Ingredients

Ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card.

• Rice - Arborio Rice is the preferred. Any other short grain white rice will be ok to use. Do not use long grain rice. We want risotto to be porridge like mushy and soft. You do not need to wash rice before cooking since we are going to need that starch to make the rice creamy.
• Mushrooms - Baby portabella mushrooms ( also called cremini ) are perfect. You can use other types of mushrooms like white button mushrooms, shitake or wild mushrooms are good to use too. If you easily get a pack of mixed variety mushrooms, that brings variety of complex flavors.
• Flavors and Seasoning - I like to use quality vegetable broth, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper as main flavoring ingredients. A shallot or onion, freshly minced garlic and chopped chives or parsley are other ingredients used.
• Other ingredients : White wine is good flavor enhancer. I like to use both extra virgin olive oil and butter to sauté the mushroom and rice. They both add distinct flavors so do use both if possible. You can also use other sturdy vegetables like peas and carrots. 
• Black or White Truffle Oil - I love adding a drizzle of white or black truffle oil on risotto just before serving. This oil is AMAZING. It is a great dipping oil full of rich complex flavors.

How to Make Risotto in Instant Pot

Press SAUTE High on Instant Pot.  Add the oil and the butter in the main insert. Add the shallots, sprinkle some salt and cook for about 2 minutes so it softens and just lightly browns.

Then, add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the mushrooms and other veggies (if using) and continue stirring till mushrooms sizzle and start releasing water and turn darker brown in color.

At this time,  scoop out and reserve some of the mushrooms aside if you want to use them as a topping later. Add in the rice and mix it in with everything in the pot and continue sauté for 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the white wine. Give it a good stir.

Lastly, add in the broth, black pepper and Italian seasoning.  Stir well. Adjust the salt. Deglaze bottom of the pot so nothing’s stuck on. Scrap with wooden spatula. This is an important step that ensures you don't get BURN notice on Instant Pot. Cancel SAUTE function.

Secure the lid. Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” High Pressure for 6 minutes. After it's done cooking,  wait on " keep warm timer " for 10 minutes and then release leftover pressure by moving the valve from SEALING to VENTING.

Open the lid. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and truffle oil, stir until well combined and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle dried or fresh chopped herbs. Garnish with previously set aside sautéed mushrooms and other veggies. Drizzle some truffle oil on top.

Delicious risotto is ready to be devoured. Bon Appetit !

Tips for Perfect Creamy Risotto

Use the Right Rice

Arborio rice releases starch, creating the creamy consistency risotto is known for.

Keep Broth Warm

Cold broth slows cooking and affects texture.

Don’t Overcook

Risotto should be creamy but slightly firm in the center.

Finish with Fat

Butter, olive oil, or cheese adds gloss and flavor.

Pro Tip:
Finish risotto (Italian rice dish) with a splash of broth if it thickens too much before serving.

Common Risotto Mistakes

Risotto too thick: Add warm broth and stir gently.

Risotto too watery : Cook another 1–2 minutes to allow starch to thicken.

Rice still crunchy : Add more broth and cook longer.

Risotto Is Mushy : This usually happens when too much liquid is added too quickly.

Example:
If the risotto spreads slowly on a plate instead of holding a mound shape, the texture is correct.

What to Serve with risotto?

For a restaurant style Italian meal at home, serve your home cooked restaurant style risotto with Easy Bruschetta , Olive Tapenade or Crusty bread with savory dipping oil. Serve a simple green tossed salad on the side. Finish it off with Eggless Tiramisu.. , all while listening to Frank Sinatra or Andrea Bocelli in the background! Enjoy this total blissful dinner experience!

Wine Pairings

It goes great with a nice glass of earthier red wines like Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, or fuller-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.  Applausi alla Buona Vita !

What Rice Should NOT Be Used for Risotto

Long-grain rice such as:

• Basmati
• Jasmine
• Brown rice

do not release enough starch and will not produce the creamy texture required.

I often get questions “can I use basmati rice for risotto”.. , answer to which is not recommended.

The texture of the cooked Arborio rice and risotto is creamy, soft, tender and mushy. It is like a porridge where a lot of liquid is absorbed in rice while cooking.

Mushroom Recipes

I love cooking with mushrooms. We have several recipes that are simply amazing to try. Do try Creamy Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms and Grilled Miso Portobello are simply da BEST !

Risotto Variations

Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Use olive oil and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Spinach Mushroom Risotto

Stir fresh spinach into the risotto during the final minute of cooking.

Lemon Risotto

Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice to brighten the dish. Pairs so well with Creamy Asparagus Soup recipe.

Truffle Mushroom Risotto

Finish with a few drops of truffle oil for a restaurant-style flavor.