Risotto with Butternut Squash

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This BAKED Butternut Squash Risotto has readers raving: “Wow! I cannot emphasize how much you need to make this!” “It is DELICIOUS and SO easy to make! Wow– it is so yummy!” and “OMG!! This was amazing! Everyone was going crazy for it! So easy to make. Another hit at our house!”

This restaurant-quality risotto will BLOW YOUR MIND with its 100% foolproof oven method for creamy, perfectly textured results every time! The simplicity this recipe, without any roasting, makes this risotto foolproof while adept seasonings (no bland risotto here!), sautéed shallots, garlic, and mushrooms and my secret ingredient, infuse it with tantalizing flavor. With step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and customizable options, you can trust this recipe will impress at any holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

up close of a spoonful of easy butternut squash risotto in a white dish

You’ll love this Butternut Squash Risotto

I’ve been giddy compiling all of my Thanksgiving Recipes for you and can’t wait to hear what you are making for your holiday spread! So without further ado, I bring you one more reason to get giddy for Thanksgiving – Butternut Squash Risotto! It not only is destined to become a new Thanksgiving tradition but one of your favorite weekly side dishes.

This recipe is the culmination of many experiments to bring you the very best! It’s the perfect risotto to conquer your fear of cooking risotto because it is super easy and absolutely foolproof. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

The oven baked risotto method will blow your mind! The risotto begins on the stovetop but is finished in the oven for risotto that doesn’t require constant stirring, adding ladlefuls of broth, or babysitting. It is extremely forgiving and lends itself to adding virtually anything to it.
Oven risotto is extremely forgiving—even more forgiving than traditional rice AND tastes just as good as stovetop risotto, or so say the reviews.
Creamy and perfectly textured: The recipe includes all the creaminess of traditional risotto but made extra creamy (if that’s even possible) because the butternut squash cooks with the risotto, then mixes with the rice to create a luxuriously creamy butternut squash sauce. Drool.
No roasting required: The butternut squash is cooked directly with the risotto, saving time and making it even easier to prepare.
Deep, restaurant-quality flavor. Layers of spices, sautéed garlic, shallots, mushrooms Parmesan, and my secret ingredient—Pepper Jack cheese—create a bold, well-balanced taste.
It’s special occasion worthy. Impress everyone with this lazy yet lavish recipe worthy of Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, entertaining, etc., that is far less expensive than dining out.

What is Risotto?

I absolutely adore risotto from my Spinach Risotto, Parmesan Risotto and Greek Risotto but this risotto recipe might take the cake. Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish slow cooked in a broth until delectable creamy consistency. It often contains butter, garlic, onions, chicken broth, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.

top view of BAKED Butternut Squash Risotto in a large white Dutch oven with peas, mushrooms and pine nuts

Squash Risotto Recipe Ingredients

In addition to the Arborio rice detailed below, you will need the following ingredients to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Butternut squash: Cut the squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
To eliminate chopping, look for prepared cubes at your grocery store. Usually these packages of pre-cut squash come with larger pieces so just make sure you chop them down into 1/2-1” chunks if they are larger.
Cremini mushrooms diced: Cremini mushrooms are ideal for risotto because of their firm texture and earthy flavor, which holds up well during cooking. When selecting mushrooms, look for ones that are firm, plump, and have smooth, unblemished caps, avoiding any that are slimy or dried out.
Shallots minced: Use fresh shallots for the best flavor. One shallot is considered the entire bulb, regardless of how many cloves the bulb contains.
Garlic minced: Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute the flavor. I love my garlic press and use it every day!

Shallot: You will need one shallot for its mild onion flavor or you may substitute with ¼ of a yellow onion. One shallot is considered the entire bulb, regardless of how many cloves the bulb contains.
Chicken broth: Use low sodium broth which allows you to salt to taste. The broth is absorbed by the rice, so it’s best not to substitute with vegetable broth or it won’t be as flavorful.
Parmesan cheese: The cheese infuses the risotto with its fantastic salty, nuttiness. For best results, use ONLY freshly finely shredded Parmesan cheese. It is much more flavorful and melts into silky oblivion unlike powdered or pre-shredded cheese.
Pepper Jack cheese: Add freshly shredded Pepper Jack cheese at the end for a creamy melt and a mild, flavorful kick.
Spices: Dried oregano and thyme add delicate, earthy herb flavor that complements the mushrooms and squash while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
Peas: Please use petite frozen and thawed peas for superior flavor and texture!
Heavy cream: This is often called “heavy whipping cream” at your grocery store. You don’t have to use it, but it adds the extra “wow factor” to the risotto that is sublime.

a wooden spoon stirring best Butternut Squash Risotto in a white pot

What Rice do you use for Risotto?

It is essential to use arborio rice for all risotto recipes. When cooked, the rounded grains of the arborio rice become creamy and chewy due to the high starch content without become mushy. You can find arborio rice at pretty much any grocery store alongside the other rices.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT RICE?

You may also use carnaroli rice which is dependable and hard to overcook but can only be found at specialty markets. Please use only these two varieties of rice. If you use any other rice variety, your recipe will not taste the same or have the correct consistency and texture due to the different starch content.

DO YOU WASH ARBORIO RICE BEFORE COOKING RISOTTO?

While it is good practice to rinse most rice before cooking it to eliminate extra starch, do NOT rinse arborio rice – we WANT the extra starch to create creamy risotto. Some of the starch is released while cooking and once again while vigorously stirring. This starch adds body and creaminess to the risotto and gives it the characteristic velvety consistency.

a white serving bowl of baked Butternut Squash Risotto garnished with Parmesan, parsley and pine nuts

How do you cut butternut squash for Butternut Squash Risotto?

The only real prep work for this recipe is peeling and chopping the butternut squash. If you aren’t experienced chopping squash, I promise it s easy, here’s how:

1. Slice off the end: Cut off 1/4-1/2-inch from the bottom of the squash in an even slice. Cut off 1/4-1/2-inch from the top of the squash in an even slice to remove the stem.
2. Peel: Hold the squash in one hand to stabilize while you us the other to peel off the tough, outer layer of the squash with a sharp vegetable peeler. You can microwave the entire butternut squash before peeling for 30 seconds to help soften the skin and make it easier to peel.
3. Cut squash in half: Place the butternut squash on its side and cut it in half where the skinnier part meets the larger part. Slice both pieces in half down the middle so you now have 4 quarters which are much easier to work with.
4. Remove seeds: Scoop out the seeds and scrape away the pulp from the inside cavity of the squash (there should just be two larger pieces with seeds/pulp).
5. Chop: Lay the squash quarters cut side down on the cutting board. Working with one piece at time, cut the squash into 1/2-1″ slices. Turn these slices over and stack them, then cut them into long sticks. Finally, rotate the sticks and chop them crosswise into 1/2″-1″ cubes.

How to make Butternut Squash Risotto

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: First, sauté some mushrooms and shallots for 5 minutes then add your rice and garlic and sauté for 3 additional minutes.

showing how to make Butternut Squash Risotto by sauteeing mushrooms, shallots, garlic and rice in a white stock pot

Step 2: Add some warm chicken stock, chicken bouillon, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.

showing how to make Butternut Squash Risotto by adding a ladleful of warm chicken stock to rice in a white pot along with oregano, thyme, salt and pepper

Step 3: Stir in your uncooked squash. Bring to a boil, cover, and transfer to your oven to bake for about 20 minutes.

showing how to make Butternut Squash Risotto by stirring in uncooked squash to rice in white pot.

Step 4: Once tender, remove the rice from the oven and stir in ½ cup chicken broth, heavy cream and both Parmesan and pepper Jack cheeses. The pepper Jack adds a wonderful multidimensional flavor without being overpowering. Vigorously stir fir just a minute or so to break down the butternut squash until everything is mega creamy.

showing how to make Baked Butternut Squash Risotto by removing the rice from and adding Parmesan

Step 5: Stir in your peas…and just look how creamy your risotto is!

showing how to make Butternut Squash Risotto by stirring peas into risotto

Step 6: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts…And in under 30 minutes you have soft, creamy Baked Butternut Squash Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts infused with Pepper Jack!

side shot of baked Butternut Squash Risotto in a white stock pot with a wooden spoon

Squash Risotto Tips

Right pot: Use a large, heavy bottom pot so your rice will cook evenly. You also need a tight fitting lid in order for the risotto to cook correctly and for the liquid to not evaporate too quickly, otherwise you will be left with crunchy risotto.
Warm broth. Only use warm broth so the rice will cook evenly. Adding cold broth reduces the temperature of the rice and interrupts the cooking process. Warming the broth before adding it to the rice also releases more starch from each grain of rice.
I warm the broth in a glass liquid measuring cup in the microwave for ease.
Prep ahead: Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go—your garlic, shallots, squash, cheese, etc, before you start cooking.
Toast rice: Sautéing the arborio rice might not sound very important but it is actually critical to perfect risotto. Toasting the rice hardens the outside of the rice which helps it absorb moisture slowly which produces the perfect al dente rice without becoming soggy.
Bake on. If your rice is not done (too crunchy) but the broth is gone, simply add more broth and bake until the rice is on the softer side of al dente.
Stir vigorously: Stirring vigorously at the end of cooking releases the starch from the rice and is what gives the risotto its characteristic creaminess.
Salt to taste: if your risotto tastes like its missing something—it is probably salt! Salt to taste at the very end.

Variations for Risotto with Butternut Squash

Here I’ve obviously added butternut squash, mushrooms and peas, but you could really use any of your favorite vegetables, or herbs you have on hand, just be sure to add any fresh herbs or peas to the very end. Here are some add-in ideas, but the possibilities are endless!:

chicken
ground beef, turkey or sausage
sliced sausage
mushrooms
peas
bacon
zucchini
broccoli
arugula
sage
sliced almonds

How to store Squash Risotto

It’s hard to imagine there would be any leftovers of decadently delicious recipe, but I’m always very excited when there is! To store risotto, transfer it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for three to five days.

HOW TO REHEAT RISOTTO

Risotto will thicken in the refrigerator due to the starch in the rice, but you can easily thin it out to and restore it to its glory. To reheat risotto:

1. Add risotto and some chicken broth or water to a skillet, about ¼ cup liquid for 1 cup risotto.
2. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often.
3. If the risotto is still thick, stir in additional liquid one tablespoon at a time.
4. You can also add additional butter and salt to taste as the salt will mellow when refrigerated.

CAN YOU FREEZE RISOTTO?

Yes, you can freeze risotto, but SHOULD you? Risotto is best eaten fresh or refrigerated, never frozen. Freezing risotto will change its texture – the risotto won’t be as firm or creamy.

Happy almost Thanksgiving and happy Baked Butternut Squash Risotto forever and ever.

Butternut Risotto FAQs

What is the correct consistency of Risotto?

Add risotto and some chicken broth or water to a skillet, about ¼ cup liquid for 1 cup risotto.
Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often.
If the risotto is still thick, stir in additional liquid one tablespoon at a time.
You can also add additional butter and salt to taste as the salt will mellow when refrigerated

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking?

Yes, it’s necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking if you’re using it in dishes like risotto, as the skin is tough and not edible when cooked. Peeling it allows the soft, sweet flesh to cook evenly and blend well into the dish.

What is the difference between honeynut squash and butternut squash?

Honeynut squash is a smaller, sweeter, and more tender variety of butternut squash. It has a richer, honey-like flavor, making it a bit sweeter than traditional butternut squash, and its smaller size means it cooks faster and is easier to peel and prepare. While both can be used interchangeably in most recipes, honeynut squash offers a more concentrated sweetness and a smoother texture.

Should you wash butternut squash before cooking?

Yes, you should wash butternut squash before cooking to remove any dirt, pesticides, or contaminants from the skin. Even though you peel it, it’s important to clean the surface to avoid transferring any residue to the flesh during cutting or peeling.

up close of a spoon of butternut squash risotto in a white disih

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Servings:

Total Time: 40

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

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Ingredients

BAKED RISOTTO

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz cremini mushrooms diced
2 shallots minced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
5 cups warmed chicken stock divided
4 cups butternut squash (1/2-1” pieces), peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp EACH dried oregano, pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, freshly shredded
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
1 cup petite frozen peas thawed

Garnish

1/4 cup pine nuts
Parmesan cheese freshly grated
fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven (or a large oven-proof heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid). Turn heat to medium-high and add mushrooms and shallots. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add rice and garlic and continue to cook for 3 minutes while stirring.
Add 4 ½ cups warm chicken stock, squash, chicken bouillon, salt, oregano, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil, cover, and transfer to oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
While rice is cooking, toast pine nuts. Add pine nuts to a dry skillet and heat over medium heat. Toast until golden, watching closely so they don’t burn. Transfer to a bowl so they don’t continue to cook.
When rice is tender, remove from oven and stir in remaining ½ cup chicken stock, heavy cream and cheeses. Stir vigorously to break down the squash until smooth. Stir in peas and heat through.
Garnish with pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.

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42 Comments

Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

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This sounds so yummy and my Italian cousin and I would have lengthy discussions of what is our favorite risotto. I’m so inspired by this. Have a great day,!!

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chris says

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Your recipe for Baked Squash Risotto looks so delicious…however…could I make it a day ahead….?? I hate the last minute prep with guests coming ..
thank you…

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- Jen says
  
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  Yes Chris, this makes wonderful leftovers, you can definitely make it ahead of time! Enjoy!
  
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Cynthia says

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Could I leave out the peas? Or would I have to replace them with something else? I’ve never fixed Risotto before. BUT it looks really good! Can’t waite to try your Cranberry Rice Pilaf, it looks wonderful! Thank You!

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- Jen says
  
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  Hi Cynthia! You can certainly leave out the peas if you wish! I am excited for you to try both of these recipes – hope you love them!
  
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Brittany says

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This looks amazing! Is it possible to leave out the bouillon? Or do you think it would be too bland without it?

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- Jen says
  
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  Hi Brittany, you can certainly leave out the bouillon. It adds a nice dimension of flavor but it will still be good without it just be sure to add additional salt to taste. Enjoy!
  
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Molly says

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Wow! i cannot emphasise how much you need to make this! if you’re considering making this then stop considering and go and make it! i had this for dinner and for lunch the next day, it’s too delicious for words and even though peeling the squash is a pain, its so worth it!

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- Jen says
  
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  Hi Molly, thank you so much for such a rave review!! I am thrilled you loved this risotto so much especially because it is one of my favs! Thank you thank you and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
  
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Michele says

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I just made this for Thanksgiving tomorrow–it is DELICIOUS and SO easy to make! My grocery store sells pre-cut butternut squash, so there was hardly any prep at all. Wow– it is so yummy!

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- Jen says
  
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  Awesome Michele, I am thrilled you love it so much!!! That is great your grocery store sells precut squash – always nice to find shortcuts, especially for Thanksgiving! I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and everyone loves the risotto!
  
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Caryn says

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This sounds amazing. Can I leave out the mushroom?

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- Jen says
  
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  absolutely! I think you’ll love it!
  
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Jess Lambie says

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I’m going to make this for Thanksgiving! Looks amazing 🙂 if I leave out the heavy cream, will it alter the taste/texture?

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- Jen says
  
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  Hi Jess! Yes, leaving out the heavy cream will make it less creamy but the taste will still be great.
  
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Casey says

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None of you recipes have ever disappointed and I’m excited to try this! If I make the day or even morning before what is the best way to reheat to make sure it’s still creamy?

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- Jen says
  
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  Thank you so much Casey, I LOVE hearing you trust my recipes! I am so excited you are making this one because it is one of my absolute favorites. I would heat it over low or medium low heat on the stove and add a little additional cream if you think it needs it. Enjoy!
  
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  - Casey says
    
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    OMG!! This was amazing! Everyone was going crazy for it! So easy to make. I was skeptical but I trusted your recipe since you have never let me down and so happy I did. I also made your cornbread which is the best cornbread I have ever had! Thank you so much!
    
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    - Jen says
      
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      What an awesome comment Casey, thank you so much! I am so happy you tried this recipe even if you were skeptical because it is one of my favs and I am thrilled it was a hit – wahoo! I’m flattered the cornbread was the “best” too! You totally made my day, thank you!
      
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Jess says

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Thanks so much!!

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Desiree says

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Hi Jen,
Another hit at our house! Do you use a certain brand of Arborio rice? I noticed the second time making this, it did come out a bit more mushy in texture…still delicious just the same though! The first rice was from Trader Joe’s and they are no longer carrying it. Do you think cooking this dish on a convection setting could contribute to the softer texture?

Your recipes are always a hit at our house, thank you!

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- Jen says
  
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  Awesome Desiree, I’m so happy this Butternut Risotto was a hit and you’re enjoying my other recipes! I use Rice Select. Yes, I think cooking it on the convection setting could definitely affect the texture – maybe try less liquid if you cook it on convection again?
  
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  - Desiree says
    
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    Thanks, Jen! I’ll adjust when I make it again next week. Headed to the store for the Loaded Zuppa Toscano soup ingredients, (BTOG) :)!!
    
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    - Jen says
      
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      mmmm, I love that one! I hope you love it as much as us!
      
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Andi says

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We love this recipe and always add chicken sausage (apple or Italian flavored) after it’s done in the oven

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- Jen says
  
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  That is such a brilliant idea, YUM! Thanks for taking the time to comment Andi!
  
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Paige says

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I just made this recipe to test it out before making it for 20+ guests on Christmas. Oh boy is it good!! Huge hit in my household and I can’t wait to make it for all of our guests. Love the addition of pepperjack- makes for great flavor. Thanks for an awesome recipe! I’ll also be making your million dollar mac and cheese, as that is requested every year!!

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- Jen says
  
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  I apologize for my delayed response as I’ve been swamped for the holidays, but thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I love hearing this butternut squash risotto was such a hit with your family especially because it is one of my all time favorite recipes! I hope it was a huge winner with all of your guests, Merry Christmas!
  
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Donna Toop says

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I printed this recipe off and it sat on my table for a week before I remembered to buy the Arborio rice. I finally made it and served it with left over Turkey. I have to say this is AMAZING …. so creamy, so flavourful, so decadent! A super big hit with the family ! Easy and quick (I prep early in the day). A big THANKS for sharing!

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- Jen says
  
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  You’re so welcome Donna, thank YOU for taking the time to comment! I’m thrilled it was such a hit with your entire family!
  
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Royal F says

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This is another great dish. So creamy. And appealing to non-veggie people.

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- Jen says
  
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  Thank you Royal, I’m so pleased it’s a winner with everyone!
  
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Kent says

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So this dish is absolutely delicious. We did make 2 changes though. We’re vegetarian so we switched out the chicken stock/bullion with vegetable stock/bullion and we forgot to get the peas so we substituted chopped baby spinach. This has such a great balance of flavors. Slightly sweet squash paired with the savory mushroom and cheese. Simply fantastic. Thank you for such a great, easy and comforting recipe.

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- Jen says
  
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  You’re so welcome Kent, I’m so pleased you loved it so much and were able to make it vegetarian successfully!
  
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Melanie says

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Could frozen butternut squash be used? If so, would it still be bright to a boil?

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- Jen says
  
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  Hi Melanie, yes you can definitely use frozen squash. I would at least partially thaw it first then add as directed. If the squash is precooked but frozen, then I would not thaw first.
  
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Gigi1956 says

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we really don’t like spicy – what would you recommend in place of pepper jack cheese?

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- Jen says
  
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  I would use Monterrey Jack, enjoy!
  
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Irene says

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This looks amazing! I plan on making for Thanksgiving. Can I double the ingredients to make for a larger group?

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- Jen says
  
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  Thanks Irene! In theory, yes you would just double all of the ingredients, but you may want to reduce the broth by 1/2 cup to start just to be safe.
  
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  - Irene says
    
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    Thank you!! I made your wild rice cranberry pecan dish fir last year’s Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. I am sure this recipe will be fantastic too!
    
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    - Jen says
      
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      I love that you’re trying some thing new, so fun! Happy Thanksgiving!
      
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