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Butternut Squash Risotto – Comforting Recipes for Dinner

There’s something about the gentle hum of a simmering pot and the sweet, earthy aroma of roasted butternut squash that instantly wraps you in a warm kitchen hug. This risotto is my go-to whenever I want to slow down and savor something truly cozy. Creamy, velvety rice with little bites of tender squash that melt in your mouth—honestly, it’s like autumn on a plate. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to whip up, even if you’re new to risotto. Whether you’re craving a solo comfort meal or something special to impress friends, this recipe always delivers that rich, buttery goodness that makes dinner feel like a warm embrace.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh sage or thyme for garnish (optional)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and spread it out on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges. That sweet, roasted aroma? Pure magic.

Step 2:

While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!

Step 3:

Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring to coat each grain in oil and onion goodness. You’ll notice the rice turns slightly translucent—a good sign that it’s toasting perfectly.

Step 4:

Pour in the white wine, if using. Stir continuously until the wine has mostly absorbed. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you skip the wine, just move on to adding the broth.

Step 5:

Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently but constantly. Wait until each ladle of broth is mostly absorbed before adding the next. This slow absorption process helps create that signature creamy risotto texture. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6:

Once the rice is just tender but still has a tiny bite, stir in the roasted squash, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with fresh herbs if you like, and serve immediately while it’s luxuriously creamy and steaming hot.

Variations & Tips

Swap the butternut squash for sweet potato or pumpkin for a different twist.
If you want it vegan, use vegetable broth and skip the butter and Parmesan, or use plant-based alternatives.
Toast the rice a bit longer before adding liquid to deepen the nutty flavor.
Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for extra richness.
Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for extra savory layers.
If your risotto gets too thick, stir in a little warm broth or water to loosen it up.

How I Like to Serve It

This butternut squash risotto pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette on a chilly evening. It’s also gorgeous alongside roasted chicken or a light seared fish for a weekend dinner. Whenever I serve it with a glass of crisp white wine, it feels like a little celebration, perfect for cozy autumn nights or warming up winter weekends.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to bring back creaminess.
Use homemade broth if possible for the most flavor, but good quality store-bought broth works just fine.

Closing: This butternut squash risotto is one of those recipes that always feels special yet so easy, making it a comforting, delicious go-to whenever you want to cozy up at the dinner table.