Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage
Creamy arborio risotto enriched with roasted butternut squash and aromatic fresh sage, capturing a rich, comforting essence. This Italian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs arborio rice, butternut squash, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 2 cups, peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cups, kept warm vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 10 leaves, chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups cubed butternut squash with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt, spread on a baking sheet, and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups arborio rice to the saucepan and stir for 2 minutes until grains are coated and slightly toasted.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring continuously, until wine is fully absorbed.
- Step 5: Gradually add 5 cups warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until liquid is absorbed before adding more; cook for about 18 minutes until rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 6: Stir in the roasted butternut squash, 10 chopped fresh sage leaves, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, mixing gently until melted and combined.
- Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with a few fresh sage leaves for an aromatic finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Risotto with Roasted Butternut and Sage?
Italian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
