Gnocchi with Bacon & Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add gnocchi to the pan with the bacon fat and cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, about 5 more minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Add oil and onion to the pan; cook, stirring, until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk milk and cream cheese in a small bowl; add to the pan along with pumpkin and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to maintain the simmer and cook, stirring, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bacon, gnocchi and Parmesan; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.