Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is a creamy, decadent, and savory dish that brings together rich flavors and velvety textures in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. This risotto is made with arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, Parmesan and all cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot. It’s a comforting side or main course that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare.

I first made Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto when I wanted to enjoy a classic risotto without the hassle of constant stirring. The Instant Pot made it practically hands-off, but it still delivered that creamy, rich texture risotto lovers crave. The earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms combined with the nutty Parmesan made for a dish that felt indulgent and satisfying.

What I love about this recipe is its ease and versatility. You can add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra pop of flavor, toss in spinach for added nutrition, or even incorporate some cooked chicken or seafood for a heartier meal. Whether served as a side dish with grilled meat, a standalone main course, or paired with a fresh salad, Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto offers a comforting, restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort.

Perfect for:

Cozy family dinners
Holiday side dishes
Weeknight meals
Dinner parties
Mushroom enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto will become a staple in your kitchen:

Creamy Texture, Perfectly Cooked: The Instant Pot guarantees a creamy, velvety risotto every time without the need for constant stirring.
Effortless Cooking: Say goodbye to the traditional method’s tedious stirring—you set it and let the Instant Pot do the work.
Rich Mushroom Flavor: Earthy mushrooms add a robust, savory taste that enhances every bite.
Minimal Prep Time: Few ingredients, simple steps, and quick preparation mean less effort.
Customizable Ingredients: Add spinach, peas, or even shrimp to make it uniquely yours.
Quick Meal Solution: A delicious risotto that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Perfectly Balanced Seasoning: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, butter, and herbs brings a harmonious taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easily stored in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated.
Impress Your Guests: A dish that looks and tastes upscale but is made with ease.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main dish, side, or accompaniment to meat or seafood.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pressure Release Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Risotto Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
1 ½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, warmed
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan

Ingredient Highlights

Arborio Rice: Known for its ability to create a creamy texture in risottos.
Fresh Mushrooms: Offer an earthy, umami-packed flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory finish to the risotto.
Olive Oil and Butter: A blend that enhances the creamy and rich texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics:

1. Sauté Ingredients: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and butter.

2. Add Onion and Garlic: Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden, about 5 minutes.

Add Rice:

4. Add Arborio Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Pressure Cook the Risotto:

5. Add Broth: Pour in the warmed vegetable broth. Stir well and secure the Instant Pot lid.

6. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 6 minutes.

Natural Pressure Release:

7. Let it Rest: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.

Add Parmesan and Seasoning:

8. Stir in Parmesan: Remove the lid, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve:

9. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto:

As a Main Dish: Serve risotto alone for a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.
With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread for a classic combo.
Add Vegetables: Mix in peas, spinach, or kale for added nutrition.
With Chicken or Shrimp: Add sautéed chicken or shrimp to elevate the dish.
As a Gourmet Starter: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at dinner parties.
Drizzled with Truffle Oil: A touch of truffle oil enhances the earthy mushroom flavor.
With Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated twist.
As a Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy dinners on cold evenings.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Additional Tips

Use Arborio Rice: Stick to Arborio rice for that creamy, classic risotto texture due to its high starch content.
Sauté Mushrooms First: Sauté the mushrooms before adding rice to intensify their flavor and prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Warm Broth for Faster Cooking: Use warm vegetable or chicken broth instead of cold broth to speed up the cooking process.
Stir in Butter and Parmesan Last: For a rich and creamy finish, stir in butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finish your risotto with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of flavor and brightness.
Don’t Overcook Rice: Risotto should have a creamy texture but still retain a slight bite. Avoid overcooking it into mush.
Customize with Vegetables: You can add peas, spinach, or asparagus along with the mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety.
Cheese Variations: Mix in different cheeses like fontina, gouda, or asiago for a unique twist on the traditional risotto flavor.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the risotto sit in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and improves texture.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Risotto: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and substitute butter with coconut oil.
Mixed Vegetable Risotto: Add asparagus, carrots, or peas along with mushrooms.
Seafood Risotto: Include shrimp or scallops for a decadent seafood twist.
Truffle Mushroom Risotto: Drizzle with truffle oil for an upscale flavor profile.
Herb-Infused Risotto: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for aromatic flavors.

Special Equipment

Instant Pot – The main tool for pressure cooking the risotto quickly and evenly.
Wooden Spoon – For stirring the risotto during sautéing and serving.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of rice, broth, and seasonings.
Spatula – Useful for scraping the sides of the pot and serving the risotto.
Ladle – For serving the risotto and stirring in broth or liquid gradually.
Fine Mesh Strainer – For rinsing the rice if needed.
Meat Thermometer (optional) – Ensures the broth temperature is ideal for risotto preparation.
Cutting Board – A durable surface for chopping mushrooms, garlic, onions, and other ingredients.
Chef’s Knife – Sharp and versatile for chopping vegetables and mushrooms efficiently.
Silicone Spoonula – A combination spoon and spatula perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot without scratching.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the risotto?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store it in freezer-safe containers.
Is this risotto gluten-free?
Yes, risotto is naturally gluten-free as it uses Arborio rice.
How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a bit of heavy cream or mascarpone for extra creaminess.
Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and may alter the risotto’s texture.
How do I prevent mushy risotto?
Use the Instant Pot pressure setting for precise cooking without mushiness.
What’s the best way to add seasoning?
Season gradually, tasting as you go, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
How do I reheat leftover risotto?
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is a creamy, decadent, and flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, this dish delivers tender, velvety risotto with the earthy goodness of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. The pressure-cooking method ensures a perfectly creamy texture without the constant stirring traditionally required for risotto.

Infused with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, and balanced with each bite offers a rich, savory experience. You can enhance your risotto by adding sautéed onions, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even some spinach for extra nutrition.

I’d love to see your Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creamy, delicious masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative variations or personal touches that made this risotto uniquely yours!