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Delicious Pumpkin Sauce Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon

Featured in Pasta dishes that make everyone smile.

This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted pumpkin with comforting gnocchi. The pumpkin, baked with garlic and herbs, becomes a luscious, creamy sauce. Sautéed gnocchi have a nice crisp edge, then get coated in this flavorful sauce. Crispy bacon adds a crunchy, savory contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin. Optional chestnuts add a seasonal touch, while parsley and parmesan complete this hearty and delightful dish.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:59:10 GMT
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon Pin it
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Crispy Bacon | Tastyhush.com

Crispy pan-fried gnocchi meets velvety roasted butternut squash cream in this comforting autumn dish. The crispy bacon adds the perfect textural contrast while highlighting the natural sweetness of the squash.

The arrival of squash season signals the return of this beloved recipe in my kitchen. The key is taking time to properly roast the squash to develop its full flavor potential.

Key Ingredients and Tips

  • Butternut Squash - Choose one with deep orange flesh and no blemishes for the best flavor and texture
  • Pan-Fry Gnocchi - These develop a wonderful crispy exterior while staying tender inside
  • Bacon - Thin-cut bacon strips will crisp up perfectly

Preparation Method

1. Roasting the Squash
  • Cut squash into even pieces for uniform cooking
  • Include unpeeled garlic cloves for subtle flavor
  • Season with paprika to enhance the natural sweetness
2. Creating the Sauce
  • Blend the hot squash for maximum smoothness
  • Gradually incorporate cream to achieve desired consistency
  • Roasted garlic adds depth and complexity
3. Preparing the Gnocchi
  • Pan-fry until golden on all sides
  • Fresh parmesan helps thicken and enrich the sauce
  • Reserve cooking water to adjust consistency if needed

This dish captures the essence of autumn cooking, when markets overflow with colorful squash varieties. Roasting fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Perfecting the Sauce

Success lies in balancing the natural sweetness of butternut squash with rich cream to create a silky sauce.

Gnocchi Selection

Pan-fry gnocchi creates a superior texture with its golden crust compared to traditional boiled versions.

Timing Matters

Coordinate cooking elements to ensure everything comes together hot and fresh for serving.

Crispy gnocchi with butternut squash cream sauce and bacon | Fall Recipe Pin it
Crispy gnocchi with butternut squash cream sauce and bacon | Fall Recipe | Tastyhush.com

Perfect Occasion

This warming dish shines on cool autumn evenings when comfort food cravings strike.

This recipe has become a seasonal staple, combining pasta comfort with sophisticated fall flavors. The moment of joy comes when serving plates of golden gnocchi topped with crispy bacon, knowing the perfect balance of textures and tastes awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, the pumpkin cream sauce can be prepped the day before and reheated gently before serving.
→ Can I substitute the pumpkin?
Of course! Butternut squash or even regular pumpkin would work—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to keep everything smooth.
→ Are fresh gnocchi better?
Store-bought skillet gnocchi works perfectly, but if you can get fresh gnocchi, adjust the cooking time for those.
→ Can this dish be vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap the bacon out with pan-fried mushrooms or toasted nuts for that crunchy texture.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Golden gnocchi smothered in creamy roasted pumpkin sauce, garnished with crispy bacon and parmesan.

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

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion Italian

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the gnocchi

01 ½ red kuri squash (about 350g)
02 350g of pan-fry-style gnocchi
03 1 red onion
04 15g shredded parmesan
05 100ml heavy cream
06 1 clove garlic
07 6 slices of bacon
08 Olive oil

→ Spices and toppings

09 Salt and pepper
10 A sprinkle of paprika
11 A pinch of herbes de Provence
12 Fresh parsley
13 3 cooked and peeled chestnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to preheat at 180°C. Peel the squash and chop it into chunks. Toss the pieces onto a baking tray with some olive oil, paprika, a touch of herbes de Provence, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast them for about 25 minutes.

Step 02

Blend up the roasted squash with peeled garlic, heavy cream, and chestnuts if you’d like to include them. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Pop the bacon slices in the oven for 10 minutes until they’re nice and crispy.

Step 04

Sauté the chopped red onion in some olive oil until it’s softened. Add the gnocchi and cook on high heat for 3 minutes to get them golden. Then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 05

Mix in the squash sauce with the gnocchi and sprinkle in the parmesan. If it’s too thick, add a little water and keep stirring gently for 2 minutes while warming up.

Step 06

Dish out the gnocchi and top with grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and crumble the crispy bacon over it.

Notes

  1. You can prep the bacon ahead to save time.
  2. Make the sauce as thick or thin as you like by adjusting the water.

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: ~