1-Gather and Prep Your Ingredients: Before you begin, make sure you have all the essentials lined up. Mince the garlic and slice the sage to get ahead, as this will make the cooking process smoother. This step is crucial for building the flavorful base of your Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake with creamy sauce and cheesy topping.

2-Cook the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, add the pumpkin purée and vegetable broth, stirring them together to create a smooth mixture. Next, incorporate the chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; cover the skillet and bring it to a high simmer while stirring constantly for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.

2-Cook the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of the sauce with the Greek yogurt, then stir it back into the skillet to blend everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed perhaps adding a bit more salt if your broth is low-sodium. This creamy sauce is what gives the Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake its signature richness.

3-Prepare the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 16-ounce package of gnocchi and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the top, then drain them well to remove excess water. This quick step ensures the gnocchi stay tender and absorb the flavors of the pumpkin sauce without becoming mushy.

4-Assemble and Bake: Combine the cooked gnocchi with the pumpkin sauce in a 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure everything is evenly coated. Top it with dollops of the 4 ounces goat cheese and the thinly sliced fresh sage for that perfect cheesy topping. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes until the dish is heated through and bubbly around the edges.

4-Assemble and Bake: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set this makes serving easier and prevents burns. For variations, feel free to adapt it with dietary swaps, like using fresh mozzarella instead of goat cheese. Remember, this recipe’s total time is about 35 minutes, so it’s great for working professionals looking for a quick dinner option.