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If you’ve ever skipped making risotto because of all the stirring, the Instant Pot is a game changer. With this hands-off method, you can have a rich, creamy Instant Pot risotto on the table in under 30 minutes—no constant stirring required!
The Instant Pot makes it so easy to make rich, creamy risotto; you might even make it weekly. All you do is sauté shallots, onions, and garlic in butter, add the rice and broth, and set the timer. The pressure cooker does the rest.
In this version, steamed peas and coarsely chopped spinach give the risotto bright color and flavor. As soon as the pressure is released, Parmesan cheese is added to the pot. Taste, season, and serve—that’s all there is to it!
Risotto goes with just about any main meat, fish, or poultry. It’s terrific with sautéed shrimp or scallops, or add some cooked lobster meat when you add the vegetables. Mushrooms would be an excellent addition as well. Sauté about 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the shallots and garlic. Or serve it alongside an everyday meatloaf or Salisbury steaks to make the meal feel extra special!
What You’ll Like About This Dish
No stirring. The Instant Pot eliminates the need for constant attention.
Creamy texture. Arborio rice naturally creates a silky, rich risotto.
Easy add-ins. Spinach, peas, and Parmesan mix in effortlessly at the end.
Quick and reliable. A restaurant-quality result in a fraction of the time.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter – Divided to sauté aromatics and finish the risotto.
- Shallots & garlic – Add sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper – Season in layers and adjust at the end.
- Chicken broth – Low sodium gives better control over final seasoning.
- Arborio rice – Essential for that creamy, starchy risotto texture.
- Italian seasoning – Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Baby spinach – Wilts quickly and blends right in.
- Peas – Add color, sweetness, and freshness.
- Parmesan – Melts into the risotto for richness.
Steps to Make Instant Pot Risotto
- Use the sauté function and melt part of the butter.
- Cook the shallots and garlic until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the rice and Italian seasoning; sauté briefly.
- Add the broth and stir.
- Lock the lid and pressure cook on high.
- Quick release when done.
- Stir in spinach, peas, butter, and Parmesan.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips
- Use arborio rice for the best creamy texture.
- Quick release prevents the rice from overcooking.
- Add warm broth if you want a looser consistency.
- Stir in ingredients gently to keep the rice intact.
Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Risotto: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms along with the shallots and garlic.
- Lemon Flavor Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Seafood Risotto: When adding the spinach and peas, stir in cooked shrimp, scallops, or chunks of lobster meat.
- Cheesy Swap: Replace the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and fontina for extra creaminess.
- Herb Boost: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or thyme at the end for added freshness.
- Vegan Version: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and a plant-based cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main dish with a salad.
- Pair with roasted chicken or grilled fish.
- Add extra Parmesan on top for richness.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for gloss.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Transfer leftover risotto to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
For best texture, risotto is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing can affect the creaminess, but if needed, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen it up. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through.
You might like this recipe for Instant Pot coconut rice or Parsi rice. This broccoli rice with cheese is another quick and tasty Instant Pot rice dish.
Instant Pot Risotto
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped shallots
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- Kosher salt to taste, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste, plus more to taste
- 1 cup Arborio or Carnaroli rice
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped baby spinach, packed
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Sauté: Select the Instant Pot Sauté (Low) setting and add 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter begins sizzling, add the chopped shallots. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, or until the shallots are softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add the rice and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Cancel the sauté function and add the chicken broth; stir to combine.2 tbsp butter | 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots | 2 tsp minced garlic | Kosher salt to taste | Freshly ground black pepper to taste | 1 cup Arborio or Carnaroli rice | 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning | 2 cups chicken broth
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and make sure the valve is in the sealing position (this is automatic on some Instant Pots). Choose the manual or pressure-cook button, set to high pressure, and set the time to 6 minutes. It will take approximately 10 minutes to build pressure. When the time is up, quickly release the pressure by moving the valve or switch to the venting position.
- Finish the Dish: Switch to the sauté setting and add the spinach, peas, and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese to the pot along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes or until the risotto is well blended and the spinach is wilted. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach | 1 cup frozen peas | 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 2 tbsp butter
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the risotto into a serving bowl and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
