Name: Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups arborio rice; 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup dry white wine; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, perfectly cooked mushroom risotto. The rich umami flavors of the mushrooms, the nutty undertones of Parmesan, and the velvety texture of arborio rice come together in the most delightful way. Traditionally, risotto requires constant stirring and a watchful eye, but thanks to the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same luscious consistency with minimal effort.

I love making this Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto on busy nights when I want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time at the stove. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of pressure cooking, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Effortless Cooking – No need to stir constantly; the Instant Pot does the work for you.
Rich & Creamy Texture – Just like a classic risotto, but without the hassle.
Perfectly Cooked Rice – The Instant Pot ensures even cooking and the ideal consistency.
Deep, Savory Flavor – Mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan create an irresistible umami taste.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute meal.
Customizable – You can add vegetables, proteins, or different cheeses to suit your taste.

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

The beauty of this Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is that it works well with a variety of mushrooms. I typically use cremini mushrooms because they have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, but you can mix and match based on what you have. Shiitake mushrooms add a more intense umami taste, while portobello mushrooms give a meaty texture. If you want to elevate the dish, try adding a handful of wild mushrooms like chanterelles or oyster mushrooms. Dried mushrooms can also work—just rehydrate them in warm water and use the soaking liquid to enhance the broth’s depth.

Options for Substitutions

Rice – Arborio rice is ideal for risotto, but if you’re in a pinch, carnaroli or even sushi rice can work. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t create the same creamy consistency.
Mushrooms – Swap cremini mushrooms for white button, portobello, or a mix of wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Broth – Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or swap in chicken broth for a richer taste. Mushroom broth can intensify the flavor even further.
Cheese – Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or Gruyère can add a different depth of flavor. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free alternative.
Wine – Dry white wine enhances the risotto’s flavor, but if you don’t have any, try a splash of lemon juice or extra broth.
Butter & Cream – For a dairy-free option, replace butter with olive oil and omit the cream, or use a plant-based alternative.

Ingredients for This Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Each ingredient in this risotto plays a crucial role in creating its rich, creamy texture and deep flavor. Here’s why each one is essential:

Arborio Rice – This short-grain rice is key to risotto’s signature creaminess. It absorbs liquid while releasing starch, creating a velvety texture.
Mushrooms – Cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms bring earthy, umami-packed flavor to the dish.
Garlic & Onion – These aromatics add depth and enhance the savory notes of the risotto.
Butter & Olive Oil – A combination of both gives richness and a smooth mouthfeel while sautéing the ingredients.
Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and enhances the risotto’s overall flavor. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth – This is the cooking liquid that infuses the rice with flavor. A good-quality broth makes a big difference.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty element and helps thicken the risotto.
Fresh Thyme – A touch of fresh herbs brightens up the dish and complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Heavy Cream (Optional) – A small amount can make the risotto extra creamy, though it’s not necessary.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add butter and olive oil. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become slightly golden. This step builds a deep, umami-rich base for the risotto.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the arborio rice to the pot and stir it with the mushrooms, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors. Let it toast for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This helps develop a nutty depth in the risotto.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly to loosen any browned bits at the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a minute until the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, tangy note. If you’re skipping the wine, you can use a splash of broth with a bit of lemon juice for a similar effect.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Pressure Cook

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set it to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 6 minutes. The pressure cooking process allows the rice to cook evenly while absorbing all the flavors without constant stirring.

Step 5: Quick Release and Finish with Cheese

Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure carefully. Open the lid and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. For an extra creamy touch, add a splash of heavy cream (if using). Stir well until the risotto reaches a smooth, luscious consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the risotto with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and an extra dusting of Parmesan. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Enjoy your effortless, restaurant-quality Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto!

How Long to Cook Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

One of the best things about making risotto in the Instant Pot is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times:

Sautéing the onions, garlic, and mushrooms – 5 minutes
Toasting the rice and deglazing with wine – 3 minutes
Pressure cooking – 6 minutes
Quick release and finishing with cheese – 2 minutes

In total, you can have a perfectly creamy risotto in about 20 minutes, with minimal effort compared to traditional stovetop methods.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Use Arborio rice – This short-grain rice releases starch while cooking, creating the risotto’s signature creamy texture.
Don’t skip the toasting step – Sautéing the rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and improves the final texture.
Deglaze the pot properly – Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom when adding wine or broth to prevent the Instant Pot from triggering a burn warning.
Use warm broth if possible – While the Instant Pot can handle cold broth, using warm broth helps maintain even cooking.
Quick release is key – Letting the pressure naturally release will continue cooking the rice and may result in overcooked, mushy risotto.
Adjust the consistency at the end – If the risotto seems too thick, stir in a little extra warm broth until it reaches your desired texture.
Stir in cheese at the end – Adding Parmesan after pressure cooking ensures it melts smoothly without clumping.
Serve immediately – Risotto thickens as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the pot.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though the Instant Pot simplifies risotto, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here’s what to avoid:

Using the wrong rice – Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine won’t give you the creamy consistency that arborio rice provides.
Skipping the sauté step – Toasting the rice and cooking the aromatics first adds depth to the dish.
Not deglazing the pot – If you don’t scrape up browned bits after adding wine or broth, you might get a “burn” warning.
Overcooking – Follow the pressure cooking time carefully; leaving it too long can turn the risotto mushy.
Adding cheese too early – Parmesan should go in after cooking to prevent clumping or burning.
Forgetting to stir after cooking – Once the lid is off, stir vigorously to help achieve the signature creamy texture.
Letting it sit too long before serving – Risotto thickens quickly, so serve it right away for the best consistency.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto?

Risotto is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and proteins. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Green Salad

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the risotto.

2. Grilled or Roasted Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs make for a well-rounded meal.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp

The light sweetness of shrimp pairs wonderfully with the umami flavors of mushroom risotto.

4. Crusty Bread

A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra risotto.

5. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for a flavorful veggie side.

6. Steak or Beef Tenderloin

A perfectly cooked steak adds a luxurious touch to your meal.

7. A Glass of White Wine

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy, earthy flavors of the risotto.

8. Lemon-Herb Fish

A light, flaky fish like cod or salmon with lemon and herbs adds brightness to the dish.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto stores well with a few simple steps.

Refrigeration: Store risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken as it cools, but you can easily fix this when reheating.
Freezing: While risotto is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. However, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Add a splash of warm broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or microwave to bring back its creamy consistency. Stir well until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

The nutritional values below are approximate and based on a standard serving size. Actual values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Calories: ~350 per serving
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Protein: ~10g
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~20mg
Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on broth and cheese)
Fiber: ~2g

This dish is naturally vegetarian (if using vegetable broth) and can be made gluten-free. To reduce calories, use less butter and cheese, or swap heavy cream for a lighter alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this risotto without wine?

Yes! Simply replace the wine with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice to add some acidity.

2. What if I don’t have arborio rice?

Carnaroli or vialone nano rice are great alternatives. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won’t create the same creamy texture.

3. Can I use the natural release instead of quick release?

It’s best to do a quick release to prevent overcooking. A natural release will make the rice too soft.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions. Just stir them in at the end.

5. How can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil instead of butter, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

6. Can I freeze leftover risotto?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Reheat with extra broth to restore its creaminess.

7. Can I add protein to this risotto?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta can be stirred in after pressure cooking.

8. My risotto is too thick. How do I fix it?

Just add a little warm broth and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is a game-changer—creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly cooked in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it as a comforting main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress. Save this recipe on Pinterest, and don’t forget to share it with your family and friends. Enjoy!