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Pumpkin Risotto

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

October 11, 2026

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4.97 from 120 votes

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pumpkin risotto pinterest image.
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This creamy pumpkin risotto with goat cheese and dried cranberries is rich, cozy and perfect for an elegant fall dinner or vegetarian Thanksgiving.

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Overhead shot of pumpkin risotto in bowl with goat cheese & cranberries

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5 stars
So good!

This was my 2nd time making risotto, and I think I am officially hooked.

I was skeptical about the dried cranberries at first- but oh my goodness, the whole bite – when you get goat cheese, cranberry, and risotto – is absolutely amazing.

Even the leftovers were great.

A wonderful autumnal dish. Will definitely be making again.

–

Charlize

While some people may have a pumpkin obsession, my obsession generally lies with risotto. Like my Lemon Mascarpone Risotto, Beet Risotto and Grilled Shrimp Risotto.

Not only do I like eating risotto, but I thoroughly enjoy the process of making it – Mainly because I get to stand over a hot stove when it’s freezing cold outside. Freezing cold = 60 degrees and below in my book.

The process of making risotto is easy, but it does take some babysitting because you need to “feed” the risotto. We’re feeding the risotto with a ladle full of stock time after time, letting it fully absorb between each addition.

This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it’s a full evolution. The risotto starts as hard grains of rice, then it becomes more plump, and then, through all the stirring and the feeding, it takes on the most incredible creamy texture that’s tasty on it’s own, but also totally customizable with any ingredients of your choosing.

Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries in bowl with a Barolo wine pairing.

This is the most amazing fall risotto. The pumpkin and dried cranberries just call out Thanksgiving to me. Plus, I’m making this risotto totally meat free, meaning that it would be a perfect option to serve for a vegetarian Thanksgiving.

The creamy pumpkin lends a rich, earthy flavor to the mix, the goat cheese adds tang and creaminess, and the dried cranberries give zing and add their beautiful color to the dish.

PS… This dish would also be delicious with some of this crispy prosciutto crumbled on top!

How to make ahead and reheat

  • To store: Keep any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Place the leftovers into a pan with a bit of extra broth and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Here’s a full post with my tips on how to reheat risotto.

Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries in bowl - Close up shot.

Serving suggestions

  • Easy Arugula Salad
  • Thanksgiving Salad
  • Sauteed Spinach
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
  • Vegan Caesar Salad
  • Shaved Fennel Salad
  • MORE → 35+ EASY sides for risotto!

What’s your favorite pumpkin dish or product of the season? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Erin’s wine pairings for pumpkin risotto

  • Barolo has a firm tannins and great body that will cut through the creaminess of this dish.
  • With its buttery notes, Chardonnay pairs nicely with the creamy risotto and pumpkin.
  • Bubbles are always fun – Especially for a special occasion. Try Cava, Prosecco or Champagne.

More risotto recipes

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  • Caprese Tomato Risotto
  • Seared Scallops with Lemon Tarragon Risotto
  • Shrimp Risotto
  • Creamy Chicken Risotto
  • Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese
  • Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Mousse

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Overhead shot of pumpkin risotto in bowl with goat cheese & cranberries

Full Recipe

Pumpkin Risotto

This Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Cranberries is a perfect fall comfort food. It’s rich and creamy and perfect for an elegant weeknight meal. Or try serving this to your vegetarian guests at Thanksgiving.
4.97 from 120 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bone broth (or chicken broth or vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted )
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped )
  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated )
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped )
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup goat cheese (crumbled )
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together 4 cups bone broth and 1 cup canned pumpkin puree over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover and keep warm.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Once the foaming subsides, add 1 shallot (minced) and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook until softened, 2-3 minutes. Add the 1 teaspoon fresh thyme and 1 1/2 cups arborio rice and cook for one minute longer.
  • Add the 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar and a ladle of warm broth/pumpkin mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated. Add another ladle of broth, and continue cooking until evaporated again. Continue cooking, adding a ladle of broth at a time, and allowing to absorb in between each addition. Cook until the rice is done, but has a bite to it, it should be creamy in texture, and will take about 20-25 minutes.
  • Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, half of the parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining parsley, 1 cup goat cheese and 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

How to make ahead and reheat
  • To store: Keep any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Place the leftovers into a pan with a bit of extra broth and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Here’s a full post with my tips on how to reheat risotto.

Nutrition

Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 9815IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 4.3mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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4.97 from 120 votes (100 ratings without comment)

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116 responses

  1. Lisa
    November 4, 2016

    Oh my! This dish looks absolutely fantastic. I’m certainly adding it to my menu for Thanksgiving!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 4, 2016

      Thank you Lisa. This is perfect for Thanksgiving! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. vivian
    November 21, 2016

    This was absolutely fabulous, and not difficult to make. Next time, I’m thinking of adding some toasted walnuts to the top. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  3. Jen
    November 22, 2016

    Question, I’m making this for thanksgiving, do you think I could make this a few hours prior to dinner? Could you reheat it without it getting overcooked?! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 23, 2016

      Hi Jen. This risotto does reheat quite well. You should be just fine making it ahead of time. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  4. Angela
    November 30, 2016

    How many ounces of pumpkin were in the can?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 1, 2016

      Hi Angela – There were 29oz. of pumpkin puree in my can, but you will only use one cup. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  5. Veronica Lucci
    December 17, 2016

    I made this and paired with pecan-crusted grouper—the flavors were so amazing my fiancé and I have vowed to cook it for our next gathering with friends! The richness of the Parmesan pairs fantastically with the lightness of the feta..and the dried cranberries were such a great component too! I added a pinch of white pepper and about 1/8tsp cayenne. Delicious! Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 19, 2016

      You are so welcome Veronica – I’m glad you both loved it! The pecan-crusted grouper sounds absolutely fabulous as well!

      Reply
      1. John
        October 25, 2019

        I’m wondering if you get enough pumpkin flavor and texture by putting it in with the broth? How would it work to add the pumpkin puree at the end, after you have finished preparing the risotto? Since you heat everything after all the ingredients are added this would seem to be okay. What do you think?

        Reply
        1. Erin
          October 30, 2019

          Hi John – I think that it has plenty of pumpkin flavor. But, you could definitely give that a try! I’d love to hear how it works out.

          Reply
  6. jennifer
    December 18, 2016

    can you substitute butternut squash? thinking about this for Christmas.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 19, 2016

      Hi Jennifer – I think butternut squash would be delicious in this as well – Go for it!

      Reply
  7. Jana
    June 29, 2017

    Have you ever made this recipe a couple of days before? I’m looking for recipes to make beforehand to minimise my cooking the day of. How does this risotto do after a day in the fridge?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 29, 2017

      Hi Jana – I definitely prefer this recipe right after it is prepared. Although it is good reheated, it loses its wonderful texture. The best way to reheat it would be in a warm oven.

      Reply
  8. Jessica Randhawa
    September 6, 2017

    5 stars
    girrrrl! This dish looks crazy amazing! I literally cannot wait to make this asap! And the added cranberries- so smart!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 7, 2017

      Thanks Jessica – It’s the perfect dish to start getting in the mood for fall! And, I need all the help I can get with that!

      Reply
      1. Mary
        September 22, 2017

        How do you think this would pair with a lemon caper chicken dish? I want to include it but I’m not sure of the flavours. Thanks!

        Reply
        1. Erin
          September 22, 2017

          Hi Mary – I’m not quite sure that the flavors would go well together… If you’d still like to pair it with risotto, maybe try this Lemon Mascarpone Risotto instead. It’s quite rich, so I might also pair it with this arugula salad. Hope this helps!

          Reply
  9. Amber
    September 25, 2017

    Could possibly make this the day before and reheat tj3 day of the gathering?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 26, 2017

      Hi Amber – Risotto really is much, much better the day you make it. I wouldn’t recommend reheating this dish unfortunately.

      Reply
  10. Nichole @ Casa de Crews
    October 24, 2017

    Every year, my sister and I swear we’re going to make risotto for Thanksgiving. This recipe is every reason WHY we finally need to make it happen this year!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      October 25, 2017

      Yay! This is definitely the perfect risotto for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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