Pumpkin Beyond the Pie: Savory Ways to Cook with Fall’s Favorite Ingredient
What are the best savory ways to cook with pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies. It’s naturally high in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, making it a simple way to add nutrition to everyday meals. Just as important, pumpkin has a mild, neutral flavor that blends seamlessly into sauces, soups, and casseroles—so it’s easy to slip into family favorites without changing the taste.
Canned pumpkin is affordable, pantry-stable for up to two years, and often on sale during the holidays. When buying, choose plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
Here are five savory ideas that show just how versatile pumpkin can be:
Creamy pumpkin pasta
Stir canned pumpkin into garlic, olive oil, and broth to make a silky sauce. Toss with hot pasta and finish with Shawhan Farms Tuscan Black Garlic Parmesan for a garlicky, herb-rich finish.
Pumpkin risotto
Add pumpkin toward the end of cooking risotto for extra creaminess and golden color. Top with mushrooms and thyme.
Pumpkin chili
Swap pumpkin purée in for some of the tomatoes in your chili base. It gives the pot a hearty, velvety texture with balanced sweetness.
Pumpkin soup
Simmer canned pumpkin with onion, garlic, and stock, then season with warm spices. A squeeze of lemon or vinegar brightens it.
Pumpkin mac and cheese
Whisk a few spoonfuls of pumpkin into your cheese sauce. It adds body and nutrients, and most kids won’t notice it’s there.
Pumpkin works in all of these dishes because it’s creamy without cream, nutrient-dense, and easy to pair with herbs, spices, or cheese. For even more savory inspiration, check out this roundup from EatingWell:
Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Make Forever – EatingWell
Shawhan Farms: Proudly U.S. woman-owned. Born in Kentucky. Made with care in Texas.