Description
Creamy risotto made with roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and Parmesan cheese. A hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall and winter dinners.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Risotto:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 5–6 cups chicken broth, warmed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh sage or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Prepare Risotto: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Continue for about 20 minutes, until rice is al dente and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in roasted butternut squash and cooked sausage. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese and butter. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
