22 Savory Pumpkin Recipes You Must Try This Fall

Pumpkin isn’t just for sweet pies; it works great in all kinds of hearty and tasty main dishes and sides. These recipes show how it can make soups, pastas, and other meals creamy and full of flavor without being dessert. Using pumpkin is a simple way to make your cooking more interesting and add some extra good-for-you vitamins to your day. It’s a versatile ingredient that can change up your regular meals.

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Pumpkin Chipotle Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup is garnished with fresh cilantro and pomegranate seeds. The bowl has a scalloped edge and is placed on a rustic table setting with autumn flowers and a cloth napkin nearby. — Pumpkin Chipotle Soup. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This smooth and creamy soup gets a little bit of smoky heat from chipotle peppers, which pairs perfectly with the mild pumpkin flavor for a bowl that is both comforting and exciting to eat on a cool evening.
Get Recipe: Pumpkin Chipotle Soup

Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy vegan macaroni and cheese topped with pecans. The pasta is covered in a rich yellow sauce, garnished with chives. The bowl is speckled gray, and a pastel green cloth napkin is partially visible beside it on a light gray surface. — Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

A rich and cheesy sauce is made even creamier and has a nice orange color by mixing in some pumpkin puree. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a very fast and easy version of the classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Vegan Chili

A bowl of spicy pumpkin soup garnished with chopped onions and green jalapeño slices. The soup is placed on a rustic wooden table adorned with small pumpkins, autumn leaves, and sprigs of fresh cilantro, evoking a warm fall ambiance. — Pumpkin Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Pumpkin puree makes the broth in this meatless chili thick and rich, while beans and vegetables make it filling. This Pumpkin Vegan Chili is a hearty and warming meal that is perfect for dinner.
Get Recipe: Pumpkin Vegan Chili

Pumpkin Seed Bread

A partially sliced loaf of seedy bread sits on a green marble cutting board. Surrounding it are small bowls of pumpkin seeds, cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, butter, banana, grapes, cheese, and honey on a dark wooden table. — Pumpkin Seed Bread. Photo credit: A Mummy Too.

This homemade bread is packed with crunchy pumpkin seeds, giving it a great nutty flavor and a texture that is perfect for sandwiches. A slice of Pumpkin Seed Bread is wonderful when it is still warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Bread

Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

A baked dish of golden-brown cheese tortellini in a white round casserole dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The cheese is melted and slightly browned. Surrounding the dish are small bowls containing grated cheese and salt, all set on a light-colored surface. — Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta. Photo credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

Large pasta shells are filled with a smooth and creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and seasoned pumpkin. These Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta shells are then baked with tomato sauce for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

Thai Pumpkin Noodle Soup

A close-up of a bowl of vibrant yellow soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, red chili peppers, bean sprouts, and cashews. Noodles are visible within the soup, and a spoon rests inside the bowl. The presentation is colorful and appetizing. — Thai Pumpkin Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul.

A flavorful broth is made with pumpkin, coconut milk, and Thai spices and then poured over soft noodles. This Thai Pumpkin Noodle Soup is a fragrant and filling meal that is both sweet and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Pumpkin Noodle Soup

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

Two bowls of creamy pasta with a rich orange sauce are garnished with chopped walnuts, crumbled cheese, and herbs. A fork is twirling pasta from one bowl, while several shelled walnuts are scattered on the white surface nearby. — Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

A dairy-free sauce is created using pumpkin puree, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to make a creamy pasta dish. This Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta is a satisfying dinner for anyone avoiding dairy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup

A white bowl filled with creamy orange soup, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil, black pepper, red chili flakes, and pumpkin seeds. The bowl is on a white marble surface with scattered seeds and another bowl with seeds partially visible. — Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Tasty Oven.

Pumpkin, onions, and vegetable broth are cooked together quickly in the Instant Pot and then blended until smooth. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup is a simple and comforting meal that is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

A plate of creamy pumpkin pasta garnished with sage leaves and grated cheese. A fork is twirled into the pasta, ready to take a bite. The dish is presented in a beige bowl with a brown rim. Fresh sage leaves are scattered around the plate. — Pumpkin Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

A simple sauce is made by blending pumpkin with broth and herbs to create a creamy, velvety coating for your favorite pasta. This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is a quick and different weeknight meal option.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Three slices of pumpkin bread and a partially visible loaf are placed on a round marble surface. The bread, with a golden-orange hue, has a moist texture, and the loaf is decorated with pumpkin seeds on top. — Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

This recipe recreates the popular coffee shop bread that is known for being spicy, sweet, and very moist. The Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread is perfect for a snack with a glass of milk.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread

Mashed Pumpkin

Pumpkin is boiled or steamed until it is very soft and then mashed with butter and herbs like a potato. Mashed Pumpkin is a simple and tasty side dish for chicken or pork.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Pumpkin

Curried Pumpkin and Parsnip Soup

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup topped with a dollop of sour cream, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and pumpkin seeds. The bowl has a blue rim and is placed on a light blue napkin. — Curried Pumpkin and Parsnip Soup. Photo credit: A Mummy Too.

Pumpkin and parsnip are cooked with curry powder and then blended into a smooth and slightly spicy soup. This Curried Pumpkin and Parsnip Soup is a warming bowl with lots of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Curried Pumpkin and Parsnip Soup

Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto

A bowl of creamy risotto garnished with black pepper is placed on a white surface. A black spoon lies beside the bowl, and a dark gray patterned cloth is partially visible in the background. Small pieces of ingredients are scattered near the bowl. — Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

Arborio rice is cooked with pumpkin and broth in the Instant Pot, which makes the risotto creamy without constant stirring. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto is an easy and elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto

Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Two bowls of vibrant curry with white rice on a light surface. The curry includes colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, garnished with cilantro. Small pumpkins, a striped cloth, lime wedges, and a bowl of cashews are nearby. — Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

Chicken is simmered in a coconut milk curry sauce that has pumpkin puree mixed in to make it thick and creamy. This Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry is great served over a bowl of rice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad

A fresh salad in a light-colored bowl, featuring leafy greens, roasted sweet potatoes, beets, sliced almonds, pecans, and dollops of goat cheese. Wooden salad utensils are placed in the bowl. A bowl of dressing is in the background on a light wooden table. — Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Cubes of pumpkin and beetroot are roasted until they are caramelized and tender and then served over greens. This Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad has a wonderful mix of sweet and earthy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad

Roast Pumpkin and Feta Pizza

A close-up of a sliced pizza with a thin crust, topped with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, crumbled feta cheese, and melted mozzarella. The pizza is arranged on a dark surface, showcasing vibrant orange sweet potato chunks and golden brown toppings. — Roast Pumpkin and Feta Pizza. Photo credit: The Fast Recipe.

A pizza crust is topped with sweet roasted pumpkin, salty feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a delicious combination. This Roast Pumpkin and Feta Pizza is a great change from regular pizza.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pumpkin and Feta Pizza

Best Pumpkin Savory Muffins

A top-down view of a plate with seven yellow, fluffy muffins. The muffins appear to have a savory aspect, possibly with visible herbs and spices. The plate is placed on a light-colored surface, partially covered by a beige napkin. — Best Pumpkin Savory Muffins. Photo credit: The Instant Pot Table.

These are not sweet muffins; they are made with pumpkin, cheese, and herbs for a portable savory snack. The Best Pumpkin Savory Muffins are great for breakfast on a busy morning.
Get the Recipe: Best Pumpkin Savory Muffins

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

A black bowl filled with bright yellow dip, garnished with sliced lemon, crackers, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs, sits on a white surface. More crackers are seen nearby. The vibrant dish appears to be a savory spread, ready for serving. — Savory Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

A can of chickpeas is blended with pumpkin puree, tahini, and spices to make a smooth and slightly sweet dip. This Savory Pumpkin Hummus is perfect for dipping vegetables or pita chips.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Two plates of creamy risotto garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs are placed on a wooden surface. A fork rests on one plate, and a small bowl of additional grated cheese is nearby. The risotto appears rich and golden, likely flavored with saffron or pumpkin. — Creamy Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

Arborio rice is slowly cooked with broth and pumpkin until it becomes incredibly creamy and rich. This Creamy Pumpkin Risotto is a comforting and impressive main dish for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Chips

A plate filled with golden yellow and reddish-brown dehydrated mango slices. The slices have a textured appearance and are arranged in a slightly overlapping manner. The background is a plain light surface. — Pumpkin Chips. Photo credit: Tasty Oven.

Thin slices of pumpkin are tossed with oil and salt and then baked until they become crispy like potato chips. Pumpkin Chips are a healthy and tasty snack you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chips

Roast Pumpkin Spinach Salad

A vibrant bowl of roasted vegetables including sliced pumpkin, onions, red bell peppers, and spinach. The dish is served in a clear, oval glass bowl set on a blue patterned cloth. The vegetables are garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds. — Roast Pumpkin Spinach Salad. Photo credit: Veg Buffet.

Warm roasted pumpkin is placed on a bed of fresh spinach and topped with a simple vinaigrette dressing. This Roast Pumpkin Spinach Salad is a easy and healthy lunch that is also filling.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pumpkin Spinach Salad

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

A rectangular baking pan holds a freshly baked, golden-brown chocolate chip bread. The bread is covered with melted chocolate chips, giving it a rich, moist appearance. The pan rests on a wooden surface, partially surrounded by a white cloth. — Pumpkin Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

Shredded zucchini is added to a quick bread recipe along with pumpkin puree, making the loaf incredibly moist. This Pumpkin Zucchini Bread is a great way to eat some extra vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Zucchini Bread