If you are craving a comforting, velvety dish that dazzles with rich flavors and vibrant color, this Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe is an absolute must-try. It turns the traditional, sometimes labor-intensive risotto into a fast and foolproof meal bursting with sweetness from tender butternut squash and the perfect balance of savory Parmesan. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but locks in every bit of creaminess, leaving you with a luscious risotto that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe will quickly become a favorite for those cozy dinners when you want something special but simple.

Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this incredible dish, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the creamy Arborio rice that forms the heart of the risotto, to the sweet butternut squash that adds a gorgeous orange hue and subtle earthiness, plus fresh herbs that finish the dish with a burst of brightness.

Arborio rice: The essential short-grain rice that soaks up all the flavors while developing that signature creamy texture.
Butternut squash: Peeled and cubed, it contributes sweetness, moisture, and a colorful pop.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Provides the flavorful liquid base, bringing depth and richness.
Onion: Finely chopped to gently sweeten and form the savory aroma foundation.
Garlic: Minced for a punch of warmth and complexity.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, adding richness and helping to marry flavors.
White wine (optional): Adds acidity and subtle fruity notes that brighten the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Grated and stirred in at the end for that luscious, cheesy finish.
Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance every ingredient.
Fresh herbs: Thyme or sage chopped and sprinkled to add fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Squash

Start by peeling, deseeding, and cubing your butternut squash. This step might sound basic but is crucial for even cooking and melding perfectly with the rice. If you’re short on time, look for pre-cut butternut squash at the store — a true life saver without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil to warm it up. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook until they’re wonderfully fragrant and translucent. This forms the flavorful base that infuses the entire risotto with depth and warmth.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add your Arborio rice directly to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir for one to two minutes; this toasting step enhances the rice’s natural nuttiness and helps it better absorb the liquids later on, making the texture absolutely luscious.

Step 4: Add the Squash

Once the rice is toasted, stir in the cubed butternut squash. Mixing it now allows each piece to absorb some of those early flavors, ensuring the squash integrates fully during pressure cooking.

Step 5: Add Liquids

Pour in the broth and white wine if you’re using it. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon or spatula to lift any caramelized bits — this prevents burning and packs more flavor into your risotto.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Cook the risotto on high pressure for 6 minutes. The magic of pressure cooking speeds up the traditionally slow cooking process, giving you a tender, creamy risotto in a fraction of the time.

Step 7: Release and Finish

Carefully perform a quick release of the pressure once the cooking cycle completes. Open the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper. This final stir blends all the flavors and adds that signature velvety creaminess.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish generously with freshly chopped herbs like thyme or sage to brighten the dish and provide a lovely contrast in color and flavor. Now, your Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as thyme or sage bring a burst of aroma and visual appeal that elevates this dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add an unexpected lush finish and texture contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This risotto shines as a star on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a comforting fall-inspired meal. For a heartier spread, serve alongside grilled chicken or seared shrimp for a balanced, elegant dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your risotto in hollowed-out butternut squash halves for a stunning seasonal presentation that wows guests. Alternatively, spoon it onto warmed plates and create a delicate nest shape before topping with garnishes for a restaurant-style touch right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because risotto tends to thicken upon cooling, you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat risotto slowly over low heat in a saucepan stirring occasionally; add small amounts of broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent the rice from drying out and losing its signature creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash works just fine and is a convenient, time-saving option. Just make sure to thaw and drain any extra moisture before adding it to the dish to maintain the perfect risotto texture.

Is white wine necessary in this recipe?

White wine adds a lovely acidity that brightens the risotto, but it is completely optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit it and substitute with extra broth for equally delicious results.

Can I make this risotto dairy-free?

Yes! To make the recipe dairy-free, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, which provides a similar umami flavor without the dairy.

How do I know when the risotto is done?

The risotto should be creamy and the rice tender with a slight bite to it, known as “al dente.” Following the pressure cooking time exactly usually guarantees perfect texture with this recipe.

Can I add other vegetables to this risotto?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in roasted mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just add these after pressure cooking during the final stirring phase to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, flavorful dish that brings uncomplicated yet impressive comfort food to your table, the Creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to prepare, elegantly creamy, and packed with seasonal goodness guaranteed to satisfy everyone around the table. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to hit in your kitchen!