The creamy texture of this Butternut Squash Risotto makes it a cold-weather favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Roasted butternut squash lends natural sweetness and richness, while sage and nutmeg add aromatic depth that balances every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish not only impresses in flavor but also with its vibrant, golden color and silky finish. Whether you’re cooking for two or prepping a hearty fall menu, this risotto is a comforting choice that’s sure to satisfy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup Arborio rice
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
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1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped)
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
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In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add Arborio rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast.
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Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.
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Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding more.
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After about 15 minutes, stir in roasted squash, sage, and nutmeg. Continue adding broth until rice is al dente and the mixture is creamy (about 20-25 minutes total).
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Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Celebration of Fall Flavors
Butternut squash risotto is a comforting, creamy dish that embodies everything we love about fall. With its deep golden hue, subtle sweetness, and herbaceous notes from fresh sage and nutmeg, this risotto brings warmth to the table both literally and figuratively. While risotto is traditionally an Italian dish associated with elegance and refinement, this version using roasted butternut squash turns it into a cozy, rustic meal that’s still sophisticated enough to serve at dinner parties or holidays.
The dish begins with simple ingredients arborio rice, broth, onion, and garlic but transforms into something luxurious through technique and patience. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and enhances its earthy flavor. Folding it into a creamy risotto base, enriched with Parmesan and butter, elevates the texture into velvety perfection.
Why Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is one of the most beloved autumn vegetables for good reason. Its sweet, nutty flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. When roasted, the natural sugars in butternut squash caramelize, intensifying its flavor and adding a delicate richness. Its smooth texture, once cooked, blends effortlessly into creamy dishes like risotto, soups, and pastas.
It’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, butternut squash offers health benefits that go beyond just great taste. Its vibrant orange color hints at the presence of beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts immunity. In a risotto, these benefits come with a side of indulgence, making it an excellent balance between comfort and nourishment.
The Art of Making Risotto
Many home cooks shy away from risotto, believing it to be a complicated or time-consuming dish. While it does require some attention and stirring, the process is meditative and straightforward. The key to a good risotto lies in three things: the type of rice, the broth, and the technique.
Arborio rice, a short-grain rice, is essential because of its high starch content. This starch is what creates that signature creamy texture. As you slowly ladle in warm broth and stir, the rice releases starches that blend with the broth to form a silky sauce. Unlike other rice dishes where the rice is left undisturbed, risotto demands engagement. This stirring isn’t just therapeutic; it’s the secret to its velvety texture.
Using a good-quality broth (vegetable or chicken) is equally important, as it forms the base of the dish’s flavor. Each addition of broth should be absorbed before the next is added, building depth and richness as you go.
Flavor Pairings and Variations
Butternut squash risotto is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some creative ideas to experiment with:
Cheese Upgrades
While Parmesan is the classic choice, try substituting or adding in other cheeses for unique flavor profiles. A touch of goat cheese adds tanginess, gorgonzola lends a bold contrast, and pecorino gives it a salty kick.
Protein Additions
To turn this risotto into a more substantial main dish, you can add proteins like:
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Seared scallops or shrimp for a seafood twist.
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Roasted chicken or turkey, making it an excellent use of Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Crispy pancetta or bacon for a salty, savory boost.
Green Touches
Add a pop of color and nutrition by stirring in sautéed spinach, kale, or arugula at the end. These greens wilt beautifully into the hot risotto and balance the sweetness of the squash.
Spice and Herb Enhancements
Sage is the traditional herb for this dish, and for good reason its earthy, almost peppery flavor complements squash perfectly. However, you can also explore:
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Thyme for a woodsy note.
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Rosemary for bold fragrance.
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A touch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want to add some heat.
Tips for Perfect Risotto Every Time
Making risotto can be stress-free and satisfying if you keep these key tips in mind:
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Use warm broth: Adding cold broth to hot rice interrupts the cooking process. Keep the broth on low heat in a nearby saucepan while you cook.
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Don’t rush it: Resist the temptation to dump in all the broth at once. The slow absorption is what creates the risotto’s creamy texture.
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Stir, but not constantly: You don’t need to stir nonstop, but regular stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
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Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning near the end. Broth and Parmesan both add salt, so you might not need much extra.
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Serve immediately: Risotto continues to thicken as it sits. Serve it hot off the stove for the best texture.
Seasonal and Special Occasion Star
Butternut squash risotto isn’t just a regular weeknight meal it shines during special occasions too. It makes a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas table, especially as a vegetarian centerpiece. Its golden hue, comforting aroma, and luxurious texture appeal to a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family meal, or a small gathering of friends, this dish offers both elegance and emotional warmth. You can even serve it as an appetizer portion before a main course or feature it as the main event with a crisp side salad and some crusty bread.
Health-Conscious Comfort
In a world where comfort food often means heavy, greasy, or overly processed dishes, this risotto stands apart. It checks the comfort food box while still being wholesome and nourishing. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets with simple substitutions like using vegan butter and cheese or skipping the dairy altogether.
If you’re trying to eat seasonally or reduce food waste, this dish also aligns beautifully with those goals. Butternut squash is widely available and stores well in the colder months, making it a staple for fall and winter cooking.
Conclusion:
Butternut squash risotto is more than just a meal it’s a seasonal experience. With its balance of savory and sweet, smooth and creamy textures, and a depth of flavor that feels both indulgent and grounding, this risotto captures the essence of fall comfort food.
Whether you’re new to making risotto or already a seasoned pro, this dish is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about quality ingredients, a little love, and the joy of cooking something from scratch that brings people together.
So the next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, consider making this butternut squash risotto. With each bite, you’ll taste the harmony of fall’s finest flavors and maybe even make a new tradition for your seasonal table.