![To make savory butternut squash risotto, you will need: - 1 cup Arborio rice - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can customize your risotto by adding these ingredients: - 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - ½ cup peas or spinach for extra greens - A splash of white wine for depth of flavor - Chopped nuts like walnuts for crunch - Different herbs like rosemary or sage for unique taste Each serving of savory butternut squash risotto offers: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 4g This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy this comforting meal while knowing it nourishes you. For the full recipe, check the section above. Start by heating the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Keep it on low heat. You want it warm, not boiling. This will help the rice cook evenly later on. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. Next, add the minced garlic and diced butternut squash. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want the squash to begin softening. This step builds a rich flavor base for your risotto. Now, it's time to add the Arborio rice. Stir it in for 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice soak up the flavors. Then, start adding the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time. Stir often, waiting for most of the liquid to absorb before adding more. This part is key to achieving that creamy risotto texture. Continue this for 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender. Once you reach the perfect consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If it feels too thick, add a splash more broth. Let it sit for a minute before serving. Enjoy this rich and creamy dish as part of your meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make great risotto, you need patience and care. Start by heating the broth gently. Keep it warm but do not boil it. Use a heavy pot to cook your risotto. This ensures even heat. Stir the rice often. This helps release the starch and makes it creamy. One common mistake is adding all the broth at once. This can make the rice cook unevenly. Always add one ladle at a time and wait until it's mostly absorbed. Another mistake is not stirring enough. Stirring helps create that creamy texture you want. To get the creamiest risotto, add cheese at the end. Grated Parmesan works best, but you can use nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. If your risotto feels too thick, add more warm broth. This helps you reach your desired creaminess. Follow the [Full Recipe] for precise steps to master your creamy butternut squash risotto. {{image_2}} You can easily make this risotto vegan. Simply swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. These changes keep the creaminess while making it plant-based. If you want to add protein, chicken or seafood works great. For chicken, cook diced pieces in the pot before adding the onion. Let them brown a bit for flavor. If you choose seafood, shrimp or scallops cook fast. Add them in after the rice, stirring gently. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. Elevate your risotto with fresh herbs and spices. Rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of nutmeg work wonders. Fresh herbs add bright flavors that complement the squash. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo. A hint of chili flakes can also add a nice kick. Check out the Full Recipe to explore more ideas on enhancing flavors. To keep your butternut squash risotto fresh, cool it first. Place the risotto in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you reheat risotto, you want to bring back its creamy texture. The best way is to use a stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to the pan. Heat on low, stirring gently. This method helps keep it smooth. You can also use a microwave, but stir it halfway through to heat evenly. Freezing risotto is easy but requires some steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out any extra air and seal tightly. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat with broth for the best flavor and texture. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use other rice types. However, Arborio rice gives the best creamy texture. If you use long-grain rice, the risotto won’t be as rich. You can try Carnaroli or Vialone Nano for similar results. They also absorb liquids well. It's best to cook risotto fresh. If you want to prepare it in advance, cook it until it is just al dente. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat it. Add a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess. Butternut squash risotto pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish for protein. A fresh salad with greens and a light dressing complements it nicely. For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or sautéed greens work perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You learned about making butternut squash risotto. We discussed key ingredients, steps, and tips for success. I shared ways to adjust the dish for different diets. You now know how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Cooking risotto can be fun and rewarding. With practice and careful steps, you’ll impress everyone. Enjoy your journey in cooking this creamy, delicious meal!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/8228371a-eb9a-4350-ba37-abb885b65954-250x250.webp)
Savory Butternut Squash Risotto
Savor the flavors of fall with this delicious Savory Butternut Squash Risotto recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights. Creamy Arborio rice paired with tender butternut squash, garlic, and fresh thyme creates a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet. Whether you choose traditional Parmesan or a vegan twist, this risotto will impress everyone at the table. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this warm culinary delight to your kitchen!