Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce (Quick & Cozy Dinner)
Soft and pillowy potato dumplings and chicken in a creamy pumpkin sauce! This cozy fall dish comes together quickly and delivers rich flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (or butternut squash puree)
- 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
- 1 pound fresh gnocchi (gluten-free for gluten-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat, add the chicken seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and sage and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken broth and pumpkin puree, mix, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix in the cream and cheese and let the cheese melt into the sauce.
6. Add the gnocchi and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender and heated through.*
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!
Notes
*If using fresh gnocchi, add it directly to the pan. For dried, frozen, or vacuum-sealed gnocchi, cook according to package instructions before adding.
Option: Replace chicken with turkey or Italian sausage (removed from casings).
Option: Replace chicken broth with soft apple cider for a touch of sweetness.
Option: Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes; use the oil from the jar to sauté the chicken.
Option: Add 4–6 oz fresh spinach at the end and let it wilt into the sauce.
Option: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.