Instant Pot Risotto Recipe

Picture this: you’re cozied up in your kitchen with your trusty Instant Pot, about to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as comforting as a warm hug. This creamy, dreamy risotto is about to become your new go-to dish. Let’s get cooking!

My Instant Pot Risotto blends creamy Arborio rice with the depth and richness of Parmesan cheese and the barely-there essence of dry white wine. I love how quickly it all comes together, with the added “convenience” of minimal stirring.

The sauté of olive oil, onion, and garlic that serves as the “base” for this dish makes it even more delicious.

Ingredients

• Arborio rice: High in starch, creates creamy texture, rich in carbohydrates.
• Olive oil: Healthy fats, enhances flavor, aids in sautéing ingredients.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, rich in antioxidants, enhances savory depth.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, aromatic, provides robust flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Rich, nutty flavor, adds umami, contains calcium and protein.
• Chicken broth: Enhances flavor, low-calorie, contains essential nutrients.
• White wine: Adds acidity, deglazes pot, evaporates to enhance taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot and turn it on. Add olive oil and allow it to heat up for about a minute.

2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Add the Arborio rice to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.

4. Pour in the dry white wine and stir, allowing it to simmer until almost fully evaporated, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the pot, reserving the remaining 1 cup for later. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.

7. When the meal is done cooking, let it go through a quick release. You do this by carefully turning the valve to ‘Venting’. Only open the lid when you have visually confirmed that the pressure has fully released.

8. Change back to the ‘Sauté’ function and add in the rest of the chicken broth—1 cup. Stir constantly until absorbed (and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot so that any stuck bits come loose and mix into the rice). By the time the broth is absorbed, the rice should be almost fully cooked. It should look creamy, with the individual grains still distinct. If not, keep stirring and add a bit more broth if you’ve got it.

9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter, and stir until both are completely melted and the risotto looks creamy.

10. Check the taste, and if necessary, add a little (or a lot) more salt and pepper. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you want to be fancy. And then go ahead and eat the risotto you just made.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cups
4. Chopping board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
8. Ladle (optional, for adding broth)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of rice instead of Arborio?Using Arborio rice is best for risotto because it absorbs liquids well and has a creamy texture. Other short-grain varieties like Carnaroli might work, but using long-grain rice is not recommended.
• What can I use instead of white wine?Should you not wish to use wine, replace it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. You will get a slightly different flavor.
• Can this recipe be made vegetarian?Certainly, just replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to render this plate suitable for vegetarians.
• Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?Doubling the ingredients is fine, but be careful not to go over the maximum fill line for your Instant Pot. And, in case you were wondering, the cooking time stays the same.
• How can I make this dish creamier?Mix in one more tablespoon of butter or cream when you add the Parmesan. This will give your final pasta dish a much richer, creamier texture.
• Can I add other ingredients like mushrooms or peas?Indeed, one may incorporate further components. Sautéed mushrooms may be cooked alongside the onions, or one may integrate peas just after pressure cooking, while the risotto still boasts its heady heat.
• Is it important to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese?Grated fresh Parmesan has a better melting quality and a more intense flavor than pre-grated Parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Risotto Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil for 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2 shallots (split and diced) can replace 1 small onion. Prefer shallots over onions? Try this.
1/2 cup dry white wine can be replaced with 1/2 cup chicken broth for a version that has no alcohol in it.
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth in a 3-cup quantity for a vegetarian alternative.
For a slightly different flavor profile, you can substitute grated pecorino Romano for the grated Parmesan cheese in this recipe.

Pro Tips

1. For added depth of flavor, consider toasting the rice until it turns a light golden color before adding the wine. This enhances the nutty flavor of the risotto.

2. Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese to give the risotto a rich, savory taste. Freshly grating the cheese just before adding it will maximize its flavor impact.

3. If you want to boost the flavor even more, you can deglaze the pot with the white wine after toasting the rice by scraping the bottom to release any browned bits, which add extra flavor to the dish.

4. For a creamier texture, stir constantly while incorporating the additional cup of chicken broth at the end. This helps to release the rice’s natural starches, making the risotto extra creamy.

5. If you prefer a bit of texture contrast, consider finishing the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sautéed mushrooms for an added dimension of flavor and crunch.