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Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: October 10, 2020

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Do you need a light, flavorful, delicious side dish for your next dinner gathering? Risotto is the perfect crowd-pleaser that is quick and easy to make. You can whip up this Parmesan risotto with an Instant Pot quickly!

This traditional Italian rice dish cooks perfectly every single time. Not only will it tantalize taste buds with its creamy texture, but it’s packed with nutritional benefits too. Guests or family members of all ages will surely appreciate this delectable delight!

What Is Risotto

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made from short-grain rice that has been slowly cooked in a flavorful broth until it reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency. It is a staple of Italian cuisine, known for its versatility and comforting texture.

While risotto has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries, it has gained popularity worldwide as a gourmet comfort food. The dish can be customized with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and seafood, making it a versatile option for any meal.

You can make this delicious dish for a family meal or even special occasions with simple ingredients.

Why Cook Rissoto In A Pressure Cooker

Risotto is traditionally cooked slowly on the stovetop, stirring the rice constantly to release its starches and create a creamy texture. However, cooking risotto in a pressure cooker can be a great alternative, as it can significantly reduce cooking time and simplify the cooking process.

Pressure cookers use steam and pressure for cooking food quickly, making them a great tool for preparing risotto in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop. The high pressure inside the cooker helps the rice absorb the flavorful broth more quickly and thoroughly, resulting in a creamy and delicious risotto.

Additionally, cooking risotto in a pressure cooker allows for a more hands-off approach. Once the ingredients are added to the cooker and the lid is sealed, the risotto can cook without stirring, freeing up time and attention for other tasks in the kitchen. Otherwise, you would need to near-constant stirring over a hot pot giving yourself an arm workout. Risotto is a labor of love.

Overall, cooking risotto in a pressure cooker can be a great option for those looking to save time and simplify the cooking process without sacrificing flavor and texture.

The Best Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Instant Pot Parmesan risotto is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without the time-consuming stovetop stirring. This creamy and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can have this delicious risotto on the table in just 30 minutes, with minimal effort and mess.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto

Are you looking for a delicious, creamy, and flavorful risotto recipe that can be made quickly in an Instant Pot? Then Parmesan Risotto is the perfect dish for you! This classic Italian-style rice dish requires minimal effort while offering a restaurant-quality end result. In this blog post, I’ll share easy-to-follow instructions on how to make Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto, so all you need to do is gather the ingredients and get started. So join me as we make this simple yet genuinely scrumptious meal!

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature
Onions: Use finely diced yellow onions or white onions
Liquid: Use chicken broth, vegetable broth, vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water
Rice: Use arborio rice for a traditional risotto
Cheese; Freshly Grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

How To Cook Parmesan Risotto in Instant Pot

Craving something savory and creamy? Then you’ll love this parmesan risotto. Unlike traditional stovetop versions of the dish, this easy Instant Pot recipe comes together quickly with minimal active cooking time — perfect for busy weeknights! Made with a handful of pantry staples such as parmesan cheese, Arborio rice, and spices, this decadent dish is sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation. Its smooth texture and delicious flavor makes it a surefire winner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Learn how to make our delicious Parmesan Risotto in an Instant Pot!

Step One: Saute The Onions

Add the butter to the bottom of the instant pot, and press the sauté function; melt butter, then add the diced onions, and saute the onions, until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Saute The Rice

Slowly add the rice to the bottom of the pot, and saute the rice for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is toasted. This will give the rice a lot of flavor.

Add the vegetable broth, and stir. With a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pressure cooker to remove any brown bits on the bottom. Otherwise, you will get a BURN notice.

Step Three: Pressure Cooker The Rice

Add your lid and set the time for 6 minutes at manual high pressure. When the time is up, do a quick release pressure. Give the rice a quick stir.

Step Four: Serving

Mix in the grated parmesan cheese right before serving.

Pro Tips For The Best Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best Instant Pot Parmesan risotto:

Use Arborio rice: Arborio rice is a short-grain rice essential to making creamy risotto. It has a high starch content, which creates the signature creamy texture of risotto.
Use good quality chicken broth: Chicken broth is a key ingredient in risotto and can significantly impact the dish’s flavor. Using homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth will add more depth of flavor to the risotto.
Sauté the rice before pressure cooking: Sautéing the rice in butter or olive oil before adding the broth helps toast the rice and bring out its nutty flavor. Toast until golden brown.
Don’t overcook the risotto: It’s essential to cook until it is al dente, as overcooking it can produce a mushy texture. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and quickly release pressure once the cooking is complete.
Add Parmesan cheese at the end: Adding freshly grated cheese at the end of cooking helps to give the risotto a creamy, cheesy flavor. Be sure to stir the cheese in gently to avoid clumping.
Customize with add-ins: While Parmesan risotto is delicious, you can add other ingredients to make it your own. Add sautéed mushrooms, diced butternut squash, or cooked shrimp for extra flavor and texture.

Following these tips, you can make a delicious and creamy Instant Pot Parmesan risotto that will impress you!

How To Store Leftover Risotto

If you have leftover risotto, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its quality and freshness. Here are some tips on how to store risotto:

Cool it down quickly: Once the risotto has finished cooking, transfer it to a shallow container to cool it down quickly. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure that the risotto stays fresh longer.
Store in an airtight container: Once the risotto has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Press the lid down firmly to remove any excess air and help prevent freezer burn.
Refrigerate or freeze: If you plan to eat the risotto within the next few days, store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing risotto, it’s best to divide it into portions so you can easily thaw and reheat just the needed amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of rice to make risotto in an Instant Pot?

No, for best results, it’s important to use Arborio rice, a short-grain rice that has a high starch content, which is essential to creating the creamy texture of risotto. White rice will not give you the same flavor as traditional Italian risotto.

Do I need to stir the risotto while it’s cooking in the Instant Pot?

No, that’s one of the benefits of using an Instant Pot to make risotto – you don’t need to stir it constantly like you would if cooking it on the stovetop. Simply sauté the rice, add the broth, and let the Instant Pot do the work!

How long does it take to make risotto in an Instant Pot?

It takes about 6-8 minutes of pressure cooking time in the Instant Pot, with a quick pressure release once it’s done.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the risotto.

How do I prevent the risotto from being too watery or too thick?

To prevent a watery or thin risotto, use the correct amount of liquid and rice, and do not overcook it. You can add more liquid or broth as needed to prevent a too-thick risotto.

Can I make risotto ahead of time in the Instant Pot?

While risotto is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it on the stove with a little bit of additional broth to bring it back to its creamy texture.

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