforting gnocchi dish. This recipe celebrates autumn flavors while delivering the satisfaction of a creamy pasta dish.

When butternut squash appears at the market, this cherished recipe returns to my kitchen. The key is taking time to roast the squash thoroughly to develop its rich flavors.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Butternut Squash - Select one with deep orange skin and firm flesh for the best natural sweetness
  • Pan-Fried Gnocchi - These develop a perfectly crispy exterior while staying tender inside
  • Bacon - Thin-cut slices work best for achieving optimal crispiness

Cooking Method

1. Roasting the Squash
  • Cut squash into uniform pieces for even cooking
  • Include unpeeled garlic cloves for subtle flavor
  • Add paprika to enhance the squash's natural sweetness
2. Creating the Sauce
  • Blend hot roasted squash for smoothest texture
  • Stream in cream slowly while blending
  • Incorporate roasted garlic for depth
3. Preparing Gnocchi
  • Pan-fry until golden on each side
  • Add grated parmesan to thicken sauce
  • Reserve cooking water to adjust consistency

This dish captures the essence of early autumn, when markets overflow with colorful squash. The aroma of roasting butternut fills the kitchen with warmth.

Perfecting the Sauce

Creating the ideal sauce requires balancing the natural sweetness of squash with rich cream.

Selecting Gnocchi

Pan-fried gnocchi develop a superior texture compared to traditional versions, with a golden crust.

Timing Tips

Synchronize cooking components to ensure everything comes together hot and fresh.

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Gnocchis à la crème de potimarron et bacon croustillant | Recette d'automne | Tasteofsavor.com

Perfect Occasion

Serve this warming dish on cool autumn evenings when comfort food is most appreciated.

This recipe has become my autumn comfort go-to, combining simple pasta preparation with sophisticated seasonal flavors. Nothing beats seeing happy faces when serving these golden gnocchi topped with crispy bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin sauce a day in advance and gently warm it up when serving.
→ Can I swap the pumpkin for something else?
Sure, you could use butternut squash or regular pumpkin, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to two days, and reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream.
→ Are fresh gnocchi better for this?
Store-bought gnocchi work great, but fresh ones can also be used. Just tweak the cooking time accordingly.
→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or toasted nuts for a crispy element.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Golden gnocchi covered in a rich roasted pumpkin sauce, sprinkled with crispy bacon and parmesan cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Fusion

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Gnocchi Dish

01 350g pan-frying gnocchi
02 Half a red kuri squash (roughly 350g)
03 100ml of heavy cream
04 One small red onion
05 Six strips of bacon
06 One clove of garlic
07 15g grated Parmesan cheese
08 Extra virgin olive oil

→ Seasonings & Toppings

09 Pinch of smoked paprika
10 Pinch of dried herbes de Provence
11 Fresh parsley
12 Salt and black pepper
13 Three pre-cooked, peeled chestnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Start by heating up your oven to 180°C. Peel the squash and chop into chunks. Toss them on a baking tray with olive oil, paprika, herbes de Provence, garlic, a little salt, and some pepper. Pop it in the oven for 25 minutes.

Step 02

Blend the roasted squash together with the garlic (peeled), heavy cream, and chestnuts (optional). Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Put the bacon strips in the oven and roast them for about 10 minutes until they're crispy.

Step 04

Slice up the red onion and sauté it in a pan with olive oil. Once softened, toss in the gnocchi and pan-fry on high heat for 3 minutes. Then, cover the pan and lower the heat, continuing to cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 05

Mix the squash cream and Parmesan cheese with the gnocchi in the pan. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water. Stir everything together and heat for 2 more minutes.

Step 06

Plate the gnocchi and top with more Parmesan, fresh parsley, and crumbled crispy bacon.

Notes

  1. Feel free to cook the bacon ahead to save time later.
  2. You can adjust how thick or thin you want the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Frying pan
  • Blender
  • Baking tray

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products
  • Gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 645
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~