Instant Pot Risotto – creamy and cheesy risotto made without stirring, in 5 minutes in the Instant Pot. Serve it plain or add mushrooms, peas or broccoli.Â
This is the easiest way to make risotto at home. I also love to cook Fluffy Rice and 1-Minute Quinoa in my pressure cooker.
My Instant Pot never disappoints. I already know it can make my meal prep faster and easier and makes the best rice ever, no rice cooker needed. Now, I can make creamy, cheesy and flavorful risotto in just 5 minutes. No standing over the stove and stirring for half an hour. All you need to do is saute onion, garlic and seasoning (yep! Read my tips to learn why!) and add the rice and liquid. The Instant Pot will do its magic and you will have a delicious risotto ready to be served.
Ingredients:
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- butter
- seasoning (fresh or dry thyme, Italian seasoning)
- arborio rice
- vegetable or chicken broth or stock
- salt
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Start by sauteeing onion in the Instant Pot.
- Add butter, garlic and seasoning. Stir in well.
- Add arborio rice and stir in. Saute for 1 minute.
- Add stock and salt and stir.
- Cover the Instant Pot with lid and set the timer to 5 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the Instant Pot and stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
What rice do you use to make risotto?
To make this risotto, you need to look for arborio rice. It looks like long-grain rice but it usually costs a little more.
Do I need wine to make risotto?
If you have good white wine on hand, feel free to use 1/2 cup in this recipe. If using wine, use 1.5 cups of vegetable or chicken stock.
Best tips:
- toast the seasoning: this is when you create the flavor for your risotto. Toasting the seasoning in butter activates them, especially if you are using dried herbs.
- toast the rice: I always recommend this step when cooking rice. It will create a fluffy and perfectly cooked rice every time!
- add butter: after you stir in Parmesan, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the risotto, let it melt and stir in. It will add rich flavor and make the risotto even more creamy.
More easy side dish recipes:
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Creamy and cheesy risotto made without stirring, in 5 minutes in the Instant Pot. Serve it plain or add mushrooms, peas or broccoli.Â
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 medium yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth See note
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese see note
- 1 tablespoon butter optional
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Press saute setting on your Instant Pot. Make sure the stainless steel insert is in the pressure cooker.
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Wait 1 minute, then add olive oil to the pot. Add chopped onion and saute for 2 minutes.
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Add butter and garlic to Instant Pot and stir in well. Add Italian seasoning and thyme and stir in. The mixture should be very fragrant.
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Add arborio rice to the sauteed vegetables and toast, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Press "cancel/off" button.
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Add broth and salt and stir in.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing position. Press manual setting and set the timer to 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will start coming to pressure, which will take about 5 minutes.
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Once the timer is done, press the "cancel/off" button and let the Instant Pot release the pressure naturally. Do not switch the valve.
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When the pressure pin is down, carefully open the lid away from your face. Stir the risotto.
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Add Parmesan and stir in until melted.
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If you want ultra-rich and creamy risotto, add one tablespoon of butter, let it melt and stir in.
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Serve warm.
Recipe Video
You can use vegetable or chicken broth or stock in this recipe. If you want to use white wine, like in the classic risotto, add 1/2 cup and use 1.5 cups of broth.
Do not use Kraft Parmesan. It is not a good option for risotto but also because it contains cellulose (think wood shavings). Buy a piece of real Parmesan or get already shredded Parmesan, like Sartori.
Desiree says
What the difference between manual and just pressure cook??
Anna says
Hi Desiree! The button is for the same setting, just some Instant Pots will have manual button and some have pressure cook button. I include both so you know what to press depending on which model of the Instant Pot you have.
Colleen says
OMGoodness, wow! So easy and so much flavor. Thank you!!
Anna says
Thank you for trying the recipe, Colleen! I am glad you love it!
Emily says
If I double the recipe should I increase the time I cook it or keep the time the same?? I made it the first time exact to the recipe and it was AMAZING. Want to double it this time!
Anna says
Hi Emily! The general rule is that if you double the ingredients, the cooking time stays the same. Let me know how it goes! I am so glad you like the risotto!
suzanne says
This is the best risotto ever and will be the only recipe I use from now on. The risotto is creamy and absolutely delicious. So easy to make and so quick. I added some triple smoked bacon at the onion stage and sliced mushrooms with the stock. Thank you for your wonderful recipe.
Allison says
First time making risotto and it turned out great! My family asked me to make it again soon and I will definitely be doubling it next time around.
Sara Welch says
Another great recipe to try with my Instant Pot! This will pair nicely with dinner tonight; looks amazing!
Anna says
Thank you, Sara!
Susie says
The Instant Pot is amazing for risotto!
Anna says
Yes!! No more standing by the stove and stirring!
Taylor says
I’m always intimidated to make risotto but this looks so easy! Definitely giving it a shot!
Anna says
I hope you love it, Taylor!
Jessica says
Oh my gosh delicious! Thank you so much!
Anna says
You are very welcome, Jessica!
Melissa says
Very tasty and so easy to make!
Anna says
Right? So delicious! Thanks, Melissa!