Pumpkins make festive holiday decorations, but they can also add a punch of flavor and boost of nutrition to your favorite comfort food recipes.

We talked to Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You From Label to Table, to get the scoop on the health benefits of pumpkin, plus flavorful ways to add it to your meals.

Although you might not think to look for it until the end of summer or early fall, canned pumpkin can be found in supermarkets year-round. Taub-Dix keeps cans in her pantry to add to meals in every season. “I love using canned pumpkin to make muffins and pumpkin breads for my family,” she says.

Pumpkin can punch up savory recipes like pasta and soup, and remember to save room for dessert! Read on for favorites from Taub-Dix.