Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Risotto is super creamy and lovely. The pumpkin adds subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower but adds wonderful texture. Parmesan cheese and crispy sage leaves create a punch of earthy, comforting flavor.

Risotto is the king of comfort food, and this Pumpkin Risotto brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one delicious bowl. And while I originally made this recipe with fresh pie pumpkin, I’ve now tested it with both grated butternut squash and canned pumpkin purée with delicious results. So you can make it with whichever option is easiest to find—or already in your kitchen.

My Mushroom Risotto Tutorial and Mushroom Risotto in the Instant Pot are two of the most popular recipes on Good Dinner Mom, so comfort food recipes abound here. I’ve made Mushroom Risotto for friends who were hurting, grieving, recovering from surgery, or just hungry for comfort food, and they’ve all told me how much the warm creamy risotto was just what they were craving. So, I’m happy to add Pumpkin Risotto to the “healing food” lineup.

Risotto isn’t just rice in a bowl; and the type of rice used in the recipe is key-

Which rice is best when making risotto?

There are two main types of rice commonly used when making risotto. Arborio and Carnaroli are the two standard types of rice most commonly used. Both types are short-grained which produce a creamy risotto due to the high starch content and ability to absorb liquid more slowly. I’ve used both types of rice when making risotto and though Carnaroli is supposed to be the best of the best, I’ve been equally satisfied with Arborio- so use what you can easily find. I’ve used short-grain brown rice a time or two for extra healthy cooking and as long as it’s labeled as “short grain” you should be pretty happy with the brown rice version. It isn’t quite as creamy in results but the nutty flavor of the brown rice is a nice option.

What type of pumpkin is used for Pumpkin Risotto?

The best type of fresh pumpkin for Pumpkin Risotto is pie pumpkin, the smaller type of pumpkin found in the produce section in fall and early winter (not Jack O’ Lantern-type pumpkins). You can also use Japanese kabocha squash or grated butternut squash. I’ve tested the recipe with butternut squash and it works beautifully, although it doesn’t dissolve into the risotto quite as completely as fresh pumpkin. And if fresh pumpkin or squash isn’t convenient, canned pumpkin purée works too—more on that below.

Can I make pumpkin risotto with canned pumpkin?

Absolutely. If you don’t have a fresh pie pumpkin—or simply don’t want to peel and grate one—you can make this risotto with ¾ cup canned pumpkin purée.

Rather than adding the purée directly to the rice, whisk it into the warm broth at the beginning of the recipe. As you gradually ladle the broth into the Arborio rice, the pumpkin incorporates right along with it, creating a smooth, creamy risotto with pumpkin flavor throughout.

I’ve also tested the recipe with grated butternut squash, which can be substituted for the fresh pumpkin. It doesn’t break down quite as completely, so you’ll have a little more texture in the finished risotto, but it’s delicious.

Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

What other ingredients go into making Pumpkin Risotto special?

Pumpkin Risotto is a classic risotto in its use of ingredients like white wine, shallots or onions, and Fresh Parmesan cheese. Speaking of the cheese, Parmesan is the most likely ingredient here. But I really love Pecorino Romano, which grates just like Parmesan but is a bit sharper and more salty than regular Parmesan. Pecorino is made with sheep’s milk instead of cow milk, and the sharp, tangy flavor is fabulous, which equals more flavor. Whichever cheese you use, buy the best that you can afford.

What’s the best type of white wine to use in Risotto?

Speaking of important ingredients for risotto, white wine absorbed into the rice at the beginning also enhances the complexity of this dish. Any dry and crisp white wine is a good option- nothing too sweet. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, or good Marsala wine are all excellent choices. Although the wine really adds depth to risotto flavors, if you’re not someone who cooks with wine, you can substitute half white wine vinegar and half water for the amount of wine called for in the recipe.

Adding crisp sage leaves to Pumpkin Risotto-

Pan frying some fresh sage leaves until crisp will add an earthy, slightly peppery and even eucalyptus kind of flavor to the Pumpkin Risotto. Some of my taste testers loved the whole leaves placed on top of the risotto and also liked eating them alone to enjoy the punch of herby-lemony flavor. But most loved having the leaves crushed on top to experience just a hint of sage flavor throughout the entire risotto.

What to serve with risotto-

Risotto is an excellent comfort side dish served alongside chicken, salmon, scallops, and shrimp. But risotto is often the perfect meatless main dish on a menu. The risottos on my site are vegetarian, but I’ve experimented with the mushroom risotto and left out the cheese and butter many times- it makes a delicious vegan option.

There you have it- I hope you try Pumpkin Risotto very soon in your All-The-Pumpkin-Foods lineup. If pumpkin is not your thing or you’ve OD’d enough on pumpkin for the season, be sure to try my other Mushroom Risotto recipes here, I think you’ll be glad you did.

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5 from 18 votes

Pumpkin Risotto

This creamy Pumpkin Risotto is made with Parmesan, white wine and shallots, then topped with crispy sage and toasted pumpkin seeds. Make it with fresh pie pumpkin, butternut squash, or convenient canned pumpkin purée.

Course Meatless Main Dish, Side Dish

Keyword holiday food, pumpkin, Side dishes, vegetarian,

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 425

Author Sally Humeniuk

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

For the Fried sage leaves and pumpkin seeds for topping, if using:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 16 fresh sage leaves, more or less, depending on how many you want
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, pepitas

For the pumpkin risotto:

• 6 cups Chicken broth, you might not use it all
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large shallots, minced, about ½ cup total
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine, see notes for best wine substitutions
• ½ pound fresh pumpkin, seeds and fibers removed, peeled and grated (about 1 cup), or 1 cup grated butternut squash. See Notes for using canned pumpkin purée.
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
• ½ tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup Parmesan, grated, plus more for serving

Instructions

Make the fried sage leaves and pan roasted pumpkin seeds:

• Melt 1 Tablespoon butter over medium-low heat in a medium skillet. Add 16 sage leaves and fry for a couple of minutes until crisp, turning with tongs or a fork as needed to crisp both sides. The leaves will darken quite a bit but don't let the butter smoke or the leaves turn black. Once all the leaves are crisp, remove them to a paper towel to cool. Set aside to use when serving the risotto.
• Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil to the pan and increase the heat to medium. Add ¼ cup pumpkin seeds and stir to cover with oil. Continue to cook until the seeds plump up and darken a bit. (These are great to snack on so I always double or triple the seeds and olive oil for this step and save extras to snack or sprinkle on salads.) Transfer the seeds to a separate paper towel and sprinkle liberally with salt. Let cool to use when serving the risotto.

Make the risotto:

• Heat 6 cups chicken broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. If using canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin or squash, whisk ¾ cup pure pumpkin purée into the broth until well combined. Keep very warm while making the risotto.
• In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add ½ cup (more or less) of shallots and cook for about one minute until the shallots have softened. Add 1 cup Arborio rice to the pan and stir until covered with the olive oil that was already in the pan and the rice is a little shiny. Cook the rice and shallots for about two minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice becomes a little translucent. Add ½ cup white wine and the grated pumpkin or butternut squash. Cook, stirring continually, until most of the wine has evaporated.
• Turn the burner up to medium-high heat and ladle about 1 cup chicken broth. The broth should bubble and will start to evaporate. Stir occasionally, almost constantly. Continue ladling the broth, stirring, and cooking until only about 1 ½ cups broth is left in the saucepan where you heated it. This will take about 20 minutes. Taste the rice to make sure it's al dente but not hard. If needed, continue to cook the risotto a few more minutes to achieve the softness desired, adding ½ cup more chicken broth if needed.
• If using grated pumpkin or butternut squash and you still see larger pieces when the rice is tender, give the risotto one vigorous stir to help incorporate the squash into the rice.
• Add 2 Tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons salt to the risotto and stir it in. Add 1 cup Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and stringy/creamy.
• The Pumpkin Risotto should be very loose and creamy. If desired, add more chicken broth until the risotto reaches the level you want.

Serving the Pumpkin Risotto:

• Serve the Pumpkin Risotto immediately, topping each serving with 3 or 4 crispy sage leaves (whole or crumbled), additional Parmesan, roasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper, as desired. For a touch of sweetness, finish with a light drizzle of honey.

Equipment

Large saucepan or dutch oven

Medium saucepan

Ladle

Cheese grater

Medium skillet

Notes

1. Pumpkin options: I've tested this risotto with fresh pie pumpkin, grated butternut squash, and canned pumpkin purée, and all three work beautifully. For butternut squash, substitute about 1 cup peeled and grated squash for the fresh pumpkin. For canned pumpkin, use ¾ cup pure pumpkin purée and whisk it into the warm broth at the beginning of the recipe. This allows the pumpkin to incorporate gradually into the risotto as you add the broth. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
2. Arborio is the best rice to use in most risottos. Carnaroli is professed to be the king of risotto rice. I've used both and don't notice a difference, so buy what's available and budget-friendly. You can use short grain brown rice (any short grain rice is acceptable), the brown rice might take longer to soften and will impart a more nutty flavor to the recipe, and that's not a bad thing!
3. If you don't want to use wine in the risotto you can substitute half water and half white wine vinegar or half water and half apple cider vinegar, so 1/4 cup of each. 
4. Optional honey drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the finished risotto is delicious with the savory Parmesan, crispy sage, and pumpkin. Start with just a little—you want a hint of sweetness rather than a sweet risotto.

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkin Risotto

Amount Per Serving

Calories 425 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 32mg11%

Sodium 2908mg126%

Potassium 604mg17%

Carbohydrates 49g16%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 5206IU104%

Vitamin C 31mg38%

Calcium 341mg34%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.