Name: Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto With Crispy Sage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio Rice (Short-grained, starchy rice that creates creamy risotto.); 2.5 cups Vegetable Broth (hot) (Adds depth of flavor; make sure it's hot before adding.); 0.5 cup White Wine (Adds acidity; can substitute with additional vegetable broth.); 2 medium Shallots (finely chopped) (Can substitute with minced onions or garlic.); 3 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) (Fresh garlic adds significant flavor.); 4 tbsp Butter (Use unsalted for better sodium control; can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free.); 2 cups Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated preferred; can substitute with Pecorino Romano.); to taste Salt (Adjust salt to taste during cooking.); 5 cups Butternut Squash (peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes, roasted) (Can use frozen cubes; roast to bring out natural sweetness.); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For roasting butternut squash.); 0.5 tsp Sea Salt (For seasoning roasted squash.); 0.5 cup Vegetable Stock (Used to loosen risotto at the end.); 0.25 cups Sage (fresh) (Offers savory flavor; dried sage can also be used.); 3 tbsp Olive Oil (for crispy sage) (Crispy sage adds texture and flavor.)

This creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Sage comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!

Ingredient Breakdown

1 cup Arborio Rice
2 ½ cups Vegetable Broth (hot)
½ cup White Wine
2 Shallots (finely chopped)
3 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
4 tbsp Butter
2 cups Parmesan Cheese
Salt to taste
5 cups Butternut Squash (peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes, roasted)
2 tbsp Olive Oil
½ tsp Sea Salt
½ cup Vegetable Stock
¼ cup Sage (fresh)
3 tbsp Olive Oil (for crispy sage)
Crispy Sage

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Squash (Approx. 20-25 minutes) Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss your butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a good sprinkle of sea salt. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender and lightly caramelized, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Cook the Aromatics (Approx. 5 minutes) While your squash is roasting, let’s whip up the risotto. In a large heavy-bottom pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent oh, that smell! Then, add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about another minute.
Toast the Arborio Rice (Approx. 2 minutes) Next, stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes. You want it to turn a little translucent around the edges, this step helps create that creamy texture we all love!
Deglaze with Wine (Approx. 2-3 minutes) Add the white wine to the rice and stir, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle bubble until the wine is mostly absorbed.
Add Broth Gradually (Approx. 20 minutes) Now, here’s the fun part! Start adding the hot vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding the next ladle. This should take about 15-20 minutes. You want the risotto to be creamy but not mushy!
Incorporate Roasted Squash & Cheese (Approx. 3 minutes) Once the Arborio rice is al dente, stir in the roasted butternut squash (saving a handful for garnish!), remaining butter, and lots of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Crispy Sage (Approx. 2-3 minutes) In a small skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and fry for about 1-2 minutes, until they’re crisp and fragrant. Remove them from the heat and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serve it Up! Spoon generous portions of the risotto into bowls, top with crispy sage, extra parmesan, and roasted squash on top.

The best part is digging in while it’s still hot and creamy!

Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto With Crispy Sage

Why I Love This Recipe!

This Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting yet elegant. Comfort food that feels fancy? Count me in! I can whip this up on a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend in no time at all. I love how versatile it is, you can switch out the butternut squash for whatever seasonal veggies you have. Last time I made it, I added some sautéed mushrooms, and wow the flavors were so rich! The crispy sage? Just divine.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Gordon Ramsay Mushroom Risotto, my Three Cheese Risotto, or my White Wine and Parmesan Risotto!

Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor! Seriously, it’s warm and filling and just hits all the right notes.

Easy to Customize

You can use whatever ingredients you have! So if you have leftover veggies in your fridge, toss them in! This dish is all about adaptability.

Quick and Simple

Comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect midweek meal option!

One-Pot Cooking

This recipe comes together all in one pot, which means minimal cleanup, yay! Just one pot to wash at the end!

Serving and Storage

What to Serve With This

Pair this creamy risotto with a fresh, crisp salad (my super-easy Caesar Salad is a favorite around here), or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

How Long It Keeps

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Absolutely delicious heated up for lunch the next day!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the risotto. Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Freezer Friendly

This risotto does freeze well! Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

And there you have it my go-to recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Crispy Sage. You’re going to love how quick and easy this meal is to whip up, but even more so, how delightful it tastes. Trust me, it’s the comfort food you’ve been searching for! Enjoy and happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!