Cozy Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi Cream Sauce Recipe

Fall brings a symphony of comfort on your plate with this Trader Joe’s pumpkin gnocchi nestled in a velvety caramelized onion cream sauce.

The kitchen fills with warmth as golden, pillowy gnocchi dance in a rich, silky embrace.

Sweet pumpkin notes mingle with deep caramelized onion undertones, creating a harmony of flavors that whispers autumn’s gentle arrival.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Creamy, smooth, and utterly decadent, this dish elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magical.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible seasonal delight.

Let’s turn these humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the soul of fall.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Gnocchi with Caramelized Onion Sauce

• Trader Joe's Pumpkin Gnocchi: A seasonal pasta made with pumpkin that provides a rich, autumnal flavor to the dish.
• Onions: The foundation of the caramelized cream sauce, offering a sweet and deeply developed flavor profile.

• Butter, Olive Oil: These fats help create a smooth base for caramelizing onions and add richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create a luxurious and creamy texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.

• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Thyme: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor, adding depth, subtle heat, and an herbal note to the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Gnocchi and Creamy Sauce

• Large Skillet: Essential for caramelizing onions and making the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring onions and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling gnocchi in salted water.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping onions and preparing herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice onions evenly for caramelization.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of salt and pepper flakes.
• Colander: Helps drain gnocchi after boiling.

Steps to Make Pumpkin Gnocchi in Creamy Onion Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium warmth.

Drizzle in olive oil and melt butter until they create a sizzling, fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 2: Transform Onions into Golden Delights

• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Slowly cook the onions, stirring occasionally, allowing them to mellow and turn a rich, caramel-like brown.

This process takes patience – about 30-40 minutes.

If the onions start to stick, splash a bit of water to keep them moving and prevent burning.

Step 3: Introduce Herbal Magic

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves into the caramelized onions.

Let the herbs dance and release their aromatic oils for about 2 minutes, infusing the sauce with a subtle, earthy flavor.

Step 4: Boil Fluffy Pumpkin Pillows

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Add a generous pinch of salt.

Gently drop the pumpkin gnocchi into the water and cook until they float to the surface – this usually takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Harmony

Transfer the tender gnocchi directly into the onion-filled skillet.

Add a knob of butter and swirl it around.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese.

Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and coats the gnocchi in a luxurious blanket of flavor.

Tips for Silky Pumpkin Gnocchi and Rich Sauce

• Take time to caramelize onions properly, stirring occasionally to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning.
• Boil gnocchi exactly 2-3 minutes until they float, ensuring soft yet slightly firm texture without becoming mushy.
• Add cream gradually and stir consistently to create smooth, velvety sauce that coats gnocchi evenly without separating.
• Fresh thyme adds subtle earthy notes; chop finely and add at end to preserve delicate aromatic qualities.
• Use red pepper flakes sparingly to provide gentle heat that complements pumpkin's sweetness without overwhelming dish.

Creative Twists for Pumpkin Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Variation: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cream Sauce Alternative: Swap dairy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Pumpkin Gnocchi Spin: Add roasted red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter, replace cream with unsweetened almond milk, and select dairy-free cheese substitute for lactose-intolerant eaters.

Serving Up Pumpkin Gnocchi as a Main or Side

• Rustic Italian Dinner Party: Serve the pumpkin gnocchi as a centerpiece dish surrounded by fresh herbs and cracked black pepper for an elegant presentation.
• Cozy Autumn Comfort: Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty sourdough bread to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the flavors.
• Garnish with Flair: Top with toasted pine nuts, fresh thyme leaves, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to add texture and enhance the dish's visual appeal.

Storing Pumpkin Gnocchi for the Next Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the gnocchi and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 1 month; cream-based sauces may slightly separate upon thawing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of cream or milk to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat, stirring continuously and adding small amount of cream or broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use regular gnocchi instead of pumpkin gnocchi?

Yes, you can substitute regular potato gnocchi. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the cooking method remains the same.

• How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

Caramelized onions turn a deep golden-brown color and become soft and sweet. This process takes 30-40 minutes of slow cooking over medium heat.

• What type of cheese works best in this sauce?

Parmesan or pecorino romano are excellent choices. They add a sharp, salty flavor that complements the sweet caramelized onions and pumpkin gnocchi.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi Reasons to Fall for It

• Dive into a cozy autumn dish that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy pumpkin gnocchi and caramelized onion sauce.
• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills, making you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
• Impress family and friends with a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare dish that brings gourmet flavor to your everyday meals.
• Enjoy the perfect blend of seasonal pumpkin and sweet caramelized onions that capture the essence of fall in every delicious bite.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi with Caramelized Onion Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Trader Joe’s pumpkin gnocchi shine in this creamy caramelized onion sauce that elevates autumn comfort cooking. Warm spices and rich textures create an indulgent dish you’ll savor with pure seasonal satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boxes Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 medium sweet onions, diced

Fats and Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for water)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add sliced onions with salt and red pepper flakes, slowly caramelizing for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown, occasionally adding water to prevent burning and enhance natural sweetness.
3. Incorporate fresh thyme leaves, stirring for 2 minutes to release aromatic oils and deepen the flavor profile.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, gently add pumpkin gnocchi, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating perfect tenderness.
5. Transfer perfectly cooked gnocchi directly into the caramelized onion skillet, tossing with additional butter to coat each pillow.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently to create a luxurious sauce, then sprinkle grated cheese to melt and bind the dish together.
7. Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy, smooth consistency and the cheese fully incorporates, coating the gnocchi in a rich, golden blanket of flavor.

Notes

• Boost Caramelization Use low and slow heat to transform onions into sweet, golden perfection without burning.
• Prevent Sticking Add small splashes of water or broth while cooking onions to prevent scorching and maintain even browning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap Trader Joe’s gnocchi with homemade or store-bought gluten-free potato gnocchi for celiac-friendly version.
• Herb Flexibility Fresh or dried thyme work wonderfully, so use what’s available in your kitchen without compromising flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg