Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Nothing captures fall’s warmth like a bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. This vegetarian, gluten-free dish combines the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted squash with the creamy texture of Arborio rice, finished with Parmesan and fresh thyme. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or a festive dinner, this risotto is easier than it looks. Follow this detailed guide to master risotto-making, with tips to ensure a velvety result every time.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1. 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes (yields ~4 cups)2. 1 ½ cups Arborio rice (short-grain rice essential for creaminess)
3. 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ¾ cup)
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warmed to a simmer
6. 1 cup dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio (optional; substitute with extra broth)
7. ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
8. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
9. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10. 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
11. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Detailed Instructions
1. Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fork-tender. Transfer half (about 2 cups) to a bowl and mash into a smooth puree with a fork or potato masher. Set aside the remaining chunks for garnish.
2. Prep the Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat until steaming but not boiling. Keeping it warm ensures the rice cooks evenly without cooling the pan.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
4. Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains turn slightly translucent at the edges, toasting lightly to enhance flavor.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir gently until fully absorbed, about 1 minute. The wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the squash’s sweetness.
6. Cook the Risotto: Add ½ cup warm broth to the rice, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Allow the broth to be mostly absorbed (you’ll see the pan’s bottom when stirring) before adding another ½ cup. Repeat this process, stirring often, for 18-22 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
7. Add Squash Puree: Stir in the mashed squash and thyme, mixing until fully incorporated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through, adding a final splash of broth if needed for creaminess.
8. Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan, which add richness and gloss. Gently fold in the reserved squash chunks for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve Immediately: Spoon risotto into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of thyme. Serve hot, as risotto thickens as it cools.
2. Prep the Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat until steaming but not boiling. Keeping it warm ensures the rice cooks evenly without cooling the pan.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
4. Toast the Rice: Add Arborio rice to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains turn slightly translucent at the edges, toasting lightly to enhance flavor.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir gently until fully absorbed, about 1 minute. The wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the squash’s sweetness.
6. Cook the Risotto: Add ½ cup warm broth to the rice, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Allow the broth to be mostly absorbed (you’ll see the pan’s bottom when stirring) before adding another ½ cup. Repeat this process, stirring often, for 18-22 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
7. Add Squash Puree: Stir in the mashed squash and thyme, mixing until fully incorporated. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through, adding a final splash of broth if needed for creaminess.
8. Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan, which add richness and gloss. Gently fold in the reserved squash chunks for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve Immediately: Spoon risotto into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of thyme. Serve hot, as risotto thickens as it cools.
Pro Tips for Perfect Risotto
10. Choose Arborio Rice: Its high starch content creates the creamy texture; other rice types won’t work as well.11. Stir, Don’t Hover: Stir frequently to release starch, but you don’t need to stir constantly—every 30 seconds is enough.
12. Test for Doneness: Taste the rice after 18 minutes; it should be tender but not mushy.
13. Prep Ahead: Roast and mash squash up to 2 days in advance, storing in the fridge.
14. Avoid Overcooking: Serve immediately to enjoy the ideal texture; reheated risotto can become gummy.
Pair this risotto with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s earthy and creamy notes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts. If hosting, present it in a large serving bowl for a rustic, inviting vibe.
Why This Recipe?
This risotto celebrates fall’s bounty with butternut squash, which is packed with vitamins A and C. It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it inclusive for many diets, and the technique teaches you the art of risotto, a skill you can apply to other flavors like mushroom or saffron. The combination of creamy rice, sweet squash, and savory Parmesan creates a balance that feels indulgent yet wholesome.Prepare (Butternut Squash Risotto): 15 minutes
Cook (Butternut Squash Risotto): 45 minutes
Total (Butternut Squash Risotto): 1 hour
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