Creamy Pumpkin Risotto: A Cozy Fall Favorite

Pumpkin Risotto is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of fall into a rich and creamy dish. The sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the Arborio rice, and the warm spices make it a perfect dinner for crisp autumn nights. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this risotto is sure to impress with its velvety texture and seasonal flavors.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Risotto

• Creamy Texture: The Arborio rice creates a rich and luxurious creaminess, perfect for cozy dinners.
• Fall Flavors: Pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness, while nutmeg and sage bring out the warm, earthy tones of the season.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients to create this impressive dish.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Comforting and Satisfying: This risotto is hearty, warm, and packed with flavor—ideal for those cool fall evenings.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Risotto

• Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice is essential for creating the creamy texture of risotto.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. You can use canned pumpkin or homemade puree.
• Onion: Provides a savory base for the dish.
• Garlic: Adds depth and flavor.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid used to cook the rice, absorbed gradually for that perfect creamy consistency.
• White Wine: A splash of wine adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a rich, salty, and creamy finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Nutmeg and Sage: These warm spices complement the pumpkin and give the risotto a true autumnal taste.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Risotto

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • In a medium saucepan, warm the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process, as you will gradually add it to the rice.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice:
   • Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, toasting the rice until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
4. Add Wine and Pumpkin:
   • Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice. Then, add the pumpkin puree and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Gradually Add the Broth:
   • Begin adding the warm broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes. You may not need all the broth.
6. Finish with Cheese and Butter:
   • Once the risotto has reached your desired consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, nutmeg, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the cheese and butter are melted and the risotto is creamy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the pumpkin risotto immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh sage if desired. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Risotto

• Keep Stirring: Risotto requires frequent stirring to release the starch from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture.
• Warm the Broth: Adding warm broth helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the risotto creamy.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time adding the broth gradually to ensure the rice cooks to perfection and absorbs all the flavors.

Why Pumpkin Risotto is a Fall Must-Have

Pumpkin Risotto is a celebration of fall’s best flavors, combining the sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy texture of risotto and the warmth of seasonal spices. It’s a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

Ready to Elevate Your Fall Dinner?

Serve this Pumpkin Risotto as a show-stopping side or a hearty main course. With its luxurious texture and rich flavors, it’s a dish that will make any autumn evening feel extra special!

Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 small pumpkin, peeled, cubed, and roasted
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/2 cup white wine optional
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream optional, for creaminess
• Fresh parsley or sage for garnish

Instructions

 

Prepare the broth:

• Heat the broth in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.

Sauté the onion and garlic:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Toast the rice:

• Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the onion and garlic, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Add the wine (optional):

• If using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir until it is mostly absorbed by the rice, about 2-3 minutes.

Cook the risotto:

• Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, to the rice mixture.
• Stir constantly and allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next.
• Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and tender but still slightly firm (al dente).

Add the pumpkin:

• Stir in the pumpkin puree (or roasted pumpkin cubes) and thyme.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, adding a little more broth if needed to maintain the creamy texture.

Finish the risotto:

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using) until well combined.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or sage, and a little extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your creamy pumpkin risotto!

Notes

This Pumpkin Risotto is a deliciously creamy and savory dish with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and rich flavors from Parmesan and thyme. It’s a perfect fall comfort food, ideal for a cozy dinner or festive gathering!

Craving for more pumpkin recipes ?

• Classic Pumpkin Pie