Butternut Squash Risotto: 1 Creamy, Perfect Recipe

Hey there! Clara here, and I m so glad you stopped by. If there s one thing I learned from my grandmother s kitchen, it s that food has this amazing power to just wrap you up in a big, warm hug. It doesn t have to be complicated, it just has to be made with a little love. That s what we re all about here at helping you make those simple, comforting meals that feel like home, even on your busiest days.

And speaking of cozy comfort, let me tell you about this . It s one of those dishes that just makes everything feel right in the world. It s creamy, it s flavorful, and honestly, it s way easier than you might think. This butternut squash risotto is a favorite in my house, and I can t wait for you to try it in yours.

Why You ll Love This Butternut Squash Risotto

So why is this butternut squash risotto recipe one I keep coming back to? Well, let me tell you!

• It s incredibly creamy, just like a good risotto should be.
• The sweet, earthy flavor of the butternut squash is pure comfort food.
• It feels fancy, but it s surprisingly simple to make at home.
• It s a wonderful vegetarian main course that everyone will enjoy.
• Seriously, this is perfect for a chilly evening when you just want something warm and satisfying.

It s a winner, plain and simple.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Ready to make this cozy butternut squash risotto? Here s what you ll need to gather from your pantry and fridge. Don t worry, it s all pretty standard stuff!

• 1 Medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into nice, even cubes.
• 2 Tablespoons of good olive oil.
• 1 Onion, finely chopped. Take your time here, smaller pieces melt into the risotto beautifully.
• 2 Cloves of garlic, minced.
• 1.5 Cups of arborio rice. This is the magic ingredient for creamy risotto!
• 4 Cups of vegetable broth. Make sure it s warm when you add it.
• 0.5 Cup of dry white wine (totally optional, but it adds a lovely depth).
• 0.5 Cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The real stuff makes a difference.
• 2 Tablespoons of butter. For that extra touch of richness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste.

Gather everything up before you start, it makes the cooking process so much smoother!

Equipment for Making Butternut Squash Risotto

You don t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this butternut squash risotto. Just a few basics will do the trick!

• A good sharp knife for prepping the squash and onion.
• A cutting board.
• A baking sheet for roasting the squash.
• A large pan or Dutch oven. This is where all the magic happens!
• A wooden spoon for stirring.
• A ladle for adding the broth.

See? Simple stuff you likely already have in your kitchen.

How to Prepare Butternut Squash Risotto Step-by-Step

Okay, let s get cooking! Making butternut squash risotto is a process, but it s a really enjoyable one. The key is to be patient and give each step your attention. You ve got this!

Preparing the Butternut Squash for Risotto

First things first, let s get that squash ready. Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Toss your diced butternut squash with one tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some pepper right on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want it fork-tender and slightly caramelized. Once it s done, take about half of it and mash it up. Keep the other half in those lovely little cubes for later.

Cooking the Arborio Rice for Butternut Squash Risotto

Now for the heart of the butternut squash risotto! In your big pan or Dutch oven, heat the rest of the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and cook until it s soft and see-through, maybe five minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic for just one minute more don t let it burn! Add the arborio rice and stir it around for two or three minutes. You ll see the edges of the grains start to look a little clear. If you re using wine, pour it in now and stir until it s all soaked up. This adds great flavor!

Here s the crucial part: add one ladleful of warm vegetable broth. Stir, stir, stir until the rice has absorbed all that liquid. Then, add another ladleful and keep stirring. You ll do this for about 20 to 25 minutes. It feels like a meditation almost! Keep adding broth, one ladle at a time, and stirring constantly until your rice is creamy and cooked but still has a little bite to it (al dente).

Finishing Your Perfect Butternut Squash Risotto

We re almost there! Once your rice is perfectly creamy, stir in the mashed butternut squash. Add the butter and the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is melted and combined. Gently fold in those reserved roasted butternut squash cubes. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. And that s it! Your beautiful butternut squash risotto is ready to be devoured.

Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash Risotto Every Time

Making great butternut squash risotto is all about paying a little attention. Here are a few things I ve learned that really help!

• Keep the Broth Warm: This is a big one! Adding cold broth cools down the rice and stops that creamy magic from happening. Keep your pot of broth gently simmering on the stove next to you.
• Stir, Stir, Stir (But Not Too Much): You need to stir enough to help the rice release its starches and get creamy, but you don t need to stir constantly like a maniac. Just stir often enough to keep things from sticking and to encourage that lovely texture.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste the risotto as it cooks. Check the rice for doneness and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) along the way.
• Don t Rush It: Good risotto takes time. Adding the broth slowly and stirring patiently is key to getting that wonderful creamy texture. Enjoy the process!

Follow these tips, and your butternut squash risotto will be a winner every time.

Butternut Squash Risotto Variations

One of the things I love about this butternut squash risotto is how easy it is to make it your own! You can totally play around with different flavors.

• Try adding fresh sage leaves when you cook the onion; it pairs beautifully with the squash.
• Stir in a handful of fresh spinach towards the end; it adds a nice bit of green.
• Swap out the Parmesan for goat cheese or a sprinkle of blue cheese for a tangier flavor.
• A little pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the squash s sweetness.

Don t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite twist!

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Risotto

Got questions about making butternut squash risotto? Here are a few common ones I hear:

Can I make this butternut squash risotto ahead of time? Risotto is really best served right away. It loses its creamy texture as it sits. But you can roast the squash ahead of time to save a step!

What kind of rice is best for butternut squash risotto? Arborio rice is definitely your best bet. Its high starch content is what gives you that signature creamy texture.

Is this butternut squash risotto vegan? As written, this recipe isn t vegan because of the butter and Parmesan. You can easily make it vegan by using olive oil instead of butter and skipping the cheese, or using a good quality vegan Parmesan.

Why is my butternut squash risotto not creamy? You might not be adding the broth slowly enough, or you might not be stirring enough. The slow addition and stirring help release the starch from the rice for creaminess.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Butternut Squash Risotto

Just a quick note about the nutrition for this butternut squash risotto. These numbers are estimates and can change based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But to give you an idea, one serving is roughly:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 12g

It s a hearty and satisfying meal!

Enjoy Your Butternut Squash Risotto

And there you have it! Your very own, homemade butternut squash risotto. I really hope you give this recipe a try. It s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. When you make it, I d absolutely love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Happy cooking!