Creamy Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto Recipe – A Fall Favorite

Butternut squash mushroom risotto revamps ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that warms both body and soul.

Rich, creamy textures dance across your palate with each luxurious spoonful of this Italian-inspired comfort dish.

Earthy mushrooms and sweet, velvety squash create a harmonious blend that elevates simple rice to extraordinary heights.

Winter’s bounty shines through in this robust recipe that celebrates seasonal produce with remarkable depth.

Subtle aromatics and carefully layered flavors build complexity without overwhelming delicate ingredients.

Each grain of rice absorbs a symphony of tastes, promising a dining experience that delights and satisfies.

Bold yet nuanced, this risotto represents home cooking at its most elegant and nurturing.

Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto That’s Creamy and Earthy

• Craft a Creamy Comfort Dish: This risotto transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, velvety experience that wraps you in warmth and flavor, making every bite feel like a culinary hug.
• Celebrate Seasonal Vegetable Magic: Butternut squash brings natural sweetness and vibrant color, while mushrooms add an earthy depth that elevates this vegetarian dish from simple to spectacular.
• Master a Restaurant-Worthy Technique: Gradually adding stock and constant stirring creates a professional-level risotto with perfectly tender rice and a dreamy, creamy consistency that looks and tastes impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Ingredients for a Comforting Butternut Squash Risotto

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet, creamy vegetable that provides a rich, velvety texture and subtle nutty flavor to the dish. Choose a squash with firm, unblemished skin and heavy for its size.

Arborio Rice: A special short-grain Italian rice perfect for creamy risottos with high starch content. Look for authentic Italian Arborio rice for best results.

Mushrooms: Adds earthy, umami flavor and meaty texture to the risotto. Choose fresh, firm mushrooms with no soft spots or discoloration.

• Onion, Celery: Provide a classic flavor base with subtle sweetness and depth. Fresh, firm vegetables work best.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the dish. Choose fresh, firm garlic cloves without sprouts.
• Dried Thyme: Brings herbal, slightly minty notes to complement the vegetables. Use high-quality, fragrant dried thyme.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty, nutty flavor and helps create creamy texture. Use freshly grated authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best taste.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertones. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

• Vegetable Stock: Creates the base for cooking risotto and adds depth of flavor. Use low-sodium stock for better control of seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.

Cooking Instructions for a Smooth, Rich Mushroom Risotto

Step 1: Prepare Butternut Squash

Slice off both ends of the butternut squash

Remove skin using a vegetable peeler

Scoop out seeds

Chop squash into small cubes

Place cubes in a bamboo steamer

Steam in a large saucepan with 1 inch of water

Cook for 12-15 minutes until soft

Remove and set aside

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a large pan

Add mushrooms

Cook until golden brown

Season with salt and pepper

Remove from heat

Set aside

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Use the same pan

Add olive oil

• Chopped celery
• Diced onion
• Dried thyme

Cook for 2-3 minutes

Add minced garlic

Sauté until fragrant

Step 4: Cook Risotto

Add Arborio rice

Stir continuously

Pour vegetable stock gradually

Stir frequently

Allow liquid to absorb

Continue adding stock

Cook for 35-40 minutes

Rice should become creamy and tender

Step 5: Create Butternut Squash Puree

Place steamed squash in blender

Add Parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Mix squash puree into risotto

Add half of sautéed mushrooms

Stir thoroughly

Season with salt and pepper

Step 7: Serve Risotto

Plate risotto

Top with remaining mushrooms

Sprinkle extra Parmesan

Serve immediately

Tips to Get the Creamiest Texture and Perfect Flavor

• Master Stirring Technique: Constantly stir risotto to release starches, creating a creamy texture without turning rice mushy.
• Stock Temperature Matters: Always use warm stock to maintain consistent cooking temperature and prevent rice from becoming tough.
• Select Right Rice: Choose high-quality Arborio or Carnaroli rice with high starch content for authentic, velvety risotto consistency.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat to allow gradual absorption of liquid and prevent burning or uneven cooking.
• Timing is Critical: Aim for al dente rice with slight resistance when biting, which typically takes 35-40 minutes of patient cooking and frequent stirring.

How to Store and Reheat Risotto Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Transfer risotto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain smooth consistency.
• Avoid Freezing: Risotto's delicate texture breaks down when frozen, so enjoy fresh or refrigerated within a few days for best taste and quality.

Ideal Pairings for This Elegant Fall Main

• Craft Wine-Risotto Harmony: Pair this creamy butternut squash mushroom risotto with a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. These wines complement the earthy mushrooms and sweet squash, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances every delicious bite.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the risotto with fresh thyme or sage leaves to add a bright, aromatic touch. These herbs echo the dish's existing thyme notes and provide a delightful sensory experience that lifts the rich, creamy texture.
• Create Protein Companion: Add a side of roasted chicken or pan-seared white fish to transform this vegetarian risotto into a complete meal. The mild protein will beautifully balance the risotto's complex flavors without overwhelming the delicate butternut squash and mushroom notes.
• Complement with Crisp Salad: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the risotto. The salad's peppery greens and tangy dressing will cut through the risotto's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Ingredient Swaps and Mix-ins for a New Flavor Profile

• Autumn Garden Harvest: Transform the risotto by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and leeks for extra depth and rustic charm.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap dried thyme with fresh rosemary and oregano, then incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power Bowl: Enhance the recipe by adding crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or pan-seared shrimp to create a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
• Forest Mushroom Blend: Use a mix of wild mushrooms like porcini, shiitake, and chanterelles instead of standard mushrooms to elevate the earthy flavor profile and create a more gourmet experience.

Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy butternut squash mushroom risotto brings Italian comfort to your table with seasonal ingredients. Rich parmesan, earthy mushrooms, and sweet roasted squash blend into a luxurious dish you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) butternut squash
• 1 lb (450 g) mixed wild mushrooms
• 2 cups (400 g) brown Arborio rice
• 7–8 cups (1.7–1.9 L) vegetable stock (heated)
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Essentials:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Ground pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously slice and peel the butternut squash, removing seeds and creating uniform cubes for consistent cooking.
2. Steam the squash cubes in a bamboo steamer until they reach a tender, easily pierced texture, ensuring they’re soft but not mushy.
3. Transform the steamed squash into a velvety puree by blending with grated Parmesan, creating a rich, creamy base for the risotto.
4. In a spacious skillet, caramelize the mushrooms over high heat until they develop a golden-brown exterior, seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
5. Sauté aromatic vegetables like celery, onion, and thyme in olive oil, creating a fragrant foundation for the risotto.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the ingredients.
7. Toast the Arborio rice in the vegetable mixture, coating each grain to enhance its ability to absorb liquid and develop a creamy consistency.
8. Gradually incorporate warm vegetable stock, stirring consistently to coax out the rice’s natural starches and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
9. Continue adding stock and stirring until the rice reaches a perfect al dente state, typically requiring 35-40 minutes of patient cooking.
10. Fold the butternut squash puree into the risotto, creating a vibrant, golden-hued dish with a smooth, rich character.
11. Integrate half of the sautéed mushrooms into the risotto, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
12. Plate the risotto, garnishing with remaining mushrooms and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a final touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Steam butternut squash until fork-tender to ensure a soft, smooth texture that blends perfectly into the risotto.
• Sauté mushrooms separately to develop a rich, golden-brown color and concentrated umami flavor before adding to the dish.
• Continuously stir risotto while adding stock gradually to release starches, creating a creamy, luxurious consistency.
• Use Arborio rice for its high starch content, which gives the risotto its signature silky and creamy texture.
• Blend steamed butternut squash with Parmesan to create a velvety puree that adds depth and richness to the risotto.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and sautéed mushrooms to enhance visual appeal and provide a final burst of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg