Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
This Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto Recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender pumpkin puree with aromatic sautéed aromatics and creamy Arborio rice, baked to perfection for a hands-off, flavorful meal. Perfect for any season, it delivers rich autumn flavors and velvety texture with minimal fuss.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin puree
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (sage or thyme), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prep the aromatics and rice: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the Arborio rice to lightly toast it, coating each grain with the flavorful base.
- Add liquids and pumpkin: Pour in the white wine if using, and let it simmer until mostly absorbed. Stir in the pumpkin puree and broth, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to add color and depth.
- Bake the risotto: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly and cook to creamy perfection without stirring.
- Stir in cheese and finish: Carefully remove the foil once baked and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use quality broth for best flavor, either homemade or high-quality store-bought.
- Do not skip toasting Arborio rice as it adds nuttiness and helps prevent mushiness.
- Ensure the baking dish is well covered with foil to trap steam and evenly cook the risotto.
- Use sugar or pie pumpkins for the best sweetness and texture in your puree.
- Add cheese right before serving to maintain its melty, vibrant texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pumpkin risotto, baked risotto, easy risotto, autumn recipe, creamy risotto, gluten free risotto