30 Savory Pumpkin Recipes That Will Change Your Dinner Game

When fall comes around, there’s nothing like bringing the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin into the kitchen. Sure, we all know about pumpkin pie, but there’s so much more this versatile ingredient can do. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply add some seasonal flair to your weeknight meals, these 30 savory pumpkin recipes will change your dinner game.

From cozy soups and hearty mains to creative side dishes, you’ll find that pumpkin isn’t just for desserts. It’s a superstar in savory dishes too, bringing depth, richness, and a touch of sweetness to every bite.

1. Pumpkin Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups pumpkin purée
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly add broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed.
4. Stir in pumpkin purée and cook until creamy.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and serve warm.

2. Pumpkin and Sage Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté sage until fragrant.
3. Stir in pumpkin purée and cream, cooking until heated through.
4. Toss pasta with the sauce, add Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, pumpkin, and spices.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream and cheese.

4. Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.
3. Mix quinoa, pumpkin, beans, cheese, and spices in a bowl.
4. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until peppers are tender.

5. Pumpkin Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fettuccine
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in pumpkin purée and cream, and cook until smooth.
4. Toss with fettuccine, add Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Pumpkin Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in a large pan until softened.
2. Add curry powder and turmeric, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in coconut milk and pumpkin, and bring to a simmer.
4. Add peas and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Serve over rice or with naan bread.

7. Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin purée
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add pumpkin and broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth and stir in cream.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb macaroni
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in milk and pumpkin.
3. Add cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
4. Toss with macaroni and season with salt and pepper.

9. Pumpkin Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh arugula for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Spread pumpkin purée over the pizza dough.
3. Top with mozzarella, goat cheese, and caramelized onions.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh arugula before serving.

10. Pumpkin Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix pumpkin, chicken, cumin, and cheese in a bowl.
3. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll them up.
4. Place in a baking dish, top with enchilada sauce and cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

11. Pumpkin Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

12. Pumpkin Gnocchi

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin purée
• 2 cups flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, egg, and flour until a dough forms.
2. Roll dough into ropes and cut into small pieces.
3. Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float.
4. In a pan, melt butter and sauté sage.
5. Toss cooked gnocchi in the butter and serve with Parmesan.

13. Pumpkin and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions.
3. Mix pumpkin, ricotta, spinach, and salt together in a bowl.
4. Stuff shells with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes.

14. Pumpkin Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add cumin and coriander, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lentils, pumpkin, and broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

15. Pumpkin and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted pumpkin cubes
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss roasted pumpkin, arugula, and feta together in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
3. Top with pumpkin seeds before serving.

16. Pumpkin Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 tortillas
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread pumpkin on one side of the tortilla.
2. Top with beans, cheese, and cumin.
3. Cook in a hot skillet until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
4. Cut into wedges and serve.

17. Pumpkin Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 4 mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef and onion until browned.
3. Stir in vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread beef mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes and pumpkin.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

18. Pumpkin Polenta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring broth to a boil and slowly whisk in cornmeal.
2. Cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes until thickened.
3. Stir in pumpkin, butter, and Parmesan.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

19. Pumpkin and Mushroom Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin, cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté onions until softened.
2. Add mushrooms and pumpkin, cooking until tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

20. Pumpkin Frittata

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup cheese (cheddar or feta)
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk eggs and pumpkin together in a bowl.
3. Stir in cheese and spinach.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the frittata is set.

21. Pumpkin Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the pumpkin, beans, corn, and taco seasoning in a skillet.
2. Fill each tortilla with the mixture.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

22. Pumpkin Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
3. Roll the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.

23. Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Spread pumpkin on two slices of bread.
2. Top with cheddar cheese and the other bread slices.
3. Heat butter in a pan and grill sandwiches until golden brown.

24. Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine mashed potatoes, pumpkin, butter, and milk in a large bowl.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

25. Pumpkin and Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Thread shrimp and pumpkin cubes onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.

26. Pumpkin Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook sausage in a pan until browned.
3. Mix pumpkin, sausage, and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.

27. Pumpkin Flatbread

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spread pumpkin on the flatbread and top with feta and onions.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.

28. Pumpkin Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 8 tortillas

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet and sauté pumpkin, onion, and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add fajita seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Serve in warm tortillas.

29. Pumpkin Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a pan and drain excess fat.
2. Stir in pumpkin, ketchup

, mustard, and Worcestershire.

3. Cook for 5 minutes and serve on buns.

30. Pumpkin-Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice chicken breasts to create a pocket.
3. Mix pumpkin and ricotta and stuff into the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake for 25 minutes.

Conclusion

Pumpkin isn't just for pies and lattes—it's a versatile ingredient that can transform your everyday meals into something extraordinary. From hearty pastas to cozy soups and creative mains, these 30 savory pumpkin recipes are sure to shake up your dinner routine. Packed with nutrients and a subtle sweetness, pumpkin adds a unique twist to classic dishes, bringing warmth and depth to every bite.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, these recipes will help you discover new ways to enjoy this fall favorite all year round. Try a few and see how pumpkin can elevate your dinners to the next level!