This Keto Butternut Squash Risotto is ultra satisfying, and very easy to make! You can for real have this delicious keto risotto on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish – making it a perfect weeknight meal that will feel like an indulgence!
If you thought rich and creamy risotto was off limits while on Keto, you’d be wrong! Now it’s true, this keto butternut squash risotto IS made with cauliflower rice instead of the real thing, but I promise you won’t care once you taste it!
The ultimate keto comfort food, this low carb risotto is loaded with fresh sage, rosemary, nutmeg, garlic, and of course the slightly sweet squash to balance the flavors. And let’s not forget the creamy mascarpone and pungent, salty parmesan – it’s a true taste sensation!
If you’re craving something creamy, rich, and hearty – that delivers the warm fuzzies and sheer joy that your old carb-laden favorites used to give you, then I promise you will be putting this keto butternut squash risotto into the regular rotation.
Even your non-keto family members will likely want to get on board with this one. In fact, you may regret sharing it, because that means less for you – and did I mention that it reheats like a dream and is almost better leftover, as if that’s even possible?
My only regret with this keto butternut squash risotto is that I didn’t post it sooner, as I’ve had it made since November! ? I know! I’m so sorry! But hopefully you can get the butternut squash year round, and you’ll be able to make and enjoy this recipe ASAP.
Because the amount of butternut squash is small – just enough to add the flavor and texture to notice it, the net carbs in this recipe are about 7 grams for 1 cup. Perfect as a keto side dish to your favorite roasted poultry or meat – this can also be enjoyed in a double portion as a main dish, as long as you budget your carbs accordingly for the day!
This keto butternut squash risotto is vegetarian (and already delicious) as is, but I’m not gonna lie, it would be even more amazing served with a generous heap of cooked crumbled bacon or pancetta piled on top. ??
If your love for risotto is as deep and abiding as mine, be sure to try the Lobster Risotto (page 242) and Hazelnut Risotto (page 256) from my best selling book Keto for Life which you can find at your local Target, Costco, Barnes & Noble, Chapters, and Amazon!
Keto Butternut Squash Risotto
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This keto butternut squash risotto is short on carbs but big on flavor! The ultimate keto comfort food, this low carb risotto is also nut free, egg free, gluten free, and vegetarian.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup butternut squash, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (4 ounces)
- 1/8th teaspoon grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat.
- Add the sage, rosemary and garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the riced cauliflower, mashed squash, salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes or until the cauliflower is beginning to soften.
- Add the sherry and cook for another 7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the cauliflower is soft.
- Stir in the Parmesan, Mascarpone, and grated nutmeg.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and the risotto is creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with more fresh herbs and grated parmesan before serving.
Notes
Approximate net carbs per serving = 7g.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Keto side dishes
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 337
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: risotto, Keto, comfort foods, side dishes, vegetarian, nut free, egg free, gluten free, low carb, cauliflower
Julie Washer says
Love love love this recipe! Served to family and friends and no one cares it is “keto” – everyone says delicious. It is my go-to side dish for grilled salmon.
Fatima Cook says
I love this recipe! Do you think I can make it in advance and freeze? Thinking slightly ahead for Thanksgiving. Thank you!
★★★★★
Mellissa Sevigny says
Not sure if freezing it will make it separate and ruin the texture. I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure I’d risk it getting ruined without a practice run first. Let us know how it turns out if you try it!
Carrie Logan says
DAAAAANG! So creamy, so yummy, so simple. I’ve made this twice now and I’m in love. The first time I followed instructions, only subbing canned pumpkin for butternut squash. It was fantastic. The second time I used 1/4 C goat cheese and 1/4 C mascarpone and it was SO good. This one is a keeper for sure.
I know it’s not keto, but I do throw in a few green peas at the end because I love that texture.
★★★★★
Mellissa Sevigny says
A small amount of green peas won’t hurt you on keto as long as you’re counting those carbs towards your total budget. Love your idea of adding goat cheese, can’t wait to try that!
Ann Parsons says
I made this tonight and followed the recipe as written and it was a hit. I would not change a thing. Thank you so much for sharing.
★★★★★
Lise says
Is there an instant pot version? Sounds yummy!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Not currently but I supposed it could be made in the instant pot – you’d just want to be careful that the cauliflower rice didn’t turn into mush so it wouldn’t take long. Let us know if you experiment with it and come up with a good time, meanwhile I’ll add it to my list!
Trish says
I did not have marscapone cheese or sherry. Instead I mixed 4 oz cream cheese with 2 Tbsp butter, and used 1/2 cup white wine to replace the sherry. Other than that I had all the other ingredients. It was amazing! One serving filling as a side dish along with a meat. Thankyou for posting this recipe.
★★★★★
Allyouneediscatsandbacon says
I am so excited to try this! I have been craving risotto for months!
Brandon says
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe here. This is my first and result is outstanding. It is a great success. I have made this as a Thanksgiving side dish, and my nonna, whose specialty is risotto, couldn’t believe how well it came out! My mom also begged to keep the leftovers. Such a big win, as are all of your recipes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
★★★★
Ginger says
Can I used boxed or frozen riced cauliflower?