24 Easy Pumpkin Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Pumpkin isn't just for pies and lattes—it's a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can transform your weeknight dinners. I’ve discovered some amazing ways to incorporate this fall favorite into quick and easy meals that everyone will love.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just looking to try something new, these recipes are ridiculously straightforward and incredibly tasty. Ready to fall in love with pumpkin all over again? Here are 24 easy pumpkin recipes for quick weeknight dinners you need to try.

1. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin pairs delightfully with creamy sauces for a delightful pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of pasta
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.

2. Pumpkin Chicken Curry

This savory, spicy curry is perfect when you’re craving something different for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in curry powder, pumpkin puree, and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over rice.

3. Pumpkin and Black Bean Tacos

A vegetarian taco option bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortillas
• Fresh avocado, sliced (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the black beans, pumpkin puree, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
4. Spoon the pumpkin and black bean mixture into tortillas.
5. Top with avocado slices and garnish with fresh cilantro.

4. Pumpkin Risotto

A creamy, comforting risotto that’s easier than you might think.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh sage, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the chicken broth in a pot and keep it warm.
2. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.
5. Add the pumpkin puree and stir well.
6. Begin adding the warm broth one cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat until rice is al dente.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh sage.

5. Pumpkin Chili

A hearty and warming chili that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Remove any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve with shredded cheese on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

6. Pumpkin Soup

A velvety soup that's perfect when you need a warm, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and ground ginger. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the coconut milk and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

7. Pumpkin Quesadillas

A quick and easy dinner that’s loaded with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Tortillas
• Salsa (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Lay out the tortillas and spread an even layer of pumpkin puree on half of each tortilla.
2. Sprinkle black beans and shredded cheese over the pumpkin puree.
3. Fold the tortillas in half.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve with salsa.

8. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

The classic comfort food gets a pumpkin twist for extra creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with a savory pumpkin and rice mixture.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, rice, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Stuff the bell peppers with the pumpkin mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Pumpkin Flatbread

A flavorful and easy-to-make flatbread perfect for quick dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• Pre-made flatbread or pizza dough
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh arugula (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spread the flatbread or pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Spread an even layer of pumpkin puree over the dough.
4. Top with feta cheese and red onion slices.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula.

11. Pumpkin Lasagna

A hearty and delicious lasagna with layers of pumpkin and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
5. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, followed by the pumpkin mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
6. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

12. Pumpkin Pizza

Try this unique and delicious pumpkin pizza for a fun twist on dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pizza dough
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
• Fresh arugula (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Spread the pizza dough out on a baking sheet.
3. Spread an even layer of pumpkin puree over the dough.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella, caramelized onions, and bacon bits.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula.

13. Pumpkin Stir-Fry

A quick and colorful stir-fry loaded with veggies and pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree and soy sauce. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

14. Pumpkin Sloppy Joes

A family favorite with a pumpkin twist that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Burger buns

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Remove any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve on burger buns.

15. Pumpkin Meatballs

Juicy meatballs with a touch of pumpkin for added flavor and moisture.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and form into meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

16. Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

An adult twist on a childhood classic with sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 8 slices of bread
• 8 slices of cheese (cheddar or Gouda)
• Butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree and cinnamon.
2. Spread the pumpkin mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place a slice of cheese on top of the pumpkin mixture.
4. Close the sandwiches.
5. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
6. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.

17. Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie

A cozy and comforting dish with a pumpkin twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Remove any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables, pumpkin puree, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown.

18. Pumpkin Frittata

A quick and easy frittata that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, and milk.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to set.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the frittata is set.

19. Pumpkin Baked Ziti

A hearty and delicious baked pasta dish with a pumpkin twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the pumpkin mixture, followed by a layer of pasta, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

20. Pumpkin Tacos

Simple yet delicious vegetarian tacos with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortillas
• Sliced avocado (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add black beans, pumpkin puree, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan.
4. Spoon the pumpkin and black bean mixture into tortillas.
5. Top with sliced avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro.

21. Pumpkin Pot Pie

A comforting pot pie with a creamy pumpkin filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pie crust
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with pie crust.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

22. Pumpkin Enchiladas

A delicious and unique twist on classic enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add black beans, pumpkin puree, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Lay out tortillas and spoon the pumpkin mixture down the center of each.
5. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in a baking dish.
6. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated

22. Pumpkin Enchiladas

A delicious and unique twist on classic enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add black beans, pumpkin puree, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Lay out tortillas and spoon the pumpkin mixture down the center of each.
5. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in a baking dish.
6. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

23. Pumpkin Shrimp Scampi

A seafood lover’s dream with a perfect hint of pumpkin.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 pound pasta
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add white wine, broth, and pumpkin puree. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Combine the pasta with the shrimp and pumpkin sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper and toss with parsley.

24. Pumpkin Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy gnocchi with a pumpkin-infused twist for a delightful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tbsp butter
• Fresh sage leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into four pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces.
4. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
5. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it starts to brown slightly. Add the gnocchi and cook until they are golden and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is certainly not just a seasonal treat but a year-round superstar in the kitchen. These 24 easy pumpkin recipes for quick weeknight dinners bring versatility, nutrition, and a touch of autumnal charm to your dining table. Whether you’re craving something creamy like pumpkin pasta or longing for a cozy dish like pumpkin chili, incorporating pumpkin into your meals can elevate your culinary game.

These recipes are simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet delicious enough to make you feel like you’ve treated yourself and your loved ones to something special. Give a few—or all—of these recipes a try and discover the magic of pumpkin in everyday cooking. Happy dining!