Imagine creating a restaurant-quality risotto in just 15 minutes without hours of constant stirring! This Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto is the culinary magic trick you've been waiting for, transforming simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy Italian masterpiece that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring and chopping: dice onions finely, mince garlic cloves, and have Parmesan cheese grated and ready.
- Turn Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering, then add chopped onions and cook until translucent and softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour Arborio rice into the pot and stir to coat the grains with oil, toasting them lightly for about 1 minute. This helps develop a nutty flavor and prevents rice from becoming mushy.
- Carefully pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine rice, onions, and liquid. Ensure all rice is submerged and no grains are stuck to the sides of the pot.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to "Sealing" position, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the valve to "Venting".
- Open lid and stir risotto thoroughly. The consistency should be creamy and slightly loose.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Let risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow further thickening. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Rice Matters: Always use Arborio rice for authentic risotto texture. Its high starch content creates that signature creamy consistency.
- Don't Skip Toasting: Lightly toasting the rice in oil before adding liquid helps develop a deeper, nuttier flavor and prevents mushiness.
- Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Quick Release is Key: Perform a quick pressure release to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking the rice.
- Serve Immediately: Risotto continues to thicken as it cools, so serve right away for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or mix in some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
