Description
This comforting Chicken Pumpkin Risotto combines creamy Arborio rice with tender chicken and smooth pumpkin puree, enriched with Parmesan cheese and savory chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish balances rich flavors and creamy texture in about 45 minutes, making it an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the chicken broth: In a separate pot, simmer the chicken broth over low heat, keeping it warm throughout the entire cooking process to ensure smooth absorption by the rice.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, forming the flavor base.
- Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice and coat it with the oil, which helps release its starch for creaminess.
- Begin adding broth: Gradually add ½ cup of the warm chicken broth to the rice, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat adding broth in ½ cup increments, stirring constantly to encourage the rice to release its starch and become creamy.
- Add pumpkin and chicken: After about 15 minutes of cooking the rice, stir in the pumpkin puree and the cooked chicken pieces. Continue adding broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently until the rice is tender, creamy, and fully cooked, which takes an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Once the rice is tender and creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly to melt into the risotto and add a savory depth.
- Season and serve: Taste the risotto and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately to enjoy its warm, creamy texture and comforting flavors.
- Enjoy: Savor your homemade creamy chicken pumpkin risotto as a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Keep the chicken broth warm throughout the cooking process to help the rice cook evenly and achieve a creamy texture.
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but fresh pureed pumpkin can also be used.
- Stir frequently while cooking the rice to prevent it from sticking and to help it release starch for creaminess.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
- The dish is best served immediately as risotto tends to thicken upon standing.
