Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Ever have those nights where you’re craving some comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto totally hits that sweet spot. Honestly, I find myself making this almost every week—especially when butternut squash is on sale! It’s warm, filling, and you’ll sneak some veggies into your busy weeknight without anyone calling you out. If you‘re looking for more cozy sausage recipes, these cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage are a hit, too.
Nutrition
Let’s talk nutrition for a hot second. Butternut squash is a powerhouse. Lots of vitamin A, good stuff for your eyeballs, plus vitamin C to maybe keep those colds away. Sausage adds protein—it makes this dish a solid dinner, not just a snacky bowl of rice. Now, risotto sometimes gets a bad rap for being heavy, but if you use lean sausage (like chicken or turkey sausage), it lightens up a lot. Another thing: Arborio rice in risotto is just real comforting carbs, and sometimes you need that hug-in-a-bowl feeling.
If you swap in veggie sausage or skip the cheese, you’ll still have a nutritious meal. And let’s face it… nobody wants to crunch numbers by dinnertime, but this mix gives you everything—carbs, protein, vitamins—nothing wimpy here. A good meal when you’re tired but want something real.
“I never thought I’d actually enjoy squash, but in this risotto, it blends so perfectly—like magic! My picky husband asked for seconds.”
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Method
So, how do you pull off Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto without losing your mind? Here’s my totally approachable way. Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those “stir for thirty minutes” deals.
I start by chopping the squash into small pieces, like really small cubes—helps it cook faster. Get your sausage sizzling in a wide pan (I like a Dutch oven if I’m feeling fancy, but any deep skillet will do). Once brown, toss in your squash cubes. Give everything a little mix, then add your rice. Yes, straight in. Pour in a bit of stock (use whatever’s on hand, chicken or veggie both work), and just stir here and there.
Now this part’s key: don’t walk away for good, but you don’t have to babysit. Just keep adding in stock in bits, stirring when you remember. It’ll look soupy at first, but trust the process. Once your rice is cooked and the whole thing’s creamy, throw in a little cheese—Parmesan works great. That’s it!
Don’t stress if your squash isn’t meltingly soft. As long as it’s tender, you’re golden. This dish forgives you even if you’re distracted.
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Side Dishes
You’ve got your Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto bubbling on the stove—and maybe your stomach is already growling. So, what do you serve it with? Here are some of my best “just-grab-it” sides:
- Toss together a simple green salad for crunch and color.
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus goes awesome with risotto’s creaminess.
- Warm, crusty bread is basically required if you ask me.
- If you want double comfort, serve with a bowl of classic tomato soup for dipping (trust me).
Pairing is easy since this risotto is so flavorful, it kinda just wants a fresh or toasted partner. Wild how bread can turn “just risotto” into “five-star restaurant” vibes.
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Warm up this season with Good Food
Let’s be honest—fall and winter sometimes hit you right in the feels. The cold isn’t just outside, sometimes it gets into your bones, you know? Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto is one of those recipes I lean on when I need a little boost. It fills the kitchen with this rich, cozy smell that makes everyone wander in asking “what’s for dinner?” (even nosy neighbors, sometimes).
It’s also one of those forgiving dishes. Got an extra carrot? Throw it in. Ran out of Arborio rice? Regular white rice works in a pinch. When I’m wiped out on a Thursday, this dish is like putting on soft socks: easy and instant mood upgrade.
Sure, I could go for takeout, but nothing makes me feel as good as knowing I made something delicious and good for me—even when my brain says “nope, just nap.”
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Thanksgiving Collection
I’m calling it right now: Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto totally deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving menu, or honestly, any fall get-together. It’s a crowd-pleaser and saves you from dealing with too many dishes (bonus!). Plus, it feels festive but doesn’t require weird, hard-to-find ingredients.
Because it’s so flexible, you can add some cranberries for a holiday twist or use up whatever sausage you’ve got lurking in your freezer. I once made this when a bunch of friends dropped by unexpectedly and people still talk about it. It’s got that “wow, you cooked?” magic, even though you didn’t really break a sweat. Leftovers reheat like a dream, too, so you don’t lose out if you accidentally make a mountain.
Thinking of making your own version? For something a little different, you might want to try one-pot cheesy sausage & butternut squash orzotto for a cool spin—super quick and has that same creamy vibe. Craving more hearty sausage dinners? These delicious 1-pan pancake sausage casseroles are a floofy, golden favorite around here. Either way, keep it simple, keep it cozy, and enjoy!
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Speedy Sausage & Butternut Squash Risotto
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the butternut squash into small cubes.
- In a wide pan or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pan and mix well.
- Once the squash has started to soften, add the Arborio rice to the pan.
- Pour in some stock and stir occasionally, keeping an eye on it.
- Continue to add stock in small amounts and stir until the rice is cooked and creamy.
- Once done, stir in the Parmesan cheese if using.
