Silky, rich, and filled with warm autumn flavors, this Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Pancetta is the ultimate comfort dish. Creamy arborio rice is slowly simmered with warm broth and subtly spiced pumpkin purée, finished with sharp Parmesan and a crispy pancetta topping. This dish is both elegant and satisfying—perfect as a cozy fall main or an elevated side for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deeply comforting: The creamy texture and warm spices make this a go-to dish for colder seasons.
Perfectly balanced: The sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with savory Parmesan and salty pancetta.
Restaurant-quality: With minimal effort, you get a refined, elegant dish worthy of any dinner party.
Customizable: Easily adapted for vegetarians or enriched with seasonal ingredients like mushrooms or sage.
Great for leftovers: Flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
butter
yellow onion
garlic cloves
arborio rice
dry white wine
chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
dried thyme
ground nutmeg
grated Parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper
diced pancetta (or bacon), cooked until crisp
fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Directions

In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic and arborio rice; cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour in the dry white wine and stir until completely absorbed.
Gradually add warm broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
After about 15 minutes, stir in the pumpkin purée, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg.
Continue adding broth and stirring until the rice is tender and creamy, about 20–25 minutes total.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Spoon into serving bowls and top with crispy pancetta, extra Parmesan, and fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Omit pancetta and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
Add sage: Replace thyme with fresh chopped sage or add fried sage leaves for garnish.
Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Roasted pumpkin: Stir in diced roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for added texture.
No wine: Substitute wine with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water over low heat. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy again. Avoid microwaving for best texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the rice may become grainy.

FAQs

What is arborio rice, and why is it used?

Arborio is a short-grain rice with high starch content, essential for achieving the creamy texture characteristic of risotto.

Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes, just ensure it’s 100% pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What can I substitute for pancetta?

Crispy bacon, turkey bacon, or even smoked tempeh can be used as alternatives.

Can I make this risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best fresh, but you can prep the pumpkin mixture and crispy pancetta in advance for faster cooking.

Is wine essential in risotto?

While it adds depth, you can omit wine and use extra broth with a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. Coconut cream can replace the Parmesan for creaminess.

What kind of broth is best?

A low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works well, allowing you to control the final seasoning.

How do I know when the risotto is done?

It should be creamy with a slight bite (al dente) in the center of the rice grains—typically after 20–25 minutes.

How do I prevent the risotto from drying out?

Stir frequently and add broth slowly to maintain a silky consistency. Reheat gently with extra liquid if needed.

Can I use other grains?

While arborio is traditional, farro or pearl barley can be used for a hearty twist, though cooking time will vary.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Pancetta is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and classic cooking technique. Velvety, savory, and punctuated with crispy pancetta and fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying meal for both casual evenings and special occasions. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a gourmet side, this risotto will bring warmth and richness to your fall table.