23 Savory Ways to Put Pumpkin on the Menu

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie and lattes, even if that’s the only way most people think about it. It does some of its best work in savory meals. It’s hearty, naturally creamy, and it sneaks into sauces, soups, and casseroles without taking over. If you’re the kind of person who buys a can of pumpkin for one pie and then lets the rest sit in the pantry until spring, these recipes will save you from that fate. From pasta and risotto to chili and enchiladas, pumpkin pulls its weight in the dinner lineup. You’ll probably end up wondering why you weren’t putting it on the menu all year.

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Pumpkin puree and garlic simmer into a sauce that coats pasta in a thick, rich layer. A few seasonal spices make it feel like fall without being overwhelming. It’s simple to make and works well as a weeknight dinner when you want pasta with more substance.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Cauliflower and pumpkin puree together into a creamy mash topped with mascarpone, granola, and pecans. It’s slightly sweet, making it a good alternative to heavier casseroles. The texture is smooth and makes for a versatile side dish.
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Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Tortillas, pumpkin sauce, cheese, and beans bake together into a layered casserole with a bit of spice. It’s hearty, easy to assemble, and works well as a make-ahead meal. The pumpkin sauce keeps it creamy and adds more depth than a standard casserole.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole

Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Barley simmers with pumpkin, sausage, and broth until it becomes creamy but still has a little chew. It’s quicker to prepare than risotto but still has that same comforting feel. This dish makes a filling dinner that reheats easily for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Pumpkin Potato Soup

Pumpkin and potatoes blend into a smooth, creamy soup that’s rich but simple to make. A blender brings everything together quickly. It’s a practical choice for weeknights and makes enough for leftovers the next day.
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Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Pasta shells are filled with a mix of pumpkin, ricotta, and spices like sage and nutmeg, then baked until bubbly. The pumpkin filling makes them rich and flavorful without being heavy. It’s a great make-ahead dish that can be prepped early and baked when you’re ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip

Pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, and goat cheese come together into a creamy dip that can be served hot or cold. It pairs well with crackers, bread, or sliced vegetables. The pumpkin adds depth and makes it a great seasonal appetizer for gatherings.
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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin brings a rich creaminess to this mac and cheese, giving it more depth than the classic version. The sauce comes together quickly with real pumpkin, cheese, and a bit of tang from sourdough breadcrumbs. It’s a hearty dish that feels right for fall and makes an easy meal when you want something comforting but still a little different from the usual.
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Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Ground turkey and pumpkin simmer with beans, spices, and a tomato base for a chili that’s filling but not heavy. The pumpkin adds creaminess and stretches the dish into something more substantial without a lot of extra work. It freezes well too, making it a practical choice for batch cooking during busy fall nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin is roasted with onions and garlic before being blended with coconut milk for a soup that’s both creamy and deeply flavored. The coriander adds brightness while the coconut milk keeps the texture smooth. It’s an easy recipe that feels layered but is simple enough to pull off on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Pumpkin puree cooks down with cheese, broth, and spices into a sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. It has a creamy texture that makes it just as satisfying as a tomato or vodka sauce but with a seasonal spin. This is a quick recipe that gets dinner on the table fast without losing depth of flavor.
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Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

Spinach and mushrooms pair with pumpkin sauce to create a hearty pasta dinner that’s full of vegetables and flavor. The pumpkin ties everything together, coating the pasta and vegetables in a creamy base. It’s a practical recipe for when you want something filling that doesn’t require long prep.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

Pumpkin Risotto

Arborio rice is slowly cooked with pumpkin, sage, and parmesan until it becomes creamy and rich. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty cheese. This recipe works as a main dish or side, and while it takes some stirring, the results are worth the effort for a fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Chicken Enchiladas with Spicy Pumpkin

Ground chicken is wrapped in tortillas and baked under a sauce made from pumpkin, spices, and cheese. The slow cooker method makes it easy to assemble and let it cook while you get other things done. The pumpkin sauce keeps the filling creamy and adds extra nutrition to this family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas with Spicy Pumpkin

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Beans, pumpkin, and spices simmer together in the slow cooker for a plant-based chili that’s thick and hearty. The pumpkin adds body and a subtle sweetness, making it more layered than standard bean chili. It’s filling enough to stand on its own and perfect for fall batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Roasted pumpkin cubes mix with quinoa, arugula, cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts for a salad that’s both hearty and balanced. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy finish. This salad works as a side or a lighter main dish and keeps well for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup

Canned pumpkin, coconut milk, and spices cook together under pressure to make a smooth and flavorful soup in little time. The Instant Pot speeds up the process but still gives a deep, slow-cooked taste. It’s practical for weeknights and reheats well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup

Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup

Pumpkin is blended with spices, chickpeas, and vegetables for a soup that’s both creamy and substantial. The curry seasoning adds warmth while the pumpkin keeps the base rich and smooth. It’s a comforting dish that makes a complete meal when paired with bread or rice.
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Creamy Pumpkin Spice Soup

Pumpkin puree, orange juice, and seasonal spices cook together with vegetables for a soup that balances sweet and savory. Cinnamon and ginger highlight the pumpkin flavor, while carrots and onions round it out. It’s versatile enough to serve at a weeknight dinner or as a first course at a fall gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Spice Soup

Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea and Lentil Curry

Chickpeas and lentils simmer with pumpkin and spices in a slow cooker until thick and hearty. The pumpkin keeps the sauce creamy while the legumes add protein and bulk. It’s a set-and-forget dinner that works well for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin, Chickpea and Lentil Curry

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Pumpkin seeds replace pine nuts in this version of pesto, creating a sauce that’s nutty and rich without dairy. Basil, garlic, and olive oil make it versatile for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. The pumpkin seeds bring extra nutrition while still keeping the flavor familiar.
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Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing

Roasted pumpkin pairs with kale, feta, and a pesto dressing for a salad that’s hearty enough to be a full meal. Walnuts and cranberries add crunch and sweetness, balancing the earthy greens. It comes together quickly, making it a practical fall dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Pesto Dressing

Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto

Arborio rice, chicken, and pumpkin cook together into a creamy risotto that’s both filling and flavorful. The pumpkin adds depth while the chicken makes it a complete meal. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet still elegant enough to serve when you want something a bit more polished.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto