Pumpkin Recipes for Dinner

This recipe combines the rich flavors of classic chili with the subtle sweetness and earthiness of pumpkin puree. The pumpkin adds nutrients and a slightly lighter texture without overpowering the traditional chili taste, creating a warm and hearty dish perfect for fall.

The chili includes ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that meld together after simmering to develop a balanced flavor. It can be easily adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets by substituting the meat with beans or plant-based alternatives, making it versatile for different preferences.

This creamy pumpkin Alfredo combines the rich texture of traditional Alfredo sauce with the subtle, earthy flavor of pumpkin. It uses fewer calories and less fat by substituting most of the cream with pumpkin puree and half-and-half, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with fettuccine.

The recipe comes together quickly, taking about 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. It can be customized with added vegetables or proteins, and leftovers store well for a convenient second meal.

These spicy black bean chicken pumpkin enchiladas combine savory and sweet flavors with a creamy pumpkin sour cream sauce. The filling features cooked chicken, black beans, jalapeño, and spices, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas and topped with melted cheese.

The pumpkin sauce blends pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, sour cream, and warming spices for a unique twist on classic enchiladas. This dish offers a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for using up pumpkin in a flavorful, satisfying way.

This dish combines creamy pumpkin risotto with tangy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries for a comforting fall meal. The risotto is cooked slowly by gradually adding warm stock, creating a rich, velvety texture that highlights the earthy pumpkin flavor.

The recipe is ideal for a vegetarian Thanksgiving or an elegant weeknight dinner, offering a balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet notes. It pairs well with light salads or a crisp white wine, making it a versatile and satisfying seasonal option.

This dish combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce infused with Italian sausage and kale for a hearty, flavorful meal. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld while saving time and minimizing cleanup.

The sauce blends pumpkin puree, cream, garlic, and chicken broth for a savory twist on traditional pasta dishes. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese finish the recipe, adding brightness and depth to each bite.

This dish combines creamy pumpkin puree with sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses to create a rich, flavorful mac and cheese perfect for fall. The use of evaporated milk thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that coats tender pasta shells beautifully.

The recipe includes subtle seasonings like mustard and nutmeg to add depth and a hint of warmth to the dish. It can be customized with toppings such as chives, fried sage, or crumbled bacon, making it a versatile comfort food for family meals.

This creamy pumpkin chicken chili combines tender chicken, two types of peppers, and warm spices with a rich pumpkin base to create a comforting and flavorful fall meal.

It can be prepared quickly on the stovetop or made hands-free in an Instant Pot, making it convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

The recipe offers flexibility with dairy and dietary preferences by using either cream cheese or coconut milk for creaminess, and includes options to add beans or swap peppers for different tastes.

It stores well in the fridge for up to a week and freezes easily, making it a versatile choice for meal planning during cooler months.

This dish features tender pasta shells tossed with roasted chunks of butternut or kabocha squash, all coated in a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce. Fresh thyme and baby greens add aromatic and vibrant notes, creating a comforting vegetarian meal perfect for fall.

The roasted squash brings a natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the savory sauce beautifully. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a hearty and flavorful pasta that highlights seasonal winter squash varieties.

This roasted pumpkin soup recipe highlights the rich, natural flavor of pumpkin enhanced by roasting it until tender and caramelized. The soup combines warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a creamy base made from coconut milk or cream, resulting in a smooth and comforting dish.

The preparation involves roasting fresh pumpkin, sautéing aromatics, and simmering everything together to develop depth and warmth. Toasted pepitas add a crunchy garnish, making the soup a satisfying meal perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

This vegetarian pumpkin spinach lasagna combines creamy pumpkin puree with ricotta cheese and sautéed spinach, layered between tender lasagna noodles and melted mozzarella and parmesan. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavors, creating a comforting, hearty dish perfect for fall meals.

The recipe offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing substitutions like kale or vegan cheeses to suit dietary preferences. It also stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for weekday dinners or meal prep.

This pumpkin shakshuka combines the traditional poached eggs in a savory tomato stew with a rich autumnal twist using pumpkin puree and smoked paprika. The dish cooks quickly in about 20 minutes and pairs well with crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a hearty breakfast.

The recipe highlights a method of poaching eggs directly in the spicy pumpkin-tomato mixture, ensuring even cooking by covering the pan. Using a cast iron skillet helps distribute heat evenly, preventing unevenly cooked eggs and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

This dish combines roasted pumpkin or butternut squash with spinach, walnuts, and spaghetti for a simple, flavorful meal. The roasted squash is partially mashed and mixed with garlic, chili flakes, and lemon to create a rich, savory sauce that coats the pasta and greens.

The recipe balances sweet and spicy notes while adding texture through crunchy walnuts and fresh spinach. It offers a quick, wholesome option that can be prepared in under an hour, perfect for a midweek dinner.

This one-pot pumpkin curry combines vibrant pumpkin cubes with fragrant yellow curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables like bell pepper and broccoli. The dish offers a creamy, subtly spiced flavor profile enhanced by ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from chili peppers.

The recipe is plant-based, gluten-free, and easy to prepare, making it a comforting meal for fall or winter evenings. It reheats well and can be served over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, with optional additions like roasted cashews or tofu for extra protein.

This tart combines the sweetness of caramelised onions with the creamy tang of feta and the rich, roasted flavor of pumpkin, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust.

It offers a balanced mix of savory and lightly sweet elements, making it suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.

The preparation involves layering roasted pumpkin and crumbled feta on puff pastry, then pouring an egg and cream mixture over the top before baking until golden.

Fresh rosemary can be added for extra aroma, and the tart can be customized with other vegetables or meats to suit different tastes.

These pumpkin turkey meatballs combine ground turkey with pumpkin puree and fresh herbs, creating a flavorful and moist protein option. They bake in the oven without needing to be browned first, making preparation simple and hands-off.

The meatballs are served in a creamy, dairy-free tomato sauce made with pumpkin, coconut milk, bone broth, and warming spices like pumpkin pie spice and Italian seasoning.

This dish offers a cozy, gluten-free, and Whole30-compliant meal that pairs well with spiralized vegetables or roasted sides.

These Vegan Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells combine jumbo pasta shells with a creamy, flavorful pumpkin and tofu ricotta filling. The dish is topped with a rich garlic béchamel sauce made from coconut milk, creating a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for fall.

The recipe balances chewy pasta with smooth, cheesy filling and a garlicky white sauce for a layered texture experience. It’s a plant-based dish that surprises with its depth of flavor and ease of preparation, making it ideal for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.

This beef pumpkin stew combines tender chunks of slow-simmered beef with creamy pumpkin puree, creating a rich and comforting dish perfect for cooler weather. The stew also includes hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, along with savory aromatics and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

The cooking process involves browning the beef to develop a savory crust before slowly simmering it with the pumpkin and broth, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The result is a warm, satisfying meal that pairs well with crusty bread and makes an inviting option for fall and winter dinners.

This pizza combines a spicy pumpkin sauce with melty gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses, topped with crisp bacon and fresh green onions. The dough is made with pumpkin beer for added flavor, creating a unique twist on a classic homemade pizza.

The sauce blends pumpkin purée with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce, giving it a subtle heat and sweetness. Baking it until bubbly and crispy results in a comforting fall-inspired dish with a balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.