Easy Instant Pot Risotto 30 Min

Oriana’s Thoughts on the Recipe

This Instant Pot Risotto is a hearty, comforting meal that’s both quick and easy to whip up. This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something warm and delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked risotto that’s just as creamy and silky as the classic version. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! One of the things I adore about this recipe is how it turns out every single time. The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of making risotto, which can be a bit tricky on the stovetop. No more constant stirring or worrying about whether the rice is too crunchy or too mushy. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, leaving you with a beautiful, creamy dish to impress your family and friends. Let’s not forget the wonderful flavors! The combination of Arborio rice, broth, wine, and aromatics creates a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re adding mushrooms, asparagus, or your favorite veggies, this risotto is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down). Speedy and Simple: Who doesn’t love a meal that’s ready in a flash? With this Instant Pot Risotto, you can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but want to serve something special. Perfectly Cooked Every Time: Gone are the days of babysitting a pot of risotto on the stove. The Instant Pot ensures your risotto is perfectly cooked every time, with no fuss and no constant stirring. It’s a game-changer for risotto lovers! Classic Creaminess: This risotto is everything a classic risotto should be: silky, creamy, and absolutely delicious. The Arborio rice absorbs all the flavors and releases its starch, creating that luxurious texture we all crave.

Special Equipment Required: You do need an Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker for this recipe, which might not be available in every kitchen. Alcohol Content: Even though most of the alcohol cooks off, some might prefer to avoid wine altogether.

Tips To Mitigate These Cons

Alternative Methods: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still follow the same recipe on the stovetop; just be prepared for more hands-on time. The liquid needs to be added in 3 or 4 batches, stirring frequently and waiting until the rice absorbs most of the liquid before adding the next batch. Wine Substitution: Substitute the wine with an equal amount of broth if you prefer to skip the alcohol.

Arborio rice: Short-grain arborio rice is a MUST when making risotto! This type of rice absorbs the liquid as it cooks, naturally creating a creamy and thickened texture. This does not work with long-grain rice. Arborio rice is easy to find at most grocery stores, so make sure to find the real thing! Vegetable or chicken broth: Use either one. White wine: The wine adds a savory and extra layer of flavor that’s essential to the dish. Most of the alcohol is cooked out in the cooking process. If you prefer, you can skip the wine and substitute it for more broth. Onion, garlic, celery, and thyme: These aromatics bring a big flavor to the dish. Mushrooms: This time, I used cremini mushrooms, but feel free to add any other variety you like. Or even change things up a little and use asparagus instead. Butter and olive oil: The combination of fats adds extra flavor. Parmesan cheese: You can substitute Pecorino Romano cheese.

Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Saute the Veggies

Set your pressure cooker to the “Sauté” setting and adjust to “More”. When hot, melt 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil; add onions, garlic, and celery and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2 – Add Mushrooms and Rice

Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Then, stir the rice and let it lightly fry; keep stirring it. After 1 minute, the rice will look slightly translucent. Add the wine and keep stirring —let the wine evaporate. Stir in broth and thyme; mix to combine. Press “Cancel”.

Step 3 – Cook

Secure the lid to the pressure cooker. Close the pressure release valve. Select “High Pressure” and adjust the cooking time to 6 minutes. When the time is over, press “Cancel” and carefully quick-release pressure, setting the pressure valve to vent.

Step 4 – Add Butter and Cheese

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and Parmesan cheese. Cover the pot and let it sit for 2 minutes.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped chives and Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve immediately.

Food Allergy Swaps

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Gluten-Free: Ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Variations & Additions

Veggie Options: Asparagus, baby spinach, shelled peas, halved tomatoes, chopped herbs. Cheese options: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino-Romano, and Asiago. Topping options: Add bits of gorgonzola, feta, crisp bacon, or roasted nuts. Protein: You could also add some protein, such as strips of chicken breast, shrimp, scallops, or beef, but consider cooking it quickly in a separate pan and then adding it at the end.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Risotto is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. These accompaniments include grilled proteins such as steak, chicken, or shrimp, as well as roasted veggies. A simple green salad is also a good option. In my opinion, a slice of crusty Italian bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. When serving risotto, keep these points in mind:

Use the right kind of rice: Arborio rice. Don’t rinse your rice! Warm the broth – Cool broth takes longer to warm up in the pot and may shock the grain into holding onto its starches while the rice itself continues to cook. Always do a quick release to avoid overcooking. Add butter and Parmesan cheese after the rice is cooked. Cover and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Balance the Richness: Risotto is rich and creamy, so pair it with lighter, more acidic sides to balance the meal. Presentation: Serve risotto in shallow bowls or on flat plates to allow it to spread out, showcasing its creamy texture. Portion Control: Risotto is filling, so serve moderate portions, especially if you have multiple courses.

Storing Instructions

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How To Reheat Risotto

To reheat risotto, you’re going to need to loosen up the settled starch so adding warm stock is the best option. Place the risotto in a pot, over medium-low heat, and add warm stock, about ¼ cup of broth for 1 cup of risotto, heat a few minutes until the rice warms up. If the risotto is still quite thick, you can add a splash or two more broth, as needed, to loosen it up.

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