What cookware works best?

Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Name: Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup Arborio rice; 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced; 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving); 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 23, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026

Italian-Inspired 35 mins instantpotonepotvegetariancomfortfoodeasyquickfamily-friendlyseasonalmealprepfreezable

Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto is a practical PanPotPlates recipe built for dependable weeknight cooking.

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and warm the olive oil.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Arborio rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly toast the rice.
Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir until mostly evaporated.
Mix in the diced butternut squash and warm vegetable broth, stirring well.
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'.
Cook on 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' mode at high pressure for 7 minutes.
After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Carefully open the lid and stir the risotto. Add butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh sage.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring thoroughly until creamy.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Alternatively, cool and store for convenient meal prep.

Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is tailored specifically for the Instant Pot , offering a true one-pot meal solution that marries ease with rich flavor.

Cookware Size Guidance

The recommended cookware for this recipe is an Instant Pot with a 6-quart (5.5 to 6 liters) capacity .

Cookware Swap Guidance

nstant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto recipe is crafted to leverage the Instant Pot’s multifunctionality: sautéing and pressure cooking in one vessel to produce creamy, flavorful risotto in under 30 minutes.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

Customize this Instant Pot Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability with these simple replacements, preserving its creamy comfort and rich flavor:

Vegan: Substitute the Parmesan cheese and butter with vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast and plant-based butter.
Dairy-Free: Replace Parmesan and butter with dairy-free cheese products and olive oil or vegan margarine to maintain creaminess.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free vegetable broth and wine. Always verify labels for hidden gluten.
Wine Replacement: Use extra vegetable broth or a splash of white grape juice as a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine without compromising flavor.
Butternut Squash Substitutes: Swap with pumpkin or sweet potato for seasonal variety; both add sweetness and a creamy texture.
Lower Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and reduce salt to meet your health needs.

These substitutions keep the recipe versatile, quick, and easy while delivering satisfying, family-friendly comfort food.

Storage and Reheating

Cool Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Instant Pot Creamy Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions