Most of the time, when you hear the word risotto in a recipe, it can be intimidating. Not this recipe! The Instant Pot makes this Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe recipe a breeze!
If you like easy dinner recipes like this Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe, you should try my recipe for Beef Stir Fry and Spicy Chicken Broccoli Fry! They’re so easy and so yummy!
Butternut squash is such a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes. Not only does it have a wonderful slightly sweet and nutty flavor, but it also has such a delicious texture. It kind of reminds me of sweet potatoes with butterscotch. While it might sound odd, almost everyone would agree, butternut squash is a treat for the taste buds.
So, we know it is yummy, but did you know that despite its totally decadent, it is also really good for you?
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Butternut squash is loaded with good for you vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. One thing butternut squash isn’t loaded with is calories. It adds a lot of substance and flavor without loading any dish with calories. Kids will like it because it is a little sweeter than your average vegetable. Adults will like it because it is simply delicious. It is not a low carb food, but it is something you can indulge in as fall arrives without feeling guilty.
This recipe for instant pot butternut squash risotto is incredible. It is like comfort in a bowl on a brisk fall day. I promise you, it comes together easily and from start to finish, you can plan to have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Knowing I can put such a filling and tasty meal on the table in 30 minutes eliminates the desire to stop for fast food on really hectic nights.
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While the instant pot makes cooking butternut squash risotto a breeze, it tastes like you spent all day simmering. I make this recipe with white wine. It adds a depth to the flavor that is amazing. If you don’t have white wine, don’t let that discourage you. You can use an extra cup of broth instead. Both with and without the wine as an ingredient, this is an amazing and tasty dinner idea!
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
What You Need
2 Tablespoons Butter
1/2 Cup White Onion (about ½ med onion), Diced
1 Cup White Wine (Can substitute 1 extra cup chicken broth)
1 ½ Cups Butternut Squash, Diced
2 Cups Chicken Broth (Veggie broth substitute for Vegetarian)
½ Teaspoon Dry Ground Sage
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
¼ Cup Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Cup Arborio Rice
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How to Make Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
Set Instant Pot to saute for 15 minutes and allow to preheat. Melt butter in your Instant Pot and add the onion. Saute, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to sweat translucent, around 1-2 minutes.
Dump the Squash in and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until onion begins to turn translucent. Add garlic and sage and stir for another 30 seconds.
Add rice and saute until edges begin to turn translucent (center will still be white). Pour in the wine and cook until reduced.
Pour chicken broth (or Veggie broth) into the pot, and scrape down the sides of the pot to ensure no food is above the liquid level.
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Cook for 5 minutes on manual setting, then manually release steam.
Carefully remove the lid and stir in cheese. At this point, if your risotto is too liquid for your taste, you can continue to cook on saute until it is fully absorbed.
Serve risotto immediately.
Including the preheat time for this recipe, it still will only take you about 30 minutes to make from start to finish!
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This is one of our family’s favorites, and I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me how yours turned out! Don’t you just love your Instant Pot?!
Related: Instant Pot Dessert Recipes

Butternut Squash Instant Pot Risotto
Make dinner in a flash with this easy recipe for Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto! It's creamy, delicious and an all-time fave.
What You Need
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Cup White Onion about ½ med onion, Diced
- 1 Cup White Wine Can substitute 1 extra cup chicken broth
- 1 Cup Arborio Rice
- 1 ½ Cups Butternut Squash Diced
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Dry Ground Sage
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced
- ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions
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Set Instant Pot to sauté for 15 minutes and allow to preheat.
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Melt butter in Pot and add onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to sweat translucent, around 1-2 minutes.
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Add Squash and cook for another 2-3 Minutes, or until onion begins to turn translucent.
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Add garlic and sage and stir for another 30 seconds.
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Add rice and sauté until edges begin to turn translucent (center will still be white).
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Add wine and cook until reduced.
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Pour chicken into pot, and scrape down the sides of the pot to ensure no food is above the liquid level.
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Cook for 5 minutes on manual setting, then manually release steam.
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Carefully remove lid and stir in cheese. At this point, if your risotto is too liquid for your taste, you can continue to cook on sauté until it is fully absorbed.
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10. Serve risotto immediately.
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robin rue says
Your risotto sounds so good. I have to make this and SOON!
Stacie says
Oh yum! I’ve been looking for a new side to make, and this one looks great! Thanks so much!
Christie says
I’m the kind of person who will try just about anything food-wise once. I have my limitations. All types of squash I’ll try, and this would be no different.
Liz Mays says
Oh, I’m loving this idea! This kind of risotto mixture would be super comforting and flavorful.
AnnMarie John says
I love butternut squash and how awesome it is for cooking! This recipe is going to be enjoyed by the kids and I can’t wait to try it!
Pam says
I love risotto! I have never had butternut squash risotto before.
Claudia K says
I love my Instant Pot and I love Butternut Squash. A risotto sounds like a delicious way to use my Instant Pot this weekend.
Brianne says
Butternut squash risotto sounds delicious. I will have to try this!
travel blogger says
This looks amazing! I have never made a risotto before, but I think I could manage this. I love Butternut squash, and I honestly don’t make a ton of recipes with it. Yum!
Denise C says
I really need to get myself one of these instant pots. That looks so delicious.
Angela Milnes says
I haven’t had a lot of butternut squash before. It looks delicious and I would love to try this in the instant pot as I am new to using it.
Sara Welch says
Mmmm one of my favorite things about fall is squash. What a delicious side dish!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This looks really delicious! My husband loves risotto! I am sure he will love this!
kristin says
YUM!! I could totally make this, I just need an insane pot. I might ahve to get one!
Kiwi says
I love butternut squash and risotto! I would love to try this combo together!
Nancy says
Just made this today, so delicious! Turned out great! Thanks!
Lisa says
I just bought my instant pot and this was the first recipe I attempted. It was amazing!!! So easy and so good!! Definitely will be a family favorite!
Marissa says
Awesome! Thank you for your kind words.
Marissa says
What is the serving size for nutritional information?
Marissa says
Hey! This recipe serves 6 people, so a hearty bowl full. Sorry, I don’t have exact measurements. The nutritional info in the recipe should be calculated per serving.
Andrea Fuhr says
It’s so good and goes way too fast in our house. Has anyone tried to double it?
Marissa says
I am so glad you all like it. You should be able to double it without issues.
Tina says
I did and Perfecto!!!!
Tina says
My daughter made a version of this at a kids cooking class. She begged me to make it but I didn’t have the recipe….so my hunt began and I found this. I have used fresh squash and most recently frozen PC brand squash. This time I added a small rind of Parmesan. Boy o Boy it’s tasty!!!! Might I add that noone in the house is a fan of squash and will not eat it but this is divine. My hubby and boys don’t like rice and they love this!!!! Home Run.
Tina says
I might add that this time I doubled it and served it along side beef and broccoli stir fry so there were leftovers ?
Alina says
wow! What a stunning looking risotto. Lots of YUMS! Simply loved it! A perfect summer meal!
Anna says
It’s amazing! I just randomly found your blog looking for this recipe. Awesome! Good for you!
Alyssa says
Thanks! This looks so simple to make, yet looking really satisfying and tasty!
Suzy says
I’ve made this several times. Making it again tonight
Mollie C Kieff says
My family loved this recipe. We are making it again this week with salmon and roasted broccoli. Thank you for such an easy recipe.
Suzanne says
I’ve made this 4 times and it never fails to please my family. I mix it up a bit each time, add chicken or ham, or use butternut squash soup and shredded carrots if I don’t have any squash. Always tasty. It’s also one of the most frequently re- pinned recipes from my own board.
Wendy says
If I double this recipe is the cook time still only 5 minutes?