Irresistible Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Golden autumn evenings call for comfort dishes that warm the soul, and this butternut squash mushroom risotto recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Creamy arborio rice simmers with earthy mushrooms and sweet roasted butternut squash, creating a harmonious blend of seasonal flavors.

Each spoonful promises a delicate balance between rich, velvety textures and deep, complex notes.

Tender mushrooms add a robust earthiness that complements the subtle sweetness of caramelized squash.

The risotto luxurious consistency comes from careful stirring and patient cooking, allowing ingredients to meld beautifully.

Herbs and parmesan cheese provide the final touch of elegance to this comforting dish.

Dive into this restaurant-worthy meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Gather Ingredients for Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

• Arborio Rice: Creamy, starchy rice perfect for rich risottos, choose high-quality Italian varieties for authentic texture.
• Vegetable Stock: Liquid foundation delivering deep flavor, select low-sodium options for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat adding richness, opt for extra virgin for superior taste and health benefits.

• Butternut Squash: Sweet, nutty vegetable providing vibrant color and silky texture, select firm squash without soft spots.
• Mushrooms: Earthy umami ingredient adding depth, choose fresh cremini or shiitake for robust flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic base creating flavor foundation, pick firm onions with smooth, papery skin.
• Celery: Subtle herbal note enhancing overall complexity, select crisp stalks with bright green color.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster, choose plump cloves without sprouts or soft spots.
• Dried Thyme: Delicate herbal seasoning, ensure freshness by checking fragrance and color.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty element bringing luxurious creaminess, choose freshly grated for best melting.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Tools for Making Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

• Large Saucepan or Wok: Essential for steaming butternut squash and creating the base for risotto.
• Bamboo Steamer: Perfect for gently cooking squash while preserving nutrients.
• Large Pan: Versatile tool for sautéing mushrooms, vegetables, and cooking risotto.
• Vegetable Peeler: Crucial for easily removing butternut squash skin.
• Blender: Helps create smooth and creamy butternut squash puree.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of squash, mushrooms, and vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring risotto and preventing rice from sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.

Cook Your Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

• Squash Preparation

Carefully slice off ends of butternut squash and remove outer skin. Remove seeds and chop into small chunks. Steam squash until soft and tender.

• Mushroom Transformation

Heat olive oil in large skillet. Sear mushrooms until they develop rich golden edges. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside for later.

• Vegetable Foundation

In same skillet, sauté celery and onions with dried herbs. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly translucent.

• Risotto Magic

Add Arborio rice to vegetable mixture. Slowly introduce warm vegetable stock, stirring continuously. Allow rice to absorb liquid gradually, creating creamy texture.

• Squash Fusion

Blend steamed squash with Parmesan cheese until silky smooth. Fold puree into risotto, creating vibrant orange color and rich flavor profile.

• Final Flourish

Gently mix sautéed mushrooms into risotto. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips for Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto Lovers

• Swap seasonal vegetables like roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes for butternut squash to create unique flavor profiles throughout the year.
• Add crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to transform this vegetarian dish into a hearty main course that satisfies different dietary preferences.
• Experiment with cheese variations by replacing Parmesan with aged gouda, pecorino romano, or sharp white cheddar to introduce exciting new taste dimensions to your risotto.
• Keep stirring risotto constantly and add warm stock gradually to achieve that signature luxurious, velvety texture without becoming sticky or gluey – the secret to perfect restaurant-quality risotto right in your kitchen.
• Elevate the dish's complexity by incorporating fresh rosemary, sage, or a pinch of nutmeg during cooking to introduce subtle, sophisticated flavor undertones that complement the butternut squash and mushrooms beautifully.

How to Dish Out Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

• Cozy Dinner Party Centerpiece: Create an elegant table setting with rustic wooden boards, place the risotto in beautiful ceramic bowls, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Seasonal Autumn Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with roasted pecans and a light apple cider vinaigrette to complement the rich, creamy risotto flavors.
• Wine Companion Selection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the butternut squash and mushroom notes, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Protein Boost Option: Top the risotto with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or crispy pancetta for added protein and texture, making the dish more substantial and satisfying.

Saving Leftover Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Friendly: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive cold risotto by adding a splash of vegetable stock when warming. Gently stir over medium-low heat to restore creamy texture without burning.
• Freezer Strategy: Portion risotto into individual containers before freezing. Allow complete cooling, seal tightly, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop butternut squash and mushrooms one day ahead. Store separately in sealed containers inside refrigerator, reducing day-of cooking preparation time.

Velvety Butternut Squash Mushroom Risotto

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4.9 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy butternut squash mushroom risotto showcases rich Italian comfort cooking with seasonal ingredients. Earthy mushrooms and sweet roasted squash blend perfectly, offering a warm, satisfying meal you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (400 g) brown Arborio rice
• 1 lb (450 g) butternut squash
• 1 lb (450 g) mixed wild mushrooms
• 7–8 cups (1.7–1.9 L) vegetable stock (heated)
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Ground pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Carefully cube butternut squash into uniform pieces, removing seeds and ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
2. Squash Transformation: Steam squash cubes until tender, then blend with Parmesan to create a velvety, rich puree that will serve as the risotto’s creamy base.
3. Mushroom Elevation: Caramelize mushrooms in a hot skillet, developing a golden-brown exterior and intensifying their earthy flavor with salt and pepper seasoning.
4. Aromatic Foundation: In olive oil, sauté celery, onion, thyme, and garlic to build a fragrant flavor profile that will infuse the entire dish with depth and complexity.
5. Rice Technique: Toast Arborio rice in the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is coated to maximize its ability to absorb liquid and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Liquid Integration: Slowly introduce warm vegetable stock, stirring consistently to release the rice’s natural starches and develop a smooth, creamy consistency over 35-40 minutes of attentive cooking.
7. Final Assembly: Incorporate butternut squash puree and sautéed mushrooms into the risotto, folding gently to distribute flavors and create a vibrant, golden-hued dish.
8. Serving: Plate the risotto, garnishing with additional mushrooms and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s rich, indulgent character.

Notes

• Precision in Squash Preparation: Cut butternut squash into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Mushroom Caramelization Technique: Use high heat and minimal stirring when sautéing mushrooms to achieve a deep golden-brown color and intense flavor development.
• Rice Absorption Mastery: Toast Arborio rice thoroughly before adding liquid to activate its starches, guaranteeing the signature creamy risotto consistency.
• Patience in Stirring: Commit to consistent, gentle stirring while gradually adding stock, which releases rice’s natural starches and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg