Pumpkin is much more than just a seasonal decoration or dessert ingredient—it’s a versatile and nutritious vegetable that shines in a variety of savory dinner dishes.
Whether roasted, pureed, or diced, pumpkin adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a creamy texture to meals, making it perfect for comforting and hearty dinners.
In this collection of 24+ pumpkin dinner recipes, you’ll discover a wide range of flavorful ideas from soups and stews to pastas and curries that showcase pumpkin’s ability to elevate any meal.
Whether you’re looking for plant-based options or dishes with a bit of meat, these recipes will inspire you to bring pumpkin into your dinner rotation all year round.
24+ Delicious Pumpkin Dinner Recipes to Warm Your Evenings
With so many delicious and creative ways to enjoy pumpkin for dinner, there’s no need to limit this versatile vegetable to just fall festivities.
These 24+ pumpkin dinner recipes provide a wealth of options that are easy to prepare, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
From creamy pumpkin pastas to hearty stews and vibrant salads, you can enjoy pumpkin’s rich taste and nutritional benefits any night of the week.
Give these recipes a try and discover how pumpkin can transform your dinners into comforting, wholesome meals.
Pumpkin Curry
Pumpkin curry is a warm and comforting dinner that blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices for a hearty, flavorful meal.
This dish is perfect for cozy nights when you want something nourishing and rich without too much fuss.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Coconut milk
- Curry powder
- Cumin and coriander
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add pumpkin cubes and spices, stirring to coat. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until pumpkin is tender and curry is thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This pumpkin curry is creamy, spicy, and full of depth, making it an excellent dinner choice that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin risotto is a creamy, decadent dinner dish that showcases the rich flavor of pumpkin combined with the silky texture of Arborio rice.
It’s a satisfying meal that feels luxurious yet is easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin
- Arborio rice
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- White wine (optional)
- Olive oil or butter
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh sage or thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil or butter until soft. Add Arborio rice and toast lightly. Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly until rice is creamy and cooked through. Stir in pumpkin puree, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This risotto is rich, creamy, and packed with autumnal flavors, making it a perfect pumpkin-infused dinner for cooler evenings.
Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers
Pumpkin stuffed peppers combine the sweetness of pumpkin with savory grains and spices for a colorful, wholesome dinner.
This recipe is both visually appealing and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Pumpkin, diced or pureed
- Cooked quinoa or rice
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Black beans or chickpeas (optional)
- Cumin, paprika, chili powder
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin, beans or chickpeas, cooked grains, and spices, mixing well. Stuff the bell peppers with the pumpkin mixture and bake until peppers are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These stuffed peppers are colorful, nutritious, and bursting with flavor—an inviting pumpkin dinner that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin chili is a hearty and flavorful dinner that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the robust spices of a classic chili.
This comforting dish is perfect for cooler evenings when you want something filling and warming.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree
- Ground turkey or beef (optional for vegetarian version)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Kidney beans or black beans
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground meat if using and cook until browned. Stir in pumpkin puree, beans, crushed tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
This pumpkin chili is rich, savory, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.
Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner dish that pairs smooth pumpkin sauce with your favorite pasta for a delicious fall-inspired meal.
It’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree
- Pasta of choice
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil or butter
- Cream or coconut milk
- Sage or thyme
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin puree and cream or coconut milk, simmer until heated through. Add herbs and season with salt and pepper. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and top with Parmesan if desired.
This pumpkin pasta offers a creamy, flavorful, and easy dinner option that highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin with savory herbs.
Pumpkin and Lentil Stew
Pumpkin and lentil stew is a nutritious and filling dinner that combines tender lentils with sweet pumpkin and warming spices.
It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled and diced
- Red or green lentils
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Cumin, turmeric, coriander
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add lentils, pumpkin, spices, and broth. Simmer until lentils and pumpkin are tender. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
This stew is hearty, warming, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it an excellent pumpkin dinner for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Roasted pumpkin salad is a vibrant and wholesome dinner option that combines sweet, caramelized pumpkin with fresh greens, nuts, and tangy dressing.
It’s a perfect balance of warm and crisp textures, making it both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- Mixed salad greens
- Pecans or walnuts, toasted
- Dried cranberries
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey for the dressing. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, roasted pumpkin, nuts, and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently before serving.
This roasted pumpkin salad is a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin in a light yet hearty dinner that’s packed with texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie
Pumpkin shepherd’s pie is a comforting twist on a classic dish, using creamy mashed pumpkin as a delicious topping over savory vegetables and meat or lentils.
It’s a hearty and warming dinner perfect for cooler nights.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled, boiled, and mashed
- Ground beef, lamb, or lentils for vegetarian option
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Peas
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and meat or lentils until cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Transfer to a baking dish and spread mashed pumpkin over the top. Bake until the pumpkin topping is slightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
This pumpkin shepherd’s pie is rich, comforting, and packed with nutrients, offering a creative way to enjoy pumpkin for dinner.
Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew
Pumpkin and chickpea stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines sweet pumpkin with protein-rich chickpeas and aromatic spices.
It’s an easy, nutritious one-pot meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Cumin, coriander, cinnamon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant. Add pumpkin, chickpeas, spices, tomato paste, and broth. Simmer until pumpkin is tender and stew thickens. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This stew is warming and packed with bold flavors, making it an excellent pumpkin dinner that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Pumpkin and Black Bean Tacos
Pumpkin and black bean tacos are a flavorful and nutritious dinner option that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the earthiness of black beans, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a meatless meal.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika
- Olive oil
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin and spices, cooking until pumpkin is tender. Stir in black beans and heat through. Spoon the mixture onto warm tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
These tacos offer a delicious blend of sweet and smoky flavors, making them a satisfying and easy pumpkin dinner for any night of the week.
Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna
Pumpkin and spinach lasagna is a creamy, comforting dinner that layers tender pasta with pumpkin puree, sautéed spinach, and rich cheese or dairy-free alternatives.
It’s a unique twist on traditional lasagna that highlights the subtle sweetness of pumpkin.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna noodles
- Pumpkin puree
- Fresh spinach
- Ricotta cheese or vegan cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil until wilted. Layer cooked noodles with pumpkin puree, spinach mixture, and ricotta cheese in a baking dish. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan if desired. Bake until bubbly and golden.
This lasagna is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy pumpkin-filled dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Curried pumpkin soup is a smooth, aromatic dinner that blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the warmth of curry spices.
It’s quick to prepare and makes a nourishing, comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled and chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Curry powder
- Coconut milk
- Vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant. Add pumpkin, curry powder, and broth, then simmer until pumpkin is tender. Blend until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro.
This soup is creamy, spicy, and soothing—a perfect pumpkin dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Pumpkin and Sage Gnocchi
Pumpkin and sage gnocchi is a comforting dinner that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich, buttery pumpkin sauce infused with fragrant sage.
It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Ingredients:
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Pumpkin puree
- Fresh sage leaves
- Butter or olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and sage until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin puree and heat through. Toss cooked gnocchi in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
This dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a delightful pumpkin dinner that’s quick to prepare.
Spiced Pumpkin Quinoa Bowl
Spiced pumpkin quinoa bowl is a nutritious and vibrant dinner option that combines fluffy quinoa with roasted pumpkin and warm spices.
It’s packed with fiber and flavor, perfect for a healthy, filling meal.
Ingredients:
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin, cubed and roasted
- Olive oil
- Ground cinnamon, cumin, and paprika
- Chickpeas (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook quinoa according to package directions. Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil and spices, then roast until tender. Combine quinoa, roasted pumpkin, and chickpeas if using. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
This bowl offers a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a wholesome pumpkin dinner packed with nutrients.
Pumpkin and Potato Hash
Pumpkin and potato hash is a hearty, flavorful dinner that pairs tender cubes of pumpkin and potatoes with savory seasonings.
It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Potatoes, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika and thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add diced pumpkin and potatoes along with smoked paprika and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.
This hash is warm, comforting, and packed with autumn flavors—an ideal pumpkin dinner for any night of the week.
Pumpkin and Chickpea Curry
Pumpkin and chickpea curry is a hearty, flavorful dinner that combines sweet pumpkin with protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a fragrant spiced sauce.
It’s a comforting plant-based meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Curry powder, cumin, turmeric
- Coconut milk
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant. Add spices and cook briefly. Stir in pumpkin, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Simmer until pumpkin is tender and flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or naan.
This curry is creamy, aromatic, and filling—a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin in a nourishing dinner.
Roasted Pumpkin and Kale Salad
Roasted pumpkin and kale salad is a nutritious and vibrant dinner featuring caramelized pumpkin paired with hearty kale and tangy dressing.
It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, cubed and roasted
- Kale, chopped
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or nuts
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Roast pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. Massage chopped kale with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar to soften. Toss kale, roasted pumpkin, and seeds together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
This salad is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a wonderful pumpkin dinner option that’s light yet filling.
Pumpkin and Black Bean Enchiladas
Pumpkin and black bean enchiladas are a savory and slightly sweet dinner that combines creamy pumpkin and protein-packed black beans wrapped in tortillas and baked with flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn tortillas
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Enchilada sauce
- Olive oil
- Cumin, chili powder
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then mix with pumpkin, black beans, and spices. Fill tortillas with the mixture, roll them up, and place in a baking dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and bake until heated through and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
These enchiladas offer a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors—an inviting pumpkin dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup
Pumpkin and sweet potato soup is a creamy, comforting dinner that blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin and sweet potatoes with warm spices.
It’s a perfect meal to warm you up on chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, peeled and diced
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Olive oil
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spices, and broth. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Blend the soup until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
This soup is rich, velvety, and full of comforting fall flavors—an ideal pumpkin dinner to cozy up with.
Pumpkin and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Pumpkin and mushroom stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner that combines tender pumpkin cubes with savory mushrooms and aromatic spices.
It’s a colorful, nutritious dish perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Olive oil or sesame oil
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add pumpkin and cook until it starts to soften. Add mushrooms and soy sauce, cooking until mushrooms are tender. Sprinkle with chili flakes if desired and garnish with green onions.
This stir-fry is savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, making it a quick and healthy pumpkin dinner option.
Pumpkin and Lentil Dahl
Pumpkin and lentil dahl is a hearty and spiced Indian-inspired dinner that combines creamy lentils with sweet pumpkin and warming spices.
It’s a nourishing one-pot meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Red lentils
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds
- Coconut milk
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil with mustard seeds until fragrant. Add lentils, pumpkin, spices, and coconut milk. Simmer until lentils and pumpkin are soft and the mixture is thickened. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or flatbread.
This dahl is creamy, flavorful, and filling—a perfect pumpkin dinner to enjoy any time of the year.
Pumpkin and Kale Pasta
Pumpkin and kale pasta is a creamy and nutritious dinner that blends roasted pumpkin with sautéed kale and your favorite pasta.
This dish combines earthy greens with the natural sweetness of pumpkin for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin cubes
- Kale, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté garlic in olive oil, add kale and cook until wilted. Stir in pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin cubes and heat through. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle Parmesan if desired.
This pasta is hearty and flavorful, making it a great pumpkin dinner that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare.
Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad
Pumpkin and chickpea salad is a light and filling dinner that combines roasted pumpkin with protein-packed chickpeas and fresh herbs.
It’s perfect for a healthy, no-fuss meal.
Ingredients:
- Roasted pumpkin cubes
- Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss with fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a nutritious and satisfying pumpkin dinner.
Pumpkin and White Bean Stew
Pumpkin and white bean stew is a hearty and comforting dinner featuring tender pumpkin and creamy white beans simmered with herbs and spices.
It’s perfect for warming up on a cool evening.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin, diced
- Canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme and rosemary
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin, beans, herbs, and broth. Simmer until pumpkin is tender and stew thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
This stew is rich, filling, and flavorful, making it an excellent pumpkin dinner choice for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion
Pumpkin’s sweet, earthy flavor and hearty texture make it a wonderful ingredient for a wide array of dinner recipes. Whether you prefer simple one-pot meals, elegant pasta dishes, or warming curries, this collection of 24+ pumpkin dinner recipes has something to suit every palate and occasion. Incorporating pumpkin into your dinners not only adds delicious flavor but also provides valuable nutrients and fiber. Experiment with these recipes to enjoy the many benefits and tastes pumpkin has to offer in your evening meals.
