Warm and Cozy Butternut Squash Risotto

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Butternut squash has always been such a wonderful vegetable to me.

Golden, sweet, with a depth of flavour that speaks directly to the soul of autumn.

One of my favourite soups is butternut squash soup but I want to change this into something else that has the same flavours.

This Butternut Squash Risotto is my take on a fall risotto recipe.

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Butternut Squash Risotto

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
  • While squash roasts, heat broth in a saucepan over low heat, keeping it warm.
  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  • Add white wine, stirring until absorbed.
  • Begin adding warm broth one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 18-20 minutes.
  • When rice is tender and creamy, stir in roasted butternut squash, remaining butter, Parmesan, sage, and nutmeg.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra sage and Parmesan if desired.

Grocery List

Produce

  • [ ] 1 medium butternut squash
  • [ ] 1 medium onion
  • [ ] 2 cloves garlic
  • [ ] Fresh sage
  • [ ] Lemon (optional, for serving)

Pantry & Dairy

  • [ ] Olive oil
  • [ ] Salt
  • [ ] Black pepper
  • [ ] Arborio rice
  • [ ] Chicken or vegetable broth
  • [ ] Unsalted butter
  • [ ] Dry white wine
  • [ ] Parmesan cheese
  • [ ] Ground nutmeg

The Science of Perfect Risotto

Risotto is not just a dish—it’s a technique. Unlike regular rice, Arborio rice is high in amylopectin, a starch that creates that signature creamy texture. The constant stirring releases these starches, transforming simple rice into a luxurious canvas.

Roasting: The Flavor Transformation

Roasting the butternut squash isn’t just a cooking step—it’s a flavour development process. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating those deep, nutty notes that elevate the entire dish. Those slightly charred edges? They’re packed with complex flavour compounds that tell the story of autumn.

Technique Breakdown

Risotto Mastery Tips

  • Use warm broth to maintain consistent cooking temperature
  • Stir constantly to release rice starches
  • Add broth gradually—patience is key
  • The final texture should be creamy, not stiff

Nutritional Insights

Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse:

  • Rich in vitamin A
  • High in fibre
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Low in calories
  • Provides complex carbohydrates

The Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese add protein and calcium, making this more than just a side dish—it’s a balanced meal.

Flavor Variations

Love the base recipe? Try these twists:

  • Add crispy pancetta for a salty crunch
  • Incorporate roasted pine nuts
  • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version

The Ritual of Cooking

There’s something meditative about making risotto. Each ladleful of broth, each careful stir, is an act of culinary mindfulness. It’s a reminder that good food takes time, that the best flavors cannot be rushed.

Wine Pairing

The white wine in this recipe isn’t just for cooking. A crisp Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy, sweet notes of the dish perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Risotto is more than a recipe. It’s a celebration of autumn, of patience, of the magic that happens when simple ingredients are treated with respect and care.

Pro tip: The leftover risotto makes an incredible next-day lunch. Just add a little broth when reheating to restore its creamy texture.