Cooking with PumpkinNo. 5881 · The 2026 edition
14 delicious pumpkin dinner recipes that don't include pumpkin spice
Savory pumpkin dinners that skip the spice and deliver big flavor.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at coolmomeats.com.
Explore 14 dinner recipes that highlight pumpkin in hearty, savory dishes—from soups and pastas to curries and casseroles—without a hint of pumpkin spice.
About this
A roundup of 14 savory pumpkin dinner recipes that skip pumpkin spice, spanning curries, soups, pasta, pizza, quesadillas, and casseroles. Each entry credits the original recipe blog and notes dietary options, prep tips, and kid-friendliness. The author also suggests using butternut squash when fresh pumpkin is out of season.
The list
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01
1-pot Pumpkin Yellow Curry
Minimalist Baker; 15 min prep, under an hour; vegan and gluten-free option; add shredded chicken.
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02
Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken with Wild Mushrooms
Abra's Kitchen; three quick steps for chicken, pumpkin sauce, crispy mushrooms; canned puree works.
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03
Pumpkin Lasagna Roll Ups
How Sweet Eats; creamy and cheesy with crispy sage; fun for kids to assemble; do-ahead tips.
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04
Thai Pumpkin Soup
Fusion Craftiness; lemongrass-ginger curry flavor with hearty pumpkin chunks; light but fall-flavored; weeknight tips.
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05
Persian Pumpkin Soup
My Persian Kitchen; lentils and pumpkin chunks with common spices; serve in roasted pumpkin bowl or tureen.
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06
Vegan Pumpkin Casserole
Forkful of Plants; roasted pumpkin with creamy white-bean sauce and crunchy stuffing topping; good Thanksgiving side.
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07
Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon
Cooking and Beer; no-stir risotto with bacon; mostly hands-off; cozy fall comfort food.
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08
Pumpkin Frittata with Fried Garlic and Herbs
Cotter Crunch; gluten free; add leftover chicken or turkey; also works as brunch.
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09
Pumpkin Polenta
PureWow; uses canned pumpkin; serve with bolognese or as Thanksgiving side with turkey.
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10
Pumpkin Quesadillas
She Likes Food; black beans and sweet potatoes; ready in under 30 minutes.
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11
Beef and Pumpkin Chili Mole
The View from Great Island; pumpkin less sweet than butternut; longer simmer deepens flavor; freezes well.
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12
Pumpkin Penne
Love and Lemons; creamy vegan and protein-packed; swap soaked cashews for heavy cream if preferred.
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13
Pumpkin and Sausage Gnocchi
Fox and Briar; no boiling needed; sausage, kale, white wine, cream, canned pumpkin, chicken stock sauce.
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14
Roast Pumpkin Pizza
Cook It Real Good; two-ingredient dough optional; roasted pumpkin with salty olives and crunchy peppers.
