Butternut Squash Sage Risotto (Printable)
Creamy risotto with roasted butternut squash and fresh sage for a cozy dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb), peeled, seeded, and diced
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rice
04 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
→ Liquids
05 - 4 cups vegetable stock, kept warm
06 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
→ Dairy & Cheese
07 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Herbs & Seasoning
09 - 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
02 - Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Add Arborio rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring, until glossy and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in white wine and cook, stirring, until mostly absorbed by the rice.
05 - Add warm vegetable stock one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–20 minutes.
06 - Stir in roasted butternut squash and chopped sage. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional sage and Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a cozy secret that turns humble squash into a rich, velvety delight
- The blend of sage and Parmesan creates a fragrant finish that keeps you coming back for more
02 -
- Patience is your best friend here; adding stock gradually and stirring often creates the signature creaminess
- The discovery that roasting the squash separately and folding it in at the end keeps its texture and flavor vibrant
03 -
- Toast your Arborio rice just right—glossy grains mean you’re on the right track
- Save the last tablespoon of butter to stir in at the end for that unmistakable silky finish