Butternut Squash and Sausage Risotto with Toasted Hazelnuts and Crispy Sage

Comforting and hearty Italian risotto that celebrates the flavors of fall. Creamy and rich, served with toasted hazelnuts, crispy sage and lots of Parmesan cheese. This risotto is sure to impress!

This post is written in collaboration with RiceSelect. All opinions are mine alone. 

Ready to cozy up with this Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Risotto?!?

This heartwarming dish brings out the essence of fall, blending sweet, tender butternut squash with savory Italian sausage. Creamy Arborio rice soaks up the richness of white wine and vegetable broth, while toasted hazelnuts and crispy sage add a delightful crunch and earthy aroma. 

It's a comforting, hearty dish that strikes the perfect balance between flavors and textures, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Trust me—this risotto will impress your guests and quickly become a favorite.

What I love most is that it's made with RiceSelect Arborio rice, a pantry staple known for its high quality—Non-GMO Project verified, Kosher-certified, naturally gluten-free, and packaged in 100% BPA-free, recyclable jars. It’s a product I trust, without any preservatives or additives! 🙌
Plus, there's an amazing cause behind it! RiceSelect is partnering with California Food Banks through the Jars of Hope Initiative. For every jar sold at Ralphs, Food4Less, and Walmart in California from 10/14 to 11/10, they’ll donate $1 to @Cafoodbanks, helping support communities in need. It’s a fantastic way to give back while enjoying delicious, sustainable ingredients! 🥰

Here are a few tips to make the perfect Italian Risotto: 

1. Choose the right rice: For this recipe, I’m using Arborio rice, which creates a soft and creamy risotto. If you prefer a firmer texture, Carnaroli rice is a great alternative as it holds its shape a little better.

2. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice briefly in olive oil helps to seal the grains, giving the risotto a nice texture.

3. Use hot stock:  Keep your stock piping hot while cooking. Adding hot broth ensures the rice cooks evenly, and starts to soften the grains immediately. Add enough stock to just cover the rice with each addition (about 1 large ladle). This allows the grains to cook evenly, ensuring that no rice is left uncooked at the top.

4. "Mantecatura", the must-have Italian step! Once your risotto is al dente, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese, cover the pan, and let the risotto sit for 4-5 minutes. This technique, called "mantecare," gives the risotto that luxurious, creamy texture.

And remember, if you wish for a vegetarian version of this butternut squash risotto, simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead. As easy as that!

Ready to try it too?!? Buon appetito!

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD: Butternut and Sausage Italian Risotto