Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, bring 6 quarts salted water to a boil. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Using a fork, make a well in the potatoes; sprinkle with flour. Mix egg, pumpkin and minced sage; pour into well. Stir vigorously until blended. On a lightly floured surface, knead 10-12 times, forming a soft dough.
2. Divide dough into 8 portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 1/2-in.-thick rope; cut crosswise into 3/4-in. pieces. Press and roll each piece with a lightly floured fork. Cook gnocchi in batches in boiling water until they float, 3-4 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon, reserving 3/4 cup pasta water.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook gnocchi until lightly browned, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet; keep warm. For sauce, in same skillet, discard melted butter, reserving 2 tablespoons; add sage leaves and cook over medium heat until sage is crispy, 2-3 minutes, turning once. Remove sage and set aside. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
4. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in cream, salt and 3/4 cup pasta water to moisten. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 3-4 minutes. Add gnocchi; toss to coat. Serve with reserved sage leaves and Parmesan cheese.