Print

Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

This Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto Recipe perfectly blends the creamy richness of traditional risotto with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of pumpkin. Baked to creamy perfection without constant stirring, it offers a comforting, cozy meal ideal for all skill levels. Featuring wholesome ingredients like Arborio rice, pumpkin puree, and Parmesan cheese, this one-dish wonder is customizable and perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, soothing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 to 4 cups warm vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Aromatics: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a sturdy ovenproof dish, gently sauté them with butter or olive oil until softened and translucent, releasing their savory aromas.
  2. Add the Rice and Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the Arborio rice to toast it lightly for about one to two minutes, then mix in the pumpkin puree. Coat the rice grains well as they start absorbing the pumpkin’s sweetness.
  3. Pour in Broth and Season: Pour warm vegetable or chicken broth over the rice mixture until the grains are fully submerged. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste, then cover tightly with foil or a lid.
  4. Bake Until Creamy: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the rice to absorb flavors and develop a creamy consistency without the need for stirring.
  5. Finish with Parmesan and Butter: Remove the cover from the baked risotto, stir in the Parmesan cheese and an extra pat of butter for richness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it thickens perfectly.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to help the risotto cook evenly and absorb flavor more efficiently.
  • Cover the dish tightly to prevent moisture from escaping and ensure tender, creamy rice.
  • Don’t skip toasting the rice lightly; it enhances nutty flavor and texture.
  • Allow risotto to rest a few minutes after baking to thicken up beautifully before serving.
  • Customize herbs according to preference—sage, thyme, or rosemary all complement pumpkin well.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pumpkin risotto, easy pumpkin risotto, creamy baked risotto, fall comfort food, one-dish meal, vegetarian risotto