Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gourmet experience! This Butternut Squash Sausage Risotto is not just a meal, it's a creamy, luxurious symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine the rich, velvety texture of perfectly cooked Arborio rice, studded with savory Italian sausage and sweet, tender butternut squash - a combination so irresistible, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add diced butternut squash to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly soften and absorb flavors.
- Pour in Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil and combine with sausage and squash, toasting the rice for about 1-2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, stirring continuously until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
- Begin adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. This process will take approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Continue adding broth and stirring until rice is creamy and al dente, with a slight resistance when biting.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow it to reach the perfect creamy consistency before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use warm chicken broth: Always add warm broth to your risotto to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and prevent the rice from becoming tough.
- Stir constantly: Continuous stirring helps release the rice's starches, creating that signature creamy risotto texture.
- Choose the right rice: Arborio rice is crucial - its high starch content is what gives risotto its classic creamy consistency.
- Don't rush the process: Risotto requires patience. Add broth gradually and allow each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
- Finish with cheese: Adding Parmesan at the end provides a final layer of richness and depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately: Risotto is best enjoyed right after cooking when it's at its creamiest consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg