Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (2024)

Published: by Christina Lane · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

Instant Pot risotto recipe is the one I turn to the most when I only have 15 minutes to make dinner from pantry staples! I always have frozen peas in the freezer, and the rest of the ingredients in my fridge. It's cozy, comforting, simple, and vegetarian!

Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (1)

My love of risotto began when I was living in California and having weekly dinner dates with my girlfriends. I was a vegetarian back in graduate school, partially because of budgetary constraints and partially because I don't really love the taste of meat. I would scan the menu for the vegetarian options, select one quickly, and then go back to sharing a bottle of wine with my girlfriends.

Please, allow me to reminisce those leisurely late nights in the city with my girls with my quick instant pot risotto in the suburbs. When I make my brown butter risotto with grilled artichokes, I think of a particular restaurant in Sacramento. Fancy lemon risotto can feel like a luxury, but what we really need is a simple recipe that we can riff on. I stir in peas and Parmesan cheese to this simple version, but I've also served it plain with oven roasted vegetables on top--mushrooms, bell pepper, and asparagus are great candidates.

While I always recommend my lobster risotto for special occasions, this instant pot risotto recipe is faster and more weeknight-friendly. If you make it once, you'll be a believer in just 7 minutes of cook time for a restaurant-style dish!

Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (2)

Instant pot risotto ingredients:

  • arborio rice: You really need arborio or Carnaroli rice to make risotto. The short rice grains release starch while cooking, making risotto creamy. No other rice will work.
  • oil: Use olive oil to beginsautéingthe vegetables.
  • onions: Use 1 cup of diced yellow or white onion. It can frozen or fresh.
  • garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced bring so much depth of flavor.
  • broth: Use a vegetable broth that you love the taste of, because it will season the entire dish. You can use chicken broth, but the dish will no longer be vegetarian.
  • frozen peas: Add frozen peas as soon as you remove the lid from the instant pot; the residual heat will cook them through.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly ground Parmigiano-Reggiano is the king of flavor. It brings salt and extra creaminess to the dish. Don't use shelf-stable Parmesan cheese, please.
  • butter: We add two tablespoons of butter to the risotto when it's done cooking both to stop the cooking process and to make it even creamier.
  • salt and pepper: of course. Even if you're using regular (not low sodium) vegetable broth, we're still adding salt. Serve the dish with extra freshly ground black pepper for garnish.

How to make instant pot mini risotto:

  1. I'm using my instant pot mini because this is a small batch recipe, but you can double it for the 6 quart model, if you like. Press SAUTE on the instant pot, and add the oil and onions. Saute for 7-8 minutes, but stir frequently so the onion never browns. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (3)
  2. Next, turn off the SAUTE function on the instant pot. Add rice, broth, salt and pepper.
    Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (4)
  3. Place the lid on the instant pot, turn the valve to SEAL, and then select PRESSURE COOK. Toggle to high pressure, and then set the timer for 6 minutes. The instant pot will beep to acknowledge your selection, and then slowly begin to build pressure. The 6-minute countdown won’t start until pressure is reached.
    Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (5)
  4. Once the timer goes off and the rice is done, carefully do a forced pressure release by opening the sealing valve. Use an oven mat and open it with a wooden spoon to avoid being burned by steam.
    Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (6)
  5. When it's safe to remove the lid of the instant pot, the seal valve will drop. Remove the lid, and immediately stir in the peas, Parmesan cheese and butter. Stir until everything is super creamy.
    Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (7)

I hope this can be your next meal for Valentine's Day while you enjoy any of these easy romantic desserts for two! I would love to be apart of your Valentine's celebration!

Yield: 2

Instant Pot Risotto Recipe

Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (8)

Instant pot risotto recipe made in just 6 minutes. Vegetarian, too!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 2 cups vegetable or broth*
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • Optional add-ins: leftover shredded chicken, frozen asparagus spears, chopped, lemon zest

Instructions

    1. Press SAUTE on the instant pot mini, and set the timer to 10 minutes. Once it beeps, it will start to warm up.
    2. Add the olive oil and onion. Let the onion soften while stirring occasionally for 7-8 minutes. Be careful not to let the onion brown whatsoever. Finally, add the garlic, and saute for another minute.
    3. Now, press CANCEL on the instant pot. Add the rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Place the lid on the instant pot and turn the valve to SEAL. Press PRESSURE COOK, and set the timer for 6 minutes. The instant pot will beep to acknowledge your selection, and then slowly begin to build pressure. The 6-minute countdown won’t start until pressure is reached.
    4. When the 6 minutes is up, the instant pot will beep to signal that it’s done cooking. Using a long wood spoon, carefully open the sealing valve. Be careful—the steam coming out is very hot. This is a forced pressure release.
    5. Once the pressure valve drops indicating that the instant pot is safe to open, remove the lid from the instant pot.nStir in the frozen peas, butter, parmesan cheese, and any additional add-ins.
      Divide the mixture between two bowls and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

*arborio rice: You really need arborio or Carnaroli rice to make risotto. The short rice grains release starch while cooking, making risotto creamy. No other rice will work.
oil: Use olive oil to beginsautéingthe vegetables.
onions: Use 1 cup of diced yellow or white onion. It can frozen or fresh.
garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced bring so much depth of flavor.
broth: Use a vegetable broth that you love the taste of, because it will season the entire dish. You can use chicken broth, but the dish will no longer be vegetarian.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly ground Parmigiano-Reggiano is the king of flavor. It brings salt and extra creaminess to the dish. Don't use shelf-stable Parmesan cheese, please.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 722Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 1089mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 11gSugar: 15gProtein: 35g

Did you make this recipe?

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More Instant Pot Mini Recipes

  • Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
  • Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
  • Pressure Cooker Cheesecake (Instant Pot Recipe)
  • Chicken and Dumplings (Instant Pot)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie says

    I have a 6 qt. and often make half recipes for just the two of us, and we still have leftovers. My question is, do you think this would work ok for my 6 qt.? Thank you, and I can't wait to try this. Looks delicious!

    Reply

    • Christina Lane says

      Double it for the 6 quart. In ALL of my instant pot recipes, I always mention whether or not you can make this in the 6 quart. It's found within the text of the post.

      Reply

  2. Nikki says

    Do you double the cooking time in the 6 quart or just the amount?

    Reply

  3. Ann says

    I just made this risotto and it was delicious. I also doubled the recipe for my 6 quart and it came it very well. Added mushrooms with the onions. I also tried your cheesecake for 2 recipe and it was amazing. Very happy with my first attempt. Looking forward to trying some of your other recipes.

    Reply

  4. Dorothy says

    I just received my 3qt mini and could not wait to try this Risotto recipe, curious as to how it would taste without the wine and cream. I had on hand everything I needed. I used homemade broth. The dish was surprisingly good, except the next time I will release after it sits a minute or perhaps, two, as my arborio had a little crunch. The dish was quick enough, and tasty enough, that I will make it again. Oh, and I used the 4 ounce can of mushroom pieces, drained, (which I chopped) instead of the peas.

    Reply

  5. Dolores says

    I am not clear: When doubling the recipe using 2 cups of arborio rice do you need to double the cooking time?

    Reply

    • Christina Lane says

      No, same cooking time.

      Reply

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Instant Pot Risotto Recipe with Peas - Dessert for Two (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to risotto? ›

Always use warm stock.

Warming the broth before adding it to the warm rice coaxes more starch out of each grain of rice and helps prevent it from overcooking. Cool broth takes longer to warm up in the risotto pan and may shock the grain into holding onto its starches while the rice itself continues to cook.

How much dry risotto for two people? ›

Risotto for two people: ¾ cup of rice, at least 2 ¼ cups of broth. Risotto for four people: 1.5 cups of rice, at least 4.5 cups of broth or a little over 1 liter. Risotto for six people: 2.5 cups of rice, 7.5 cups of broth, almost 2 liters.

Why do you have to constantly stir risotto? ›

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that is capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid. As a result, it produces a creamy risotto with a hearty texture. When cooking risotto on a stovetop, you're required to periodically stir it to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.

Why should risotto be served immediately? ›

If the consistency of your risotto is too thick, add small increments of broth or hot water and mix until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, as the starches will set and your risotto will lose its smooth consistency if left out.

What is the trick to creamy risotto? ›

Sure, whipped cream won't save a gluey or gummy risotto (hey, there's always arancini), but it will make good risotto recipes even better. In the corn risotto recipe, that means whipping ½ cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks and then gently folding it into the pot.

How do restaurants make risotto so creamy? ›

Risotto technique: cook a starchy ingredient slowly, adding liquid bit by bit and stirring. Aim: pull starch out for creaminess. What is the secret to best risotto?

What stock to use for risotto? ›

You can use lobster stock for a lobster risotto or mushroom stock for a mushroom risotto, but don't blindly use chicken stock or vegetable stock for every risotto you make. The rice has its own subtle flavor, which shouldn't be masked by a concentrated stock.

What is the etiquette for eating risotto? ›

It's considered proper etiquette to use a fork to scoop up and enjoy the creamy texture of risotto. Avoid using a knife, as cutting or piling isn't necessary.

Should you cover risotto when cooking? ›

Because risotto is cooked uncovered on the stovetop, a lot of liquid evaporates. Plan on about three times as much liquid as rice. And that liquid should be stock of some sort. Chicken stock is the staple, but use whatever stock you prefer — beef, vegetable, seafood.

Why do you put vinegar in risotto? ›

If you are able to get white wine vinegar then you can add a tablespoon of this to the rice and let it boil away before adding any stock and this will often give some of the flavour of wine, whilst reducing the alcohol content.

How do restaurants get risotto so fast? ›

We par cook it. We make the recipe without finishing it with cream or butter or cheese. We pour the hot risotto onto a sheet tray to cool quickly and then store it in a container. Once we are ready to serve, we reheat the risotto with a little chicken stock, and finish with cream, butter, and some parmesan cheese.

What are the disadvantages of risotto? ›

Risotto contains carbohydrates, which are necessary to fuel the body. But, some recipes are high in saturated fat because of the cheese and butter that is used to prepare the dish. Risotto can also be high in sodium.

What is the secret to making risotto? ›

Never wash your rice beforehand as this removes the starch, which is what helps give risotto its smooth texture. Cook your risotto on a low, simmering heat and add the stock gradually, one ladle at a time. This gives the rice time to fully absorb the liquid and flavours. Rushing your risotto will only ruin its texture.

When to add butter to risotto? ›

Remove the pan from the heat, add 1 knob of butter and the Parmesan, then stir well. Place a lid on the pan and allow to sit for 2 minutes – this is the most important part of making the perfect risotto, as this is when it becomes outrageously creamy and oozy like it should be.

How to tell if risotto is done? ›

Take a grain out of the pan and place it on a smooth surface, like your countertop or a plate. Smear it with your finger. If it's rough and chunky, with a large white center, it's undercooked. If it has no opaque center and is super smooth and soft, it's overcooked.

What can I add to risotto to make it taste better? ›

A sprinkle of parsley, Parmesan, salt, and pepper adds the finishing touch. From intimate gatherings to lavish dinner parties, this savory dish promises to soothe, satisfy, and impress at the same time!

Is it better to make risotto with butter or olive oil? ›

According to Salvatore, it all depends on the ingredients. The chef prefers oil over butter (and oil works particularly well with seafood risottos), but butter is better for vegetable-based dishes like Rampoldi's black truffle with mushroom or mixed vegetable and ginger risotto.

What is Gordon Ramsay's recipe for risotto? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 large shallot, chopped finely.
  2. 4 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced.
  4. 10 ounces arborio rice.
  5. 12 cup dry white wine.
  6. 4 cups low sodium chicken broth.
  7. 8 ounces plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped.
  8. 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped.

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