Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin: A Rustic Autumn Centerpiece

When the weather cools down and pumpkins start appearing at every market, it’s the perfect time to bring a little harvest magic into the kitchen. This Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is as impressive as it is delicious—a roasted sugar pumpkin filled with tender chicken, toasted walnuts, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes in a savory tomato-based sauce.

It’s hearty enough for a main course, beautiful enough to serve at a holiday table, and comforting enough for a cozy fall dinner at home. Think of it as both rustic and elegant: a dish that celebrates the season with warm flavors and stunning presentation.

If you’re looking for a centerpiece that doubles as dinner, this stuffed pumpkin is sure to wow.

What Makes This Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe Special

A Seasonal Showstopper – Using a whole roasted pumpkin as both the cooking vessel and the serving dish creates a rustic, dramatic centerpiece. It’s a dish that celebrates the flavors and beauty of the season.

Nutty, Savory Depth of Flavor – Juicy chicken mingles with earthy walnuts, aromatic herbs, and warm spices. The toasted nuts add both texture and richness, while the pumpkin lends a natural sweetness that ties it all together.

Festive Presentation for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or a cozy fall dinner party, this dish brings a wow factor to the table. Its golden roasted exterior looks just as inviting as the flavorful filling inside.

Flexible and Adaptable – Swap in mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version, add a sprinkle of cheese for extra indulgence, or play with spices to give it a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern twist. It’s a recipe you can truly make your own.

Comfort Food with a Touch of Elegance – While the ingredients are rustic and approachable, the final dish feels elevated—warm, hearty, and satisfying, yet refined enough to serve on a special occasion.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this autumn-inspired stuffed pumpkin:

• 1 (3 lb.) sugar (pie) pumpkin – Sweet, tender, and the perfect size for stuffing.
• 6 ounces roasted walnuts – Toasted for crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the filling.
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, bite-sized – Lean protein to anchor the filling.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – For aromatic flavor.
• 7 ounces tomato purée – Creates a savory base for the sauce.
• 1 cup water – Helps simmer and meld flavors.
• 1 ounce fresh basil, chopped – Bright and fragrant.
• 1 ounce fresh parsley, chopped – Earthy and fresh.
• 6 ounces cherry tomatoes – Juicy pops of sweetness.
• 1 small Fresno pepper, finely diced (optional) – For gentle heat.
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper – To season generously.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off the pumpkin in one piece (save as a lid). Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp. Place pumpkin with lid back on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for ~45 minutes, until slightly softened. Remove lid and let pumpkin cool slightly.

2. Toast the Walnuts

While the pumpkin roasts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast walnuts for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

3. Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in chicken and cook until golden. Add garlic, tomato purée, and water. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

4. Assemble the Stuffed Pumpkin

Spoon the chicken mixture into the roasted pumpkin. Stir in toasted walnuts, basil, parsley, and cherry tomatoes (reserve a few for garnish). Season generously with salt and pepper.

5. Final Bake

Return the filled pumpkin (without lid) to the oven. Roast another 20–25 minutes, until heated through and flavors have melded.

6. Serve

Garnish with reserved cherry tomatoes and herbs. Slice into wedges tableside or scoop filling along with tender pumpkin flesh. Serve warm.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Choose the Right Pumpkin – Sugar (pie) pumpkins are sweeter and more tender than large carving pumpkins.

Toast Nuts Separately – Toasting intensifies flavor and prevents sogginess in the filling.

Balance Flavors – Taste the filling before stuffing; add extra herbs, pepper, or salt as needed.

Roast Pumpkin Just Enough – It should be softened but still sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Serve with Pumpkin Flesh – Don’t waste it! The roasted pumpkin is delicious scooped with the filling.

Recommended Equipment

Sharp Chef’s Knife – For cutting open the pumpkin.

Large Spoon or Scoop – To remove seeds and pulp.

Large Skillet with Lid – For cooking the filling.

Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet – To roast the pumpkin.

Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring and assembling the filling.

How to Serve This Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe

This dish shines in both casual and festive settings, making it incredibly versatile.

As a Satisfying Main Course – Slice the roasted pumpkin into generous wedges, making sure each portion has plenty of the savory chicken-and-walnut filling. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own.

For a Holiday Table Centerpiece – Present the whole stuffed pumpkin right at the table for a show-stopping reveal. Cutting into it in front of your guests adds a touch of drama and makes the meal feel extra celebratory.

Paired with a Crisp Salad – Balance the richness of the filling with a fresh, crunchy green salad. A simple vinaigrette, perhaps with citrus or mustard notes, will cut through the savory flavors beautifully.

Alongside Warm, Crusty Bread – Don’t let the flavorful juices and sauce go to waste! A loaf of rustic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up every last drop.

As Part of a Feast – Pair it with roasted root vegetables, wild rice, or even a glass of medium-bodied red wine to create a well-rounded menu for entertaining.

What To Pair With Your Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe

Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is savory, hearty, slightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic — a perfect fall-inspired centerpiece. To complement its warm, nutty, and cozy flavors, here are 3 perfect pairings from your Cooking Day recipe collection:

Crisp Apple Celery Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

Bright, crunchy, and tangy — this salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the stuffed pumpkin.

Potato Cauliflower Soup – Creamy, Cozy & Comfort in a Bowl!

A mild, creamy soup served before or alongside your stuffed pumpkin makes the meal feel extra comforting and complete.

Soft Milk Chocolate-Filled Cookies – Buttery, Melty, and Pure Comfort!

End on a sweet, cozy note — these cookies echo the warmth and richness of the dish without overpowering it.

Together, these recipes create a well-rounded, fall-ready meal that’s both elegant and comforting — ideal for a special dinner or holiday table.

Diet-Friendly Options

Vegetarian – Replace chicken with cooked lentils, quinoa, or chickpeas.

Low-Carb – Use less tomato purée and add extra greens like spinach or kale.

Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free as written.

Dairy Boost – Add parmesan or feta for extra richness.

Best Ways to Store

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Not ideal, as roasted pumpkin can become watery. Instead, freeze just the filling for up to 2 months.

Reheat – Warm gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick – Add Fresno pepper or red chili flakes for heat.

Cheesy Twist – Stir in parmesan or crumble feta into the filling.

Different Squash – Substitute with butternut squash or acorn squash.

Extra Veggies – Add zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to the filling.

This Chicken Walnut Stuffed Pumpkin is more than a meal—it’s an experience. With its rustic charm, hearty filling, and stunning presentation, it’s the perfect recipe to celebrate autumn flavors or impress at holiday gatherings.

Whether you slice it into wedges at the table or scoop out warm spoonfuls of filling with roasted pumpkin flesh, every bite is cozy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

So next time you spot sugar pumpkins at the market, grab one and turn it into a dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Common Questions Answered