Introduction
Pumpkin risotto is a classic winter comfort dish—creamy, cozy, and full of seasonal depth. These savory recipes bring together herbs, cheeses, vegetables, and rich flavours that suit chilly nights and crowd-friendly dinners. Whether you’re cooking for guests or keeping it simple at home, each version offers its own charm and warm character.
1. Classic Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
This simple, silky risotto brings a warm base flavour that suits any winter meal.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin purée: 1 cup
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Onion (diced): 1/2
- Parmesan: 1/4 cup
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt & pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion until soft.
- Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Add broth gradually, stirring often.
- Mix in pumpkin purée.
- Add parmesan and season.
- Simmer until creamy.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
2. Garlic-Herb Pumpkin Risotto
Garlic and mixed herbs bring a savoury winter feel to every bite.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin purée: 1 cup
- Minced garlic: 2 cloves
- Mixed herbs: 1 tsp
- Broth: 4 cups
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in oil.
- Add rice and herbs.
- Add broth gradually.
- Stir in pumpkin.
- Cook until creamy.
How to Serve It
Add a touch of chopped thyme.
3. Pumpkin-Parmesan Risotto
Parmesan adds savoury richness that pairs smoothly with pumpkin.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Parmesan: 1/3 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
- Butter: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Warm butter.
- Add rice and stir.
- Add broth slowly.
- Add pumpkin and parmesan.
- Simmer to finish.
How to Serve It
Top with cracked pepper.
4. Pumpkin & Sage Risotto
Sage gives a softly earthy note that fits the season.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Sage (chopped): 1 tbsp
- Broth: 4 cups
- Onion: 1/2
Instructions
- Sauté onion.
- Add rice and sage.
- Add broth.
- Stir in pumpkin.
- Cook until creamy.
How to Serve It
Garnish with crispy sage.
5. Roasted Pumpkin Chunk Risotto
Roasted cubes add color and sweet depth.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin cubes: 1 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Roast pumpkin cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Cook risotto as usual.
- Fold pumpkin cubes in last.
How to Serve It
Add a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Pumpkin-Mushroom Risotto
Mushrooms bring a deep, savoury balance to the creamy texture.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms (sliced): 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms.
- Add rice.
- Add broth.
- Mix in pumpkin.
- Cook until soft.
How to Serve It
Top with extra mushrooms.
7. Pumpkin & Spinach Risotto
Spinach adds color and freshness to the dish.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Spinach: 1 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
Instructions
- Cook risotto base.
- Add pumpkin.
- Stir in spinach at the end.
How to Serve It
Add lemon zest.
8. Pumpkin-Bacon Risotto
Bacon brings smoky winter comfort.
Ingredients
- Bacon (chopped): 4 slices
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
Instructions
- Cook bacon; set aside.
- Cook rice with broth.
- Add pumpkin.
- Stir in bacon.
How to Serve It
Add extra crispy bits.
9. Pumpkin-Gruyère Risotto
Gruyère adds savoury, buttery smoothness.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Gruyère: 1/3 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
Instructions
- Cook risotto.
- Add pumpkin.
- Stir in Gruyère.
How to Serve It
Add fresh chives.
10. Pumpkin & Caramelized Onion Risotto
Caramelized onions bring sweet depth.
Ingredients
- Onions (sliced): 2
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Caramelize onions.
- Make risotto base.
- Add pumpkin and onions.
How to Serve It
Top with extra onions.
11. Pumpkin & White Wine Risotto
White wine adds brightness.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- White wine: 1/2 cup
- Broth: 4 cups
Instructions
- Add wine after toasting rice.
- Add broth gradually.
- Mix in pumpkin.
How to Serve It
Top with parsley.
12. Pumpkin & Thyme Risotto
Thyme gives a calm herbal finish.
Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
- Thyme: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Add thyme to base.
- Stir in pumpkin.
- Cook to creamy texture.
How to Serve It
Garnish with thyme sprigs.
13. Pumpkin & Chicken Risotto
Chicken makes this a hearty full dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken (cooked cubes): 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook risotto.
- Add pumpkin.
- Fold in chicken.
How to Serve It
Add cracked pepper.
14. Pumpkin & Sausage Risotto
Sausage adds savoury richness.
Ingredients
- Sausage (crumbled): 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook sausage.
- Prepare risotto.
- Stir pumpkin and sausage together.
How to Serve It
Add parmesan.
15. Pumpkin & Leek Risotto
Leeks bring soft sweetness.
Ingredients
- Leeks (sliced): 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Sauté leeks.
- Add rice.
- Add broth.
- Add pumpkin.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle lemon pepper.
16. Pumpkin & Pesto Risotto
Pesto adds bright herbal character.
Ingredients
- Pesto: 2 tbsp
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare risotto.
- Stir in pumpkin.
- Swirl pesto at the end.
How to Serve It
Add pine nuts.
17. Pumpkin & Pea Risotto
Peas bring light sweetness and color.
Ingredients
- Peas: 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook risotto.
- Add peas near the end.
- Fold in pumpkin.
How to Serve It
Top with mint flakes.
18. Pumpkin & Kale Risotto
Kale adds winter-friendly texture.
Ingredients
- Kale (shredded): 1 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook risotto.
- Add pumpkin.
- Fold in kale just before serving.
How to Serve It
Add crushed red pepper.
19. Pumpkin & Walnut Risotto
Walnuts add crunch and warmth.
Ingredients
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Make risotto.
- Add pumpkin.
- Top with walnuts.
How to Serve It
Toast walnuts first for extra flavour.
20. Pumpkin & Blue Cheese Risotto
Blue cheese adds sharp contrast to the soft pumpkin taste.
Ingredients
- Blue cheese: 1/4 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare risotto.
- Add pumpkin.
- Stir in blue cheese.
How to Serve It
Add rosemary.
21. Pumpkin & Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto
Sun-dried tomatoes add bold depth.
Ingredients
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/3 cup
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes.
- Make risotto.
- Stir tomatoes and pumpkin together.
How to Serve It
Add basil.
22. Pumpkin & Roasted Garlic Risotto
Roasted garlic adds gentle sweetness and winter comfort.
Ingredients
- Roasted garlic cloves: 6
- Rice: 1 cup
- Pumpkin: 1 cup
Instructions
- Roast garlic at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
- Prepare risotto.
- Fold in roasted garlic and pumpkin.
How to Serve It
Top with parsley and olive oil.
Conclusion
Pumpkin risotto is one of winter’s most comforting dishes, and these recipes bring warmth, color, and rich flavour to your table. Save a few favourites, try them throughout the season, and enjoy sharing them with anyone who loves a cozy dinner.
