Instant-Pot Risotto

Craving creamy perfection without constant stirring? Instant-Pot Risotto to the rescue!

Just about everyone loves risotto, Italy’s creamy, decadent rice dish. But while some people may find the traditional 20 to 30 minutes of stirring it requires relaxing, others may find it just impractical. Even an Italian nonna (grandma) or nonno (grandpa) might want their hands freed up for other dinner tasks.

But how can you enjoy the same gloriously creamy texture risotto is known for without putting in the time? Simple—grab your Instant Pot! Sure, purists may argue that risotto in an Instant Pot will never match the loving touch of stirring the rice and broth together slowly over the stovetop. But for the rest of us who want our risotto pronto, here’s a recipe that delivers absolute deliciousness with no hassle.

What to do with all that extra time you won’t be stirring? Take your time setting the table, put on some of your favorite Italian-themed music, and maybe throw together a beautiful salad. How relaxing is that?

Is Instant-Pot Risotto Healthy?

Risotto is a rich, creamy dish that is typically eaten in moderation. That said, this version uses fairly small amounts of butter and Parmesan, the source of most of the saturated fat in the dish, so it’s a bit healthier than some versions. This vegetarian version of risotto adds peas and onion for a small amount of fiber and nutrients, and the classic Arborio rice used does have some fiber and is a good source of carbohydrates. If sodium is a concern for you, use low-sodium vegetable broth and omit the added salt in the dish. You could also up the health factor of risotto by adding some nutrient-dense veggies along with the onion, like sliced mushrooms or diced carrots, or add a leafy green like spinach to the pot along with the broth.  

What Rice Is Best For Risotto?

The classic rice for risotto is Italy’s Arborio rice, a short-grain, starchy rice grown most famously in the Piedmont region. Its high starch content is what helps to make risotto thick and creamy. But you can also use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano for a similar creamy texture. Just don’t use long-grain varieties like basmati, jasmine, or brown rice as a substitute; these won’t have enough starch to make a rich risotto. And remember to never rinse the rice for this dish; you want all the starch coating the grains to get that classic thick risotto texture.

Serving Suggestions

Although risotto can be a main dish in itself, you could also serve your risotto as a side with a simple protein like Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak, Poached Fish, or Grilled Chicken for an elegant dinner. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, risotto also pairs well with a fresh salad like this Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad or a fabulous Spring Salad. Lastly, you could go full-on Italian and serve your risotto with bruschetta topped with Roasted Tomatoes for a phenomenal contrast between creamy and mild, tangy and crisp.

Recipe