Every fall, Trader Joe's brings out their Pumpkin Gnocchi, and as someone who loves trying anything pumpkin-related, I had to give it a shot. These little orange pillows look adorable and promise a mix of savory and seasonal. I was curious whether they'd be more sweet or savory - and after cooking them a few different ways, I've got thoughts.
First impression
Out of the bag, they look cute - small, soft gnocchi pieces with that warm orange color that screams fall. They cook quickly and hold their shape well. The texture feels a bit firmer than Trader Joe's cauliflower or kale gnocchi, which I actually like. They don't fall apart easily, and they're easy to brown in a pan.
The smell as they cook is subtle - not too pumpkin-y or sweet. It's more of a cozy, earthy aroma, which I appreciated because I wasn't looking for dessert pasta.
How they taste
The flavor is mild but definitely leans toward the sweeter side. You can taste the pumpkin, but it's not overwhelming - think more "pumpkin bread without the sugar" than pumpkin pie. The texture is soft and slightly chewy, with that pleasant gnocchi bite.
The flavor itself is pretty neutral, which makes it perfect for pairing with sauces. Alone, it's not the most exciting thing, but once you toss it with something like sage brown butter or a creamy sauce, it comes to life. I tried it with browned butter, a sprinkle of parmesan, and crispy sage - simple but so good.
My favorite way to cook it
Pan-frying is the way to go here. It gives the gnocchi that golden, crispy edge that adds texture and helps balance out the slight sweetness. I've also baked them in a creamy sauce once, and it worked beautifully, especially when topped with shredded mozzarella and broiled for a minute or two.
If you're looking for something easy, tossing them with Pumpkin Bisque (as a sauce) surprisingly works. It makes a comforting fall meal that's cozy without being heavy.
Portion size and calories
Each bag is about two servings, but if you're really hungry, you'll probably finish the whole thing yourself. They're around 240 calories per serving, which isn't bad for pasta, though once you add sauce and cheese, it can climb quickly. Still, for a fall dinner that feels homemade and seasonal, it's a fun splurge.
Location in store
You'll find the pumpkin gnocchi in the frozen section, right next to other gnocchi varieties like cauliflower, kale, and sweet potato. During fall, it's often grouped with seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Ravioli and Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese.
Similar fall items at Trader Joe's
If you like the pumpkin gnocchi, you might also enjoy:
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ravioli - richer and creamier, more like a full comfort meal.
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese - cheesy, hearty, and a great savory fall option.
- Pumpkin Brioche Twist - if you want to balance your meal with something sweet.
- Pumpkin Biscotti - perfect for dessert with coffee after dinner.
My final thoughts
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Gnocchi is a fun seasonal buy if you like pumpkin flavor but want something savory instead of sweet. It's not the most flavorful product on its own, but it's a great base to play with. A little butter, sage, and parmesan make all the difference.
Would I buy it again? Yes - but only in the fall, when cozy dinners sound extra good. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars for creativity, texture, and how easy it is to dress up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
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