19 Best Pumpkin Dinner Recipes for a Cozy Fall Evening

This creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce combines pumpkin puree with butter, garlic, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg to create a rich, velvety pasta dish.

It offers a lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo by using less cream and butter while maintaining a smooth texture and savory flavor.

The sauce is quick to prepare, coming together in about 15 minutes while the pasta cooks, making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, allowing for customizable meals that highlight the mild, slightly nutty taste of pumpkin.

This creamy pumpkin Alfredo combines the rich texture of traditional Alfredo sauce with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, creating a lighter, flavorful pasta dish perfect for fall.

It uses fewer calories and less fat by substituting heavy cream with pumpkin puree and a smaller amount of half and half, making it a satisfying yet healthier option.

The sauce is quick to prepare, blending butter, garlic, pumpkin, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg, then tossed with cooked fettuccine. The recipe can be customized by adding vegetables or proteins, and leftovers store well for easy reheating.

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

The pumpkin enchilada sauce blends pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, sour cream, and spices for a unique twist on a classic dish. This recipe offers options for vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free variations, making it adaptable to different dietary needs.

This dish combines creamy pumpkin risotto with tangy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries, creating a rich and comforting fall meal. The risotto’s texture evolves through gradual cooking and stirring, resulting in a smooth, flavorful base that highlights seasonal ingredients.

The recipe offers a vegetarian-friendly option perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving. It pairs well with a variety of wines and can be easily reheated, making it a versatile addition to any autumn menu.

This dish combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy pumpkin sauce infused with savory Italian sausage and fresh kale. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld while saving time and reducing cleanup.

The sauce is made by simmering onions, garlic, chicken broth, cream, and pumpkin puree to create a smooth, comforting base. Finished with Parmesan and fresh basil, this hearty one-pan meal delivers a satisfying balance of creamy texture and autumn-inspired flavors.

This item features a creamy pumpkin mac and cheese recipe that combines tender pasta shells with a rich, cheesy pumpkin sauce. The sauce is made using evaporated milk, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a touch of mustard and nutmeg for added depth and tang.

The recipe includes tips for perfectly cooking the pasta and adjusting the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Optional garnishes like chives or fried sage leaves add a fresh finish, making it a comforting and flavorful fall dish.

This creamy pumpkin chicken chili blends tender chicken with a rich pumpkin base, accented by poblano and jalapeño peppers for a balanced mild heat. The combination of spices and creamy texture creates a comforting fall meal that can be prepared on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for convenience.

The recipe offers flexibility with options like cream cheese or coconut milk to achieve creaminess, and can be adapted for paleo, Whole30, or vegetarian diets by swapping ingredients.

It stores well in the fridge for up to a week and freezes easily, making it a practical choice for meal prep or cozy gatherings.

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 subtle herbal notes and a touch of color to the comforting, creamy combination.

The recipe highlights the natural sweetness and velvety texture of winter squash, which pairs beautifully with the savory cream sauce. Roasting the squash brings out its flavor and creates a satisfying contrast with the smooth pasta and cheese.

This roasted pumpkin soup offers a rich, creamy texture achieved by roasting fresh pumpkin and blending it with coconut milk or cream. The recipe balances warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a subtle hint of cayenne, creating a comforting flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin.

The soup is simple to prepare, starting with roasting pumpkin quarters and sautéing onions and garlic before simmering everything together in vegetable broth. Toasted pepitas add a crunchy garnish, making this dish a satisfying option for fall and winter meals, perfect alongside sandwiches or salads.

This dish combines tender lasagna noodles layered with a creamy pumpkin and ricotta filling mixed with sautéed spinach. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavors, creating a comforting and hearty vegetarian meal perfect for fall.

The recipe offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing for substitutions like kale or dairy-free cheeses to make it vegan. It stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it a convenient option for weekday dinners or meal prep.

This pumpkin shakshuka blends creamy pumpkin puree with a spiced tomato stew, creating a savory dish perfect for autumn mornings. Eggs are gently poached directly in the mixture, allowing the flavors to meld while cooking the whites to tender perfection.

Ideal for serving with crusty bread or roasted potatoes, this recipe offers a gluten-free breakfast option rich in warm spices like smoked paprika. The dish brings a seasonal twist to a classic North African meal, making it a comforting and flavorful start to the day.

This dish combines roasted pumpkin or butternut squash with spinach, walnuts, garlic, and chili flakes to create a flavorful, comforting spaghetti meal. The roasted squash is partially mashed and mixed with cooked pasta and fresh spinach, then finished with lemon zest, juice, and toasted walnuts for added texture and brightness.

The recipe is designed for a quick, midweek supper that balances sweet and savory flavors with a hint of heat. It offers a gluten-free option and uses simple ingredients that come together in about 35 minutes, making it both accessible and satisfying.

This 1-pot pumpkin curry combines tender pumpkin cubes with a rich, creamy coconut milk base and vibrant yellow curry paste for a comforting, plant-based meal. Fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, red bell pepper, and broccoli add layers of flavor and texture, while roasted cashews bring a satisfying crunch and protein boost.

The dish simmers gently to meld spices such as turmeric and chili, creating a subtly spiced, hearty curry perfect for fall or winter dinners. It can be served over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and reheats well, making it convenient for meal prep or leftovers.

A caramelised onion, feta, and roast pumpkin tart combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, savory filling for a satisfying meal. Roasted pumpkin chunks and crumbled feta cheese create a rich texture, while caramelised onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

The tart is simple to prepare and bakes to a golden finish in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. Fresh rosemary can be added for an extra herbal note, and leftovers can be stored or frozen for convenient future meals.

This recipe features savory turkey meatballs blended with pumpkin puree and fresh herbs, baked to perfection without frying or added oils. The meatballs are paired with a creamy, dairy-free tomato sauce made from pumpkin, coconut milk, bone broth, and warm spices for a rich, autumn-inspired flavor.

The dish is gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant, making it suitable for various dietary needs. It can be served with spiralized sweet potatoes or your choice of roasted vegetables, offering a comforting and nutritious meal option.

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 or holiday dinners.

The texture contrasts between the chewy pasta, smooth filling, and velvety sauce make every bite enjoyable. Despite its impressive appearance and complex flavors, the recipe is straightforward to prepare and requires no advanced cooking skills.

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 potatoes, carrots, and fresh thyme, which add heartiness and depth to the flavors.

The cooking process involves browning the beef to develop savory notes before simmering it gently with aromatic onions, garlic, and beef broth. The result is a warm, flavorful meal that blends seasonal ingredients into a satisfying fall or winter dinner.

This pizza combines a homemade dough infused with pumpkin beer and a spicy pumpkin sauce made from pumpkin purée and chili spices. It is topped with shredded kale, melty gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses, and crispy bacon for a balance of creamy, smoky, and salty flavors.

Baked until bubbly and golden, the pizza is finished with thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. It offers a unique fall-inspired twist on traditional pizza, blending savory and slightly spicy elements in every bite.

This dish features pumpkin ravioli dressed in a rich brown butter sauce infused with fresh sage leaves. Toasted walnuts add a crunchy texture, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin filling.

The recipe uses store-bought ravioli, making it quick and approachable without sacrificing taste or presentation. It pairs well with fall-inspired sides like apple cabbage slaw or a brown butter sage chicken skillet for a complete seasonal meal.