Simplify dinner tonight with this Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto! It’s full of delicious flavors and so easy to make in the pressure cooker – no endless stirring required!
It’s always the same story, over and over again: You need dinner on the table, and you need it now. Enter your pressure cooker… And this easy mushroom risotto!
It involves a little prep in the beginning, but then it cooks itself – all in one pot, no endless stirring needed.
If you want, you can serve it with some crispy garlic parmesan chicken, but it’s entirely optional. And if your family refuses to eat a meatless meal, but you’re short on time? Well, throw in shredded rotisserie chicken when it’s done cooking. Easy peasy.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Broth: Either chicken broth or vegetable broth work best here.
- Mushrooms: I used brown button mushrooms, but feel free to use white mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand. You can also use a mix of different mushrooms for a more interesting flavor – my kids will only eat button mushrooms though, so that’s what I use.
- White wine: If you avoid alcohol, then just use more broth in place of the wine. It will change the flavor a little, but it’s still delicious. If you need a wine recommendation, see the FAQs further down the post.
- Rice: I strongly recommend using a rice intended for risotto. See the FAQs further down in the post for specifics.
- Soy sauce: The soy sauce may look weird as a risotto ingredient, but it’s there to help bring out all the amazing flavor from the mushrooms. Don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand, just leave it out. It’s a detail, not a main ingredient ?
How to make mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot
Start by pressing the “sauté” button on your instant pot. Let it heat for a minute, then add the olive oil and the mushrooms (1) and cook them until they’re softened (2).
Add the diced onion and garlic (3) and cook for another minute, until softened (4).
Then, add in the risotto rice (5). Keep stirring for 2 minutes, until the rice is starting to look a little translucent around the edges (6). Make sure you don’t burn it in this step!
Then, deglaze the pot with white wine and soy sauce (7). This just means you pour the white wine and soy sauce into the instant pot and simmer it down while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Finally, stir in the broth (8).
Now your risotto is ready for pressure cooking. Place the lid on the pot, seal it (9) and choose “pressure cook” on “low” (!) for 5 minutes. As soon as the time is up, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for releasing the pressure manually (10) – I always place a tea towel over the valve to keep it from splattering everywhere.
Now your risotto should be cooked, but still a little soup-y (11). Set the instant pot to “sauté”, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes without a lid (12).
Once the rice is cooked just right, switch off the instant pot and place the parmesan and butter on top of the rice (13). You’ll want to push them into the rice and cover them, but not stir in completely (14) at this point.
Loosely cover the pot with the lid (do not seal!) (15), let sit for 2 minutes, then add the parsley and stir very well (16).
Serve immediately, or the risotto will lose its amazing texture!
Recipe tips
- Cook the mushrooms until they release their juices, and then a bit longer until most of the juices have evaporated again. It will take a little time, but it’s worth it for flavor and texture.
- The rice mustn’t burn when you sauté it, otherwise it will stay crispy.
- If your risotto is still extremely soupy when you open the pressure cooker, remove a ladle or two of broth and see if that improves the texture (this has only happened to me once when I accidentally used long grain rice instead of risotto rice, but you never know!).
Risotto FAQs
And why make it in the instant pot/pressure cooker?
Bare cooking time for a stovetop mushroom risotto is around 30-40 minutes.
The reason you’re making this in a pressure cooker or instant pot isn’t so much about the time, though… It’s more that you don’t have to do so much stirring!
This gives you a cooking time of about 20 minutes – and the final 5 are totally hands-off! So you can use that time to rinse your chopping board and knife, wipe down the counter and start with that glass of wine I mentioned earlier.
Usually, you make a creamy risotto by stirring it a lot while cooking. This will release the starch from the rice and make a nice and thick, creamy sauce around the grains.
With the instant pot, you only stir right at the very end, after opening the cooker. Boiling the remaining liquid while stirring for 1-2 minutes is all you need – no babysitting needed, no burnt rice because you had to go disrupt a fight after 10 minutes, just creamy goodness.
The most common type of Italian short grain rice for risotto is Arborio. You should be able to find it in any larger grocery store. There is also Carnaroli and Vialone Nano, but they are usually harder to find (and more expensive).
If you have an insane craving and absolutely no risotto rice available, you can try using a short grain rice if you have that. I have made risotto with brown rice before, it’s different but still fine. The only thing you need to vary is cooking time. Just take what your rice package says and divide it by 3. That’s your instant pot cooking time!
I recommend using a dry white wine here. I used Pinot Grigio, but have also used Sauvignon Blanc in the past.
If you have Chardonnay at home, make sure it is unoaked. Oaked Chardonnay is much richer and sweeter, while unoaked is crisper and lighter. You definitely want to go for crisp and light in risotto.
Serving suggestions
I always like to add a salad with a balsamic dressing on the side! Sometimes I make sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus to go with it, too.
If you want to serve a protein with the risotto, my marinated steak recipe is perfect! For chicken, I recommend my balsamic marinated chicken.
More easy instant pot recipes
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds mushrooms cleaned and thickly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 medium cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 ½ cups risotto rice
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 quart vegetable broth chicken works, too
- 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- Handful finely minced parsley
Instructions
- Cook the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pressure cooker (if using an electric one, set to “sauté”). Cook the mushrooms until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Add onion, garlic and rice: Add the onion and garlic and cook for one minute. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the outside of the rice is translucent and the inside looks milky.
- Add the liquids: Add the white wine and soy sauce. Stir well and cook until the alcohol smell is gone and the wine is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in the stock and close the pressure cooker.
- Cook the risotto: Cook on low pressure for 5 minutes. Release the pressure by running cool water over the lid (for a stovetop pressure cooker) or by using the release valve (on an electric pressure cooker). (If the risotto is still very soupy, remove a few ladles of liquid.)
- Make the risotto creamy: Cook the risotto for an additional 1-2 minutes with the lid open, stirring constantly, until creamy (for electric pressure cooker: use the sauté setting). Add the Parmesan and butter, stir once or twice (but don’t stir in completely!). Close the lid (but do not cook any further!) and rest for 2 minutes. Now add the parsley and stir well. Serve immediately with extra cheese.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Broth: Either chicken broth or vegetable broth work best here.
- Mushrooms: I used brown button mushrooms, but feel free to use white mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand. You can also use a mix of different mushrooms for a more interesting flavor – my kids will only eat button mushrooms though, so that’s what I use.
- White wine: If you avoid alcohol, then just use more broth in place of the wine. It will change the flavor a little, but it’s still delicious. If you need a wine recommendation, I suggest a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Rice: I strongly recommend using a rice intended for risotto – Arborio would be the most commonly sold one.
- Soy sauce: The soy sauce may look weird as a risotto ingredient, but it’s there to help bring out all the amazing flavor from the mushrooms. Don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand, just leave it out. It’s a detail, not a main ingredient ?
Recipe tips
- Cook the mushrooms until they release their juices, and then a bit longer until most of the juices have evaporated again. It will take a little time, but it’s worth it for flavor and texture.
- The rice mustn’t burn when you sauté it, otherwise it will stay crispy.
- If your risotto is still extremely soupy when you open the pressure cooker, remove a ladle or two of broth and see if that improves the texture (this has only happened to me once when I accidentally used long grain rice instead of risotto rice, but you never know!).
Nutrition
More recipe information
Recipe first published on 10/10/2017. I updated the photos, post and video on 12/02/2020 to make it more helpful. The recipe has stayed the same.
Amanda says
Is this 4 full servings or 4 side servings? Wanting to make this as a side for 15 people
Nora says
Amanda, it’s 4 full servings. Although for hungry eaters, it’s more like 3 full servings vs 4 full servings. So it really depends how many other things you’ll be serving, but for 15 sides you would roughly need to double the recipe. 2.5x if you have hungry eaters. Keep in mind that you cannot infinitely fill your instant pot, and that the fuller it is, the longer it takes to get to pressure. This will affect the cooking time and I cannot guarantee that the outcome will be perfect, or that it will work without triggering a burn warning.
Teresa says
I added dry shallots and a bit of saffron. My Arborio Rice comes in a 2 cup box and I didn’t want 1/2 cup left, so I used the 2 cups and increased the liquid by one cup. I wasn’t sure, but it came out absolutely perfect and delicious! I added a bit more salt and felt like it brought out the flavor even more. I made it for Italian friends who labor over the stove, stirring risotto. They could hardly believe it was done in the Instant Pot without all the sirring! Great recipe! So glad I found it!
Nora says
Teresa, I love that you made this for Italian friends of yours! And I love even more that they liked it so much. Thanks for sharing, made my day!
Margaret says
I wasn’t sure about the low pressure setting but decided to trust you and glad I did. We’ve tried a few Instapot recipes for risotto. They have all worked but none has been perfect. This one came really close so thank you! We used vermouth instead of white wine and shallots instead of onion but other than that, followed the recipe. Thanks so much! This one is getting “pinned”.
Nora says
I’m so glad, Margaret! It’s one of my favorite recipes, so I’m always happy when others enjoy it, too.
Susan says
Absolutely love how easy & good this is for risotto … follow it exactly and it’s always perfect!
Jeanne says
New at instant pot. Made this recipe. Directions were easy to follow. Used mushroom broth. It turned out amazing and kept stirring to a minimum! Love it! Question though can the leftovers be frozen or will it turn into mush?
Nora says
Jeanne, I have never frozen risotto, so unfortunately I don’t know!
Sue says
Thank you so much for this recipe made it last night and it was wonderful. Having it once a week now xx
Sheila says
Just made this tonight and it was sooooo good! I did add 2 oz of the cheese and it was so delicious. Thank you for this great recipe.
Nora says
I’m so glad, Sheila!
Stacy says
I love this recipe, I’ve made it multiple times and it’s one I recommend when people ask for my favorite instapot recipe. As a tip, you don’t that many mushrooms. I make it with that many, because I love mushrooms but the first time I only used one package because I wasn’t paying attention. Just thought I’d add that throw that in there in.
Karen says
Nora, we love this recipe! Tonight marks the 3rd time I’ve made it! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Nora Rusev says
Karen, I’m so glad!
Sarah says
Everyone in my house approved!! Thats a win!!
Nora Rusev says
I’m so glad, Sarah!
Ben says
Wonderful meal thanks for sharing.
Sandra says
I made this tonight and it was so easy and DELICIOUS!!!!! Will definitely be making this again. Do you have other risotto recipes??
Nora Rusev says
Sandra, I’m so glad to hear! If you search the archives, I have a beetroot risotto recipe and a Brussels sprout and bacon risotto. Hope that helps!
Mawlika says
If I don’t want to use alcohol (white dry wine) what can I use instead?
Nora says
Mawlika, you can simply use more broth in place of the alcohol! Hope that helps 🙂
Anastasia says
I used kombucha vinegar instead of wine and it was fabulous
Lynette says
Does it matter what mushrooms you use?
Nora says
Hi Lynette, I’ve made it with both white and brown button mushrooms and it was always delicious! My kids don’t really eat any other mushrooms, so I haven’t tried anything else. Hope that helps!
Bobbi says
Fantastic! We have the 3 quart Instapot and it worked fine. Will definitely make this again – came out perfectly cooked, even better than when I slave over the stove. I used chicken stock but I think I will try beef next time. Thanks!
Nora says
Glad to read this, Bobbi! Thanks for coming back to leave a review – I appreciate it.
Nicki says
Eating it as I type…. YUM! Love risotto, but this was our first time making it ourselves. Great recipe, will definitely be a regular in our house! Thanks for sharing.
Nora says
Thanks so much for your review Nicki, made my day!
Allison says
My instant pot has a low and high pressure. What would you suggest?
Nora says
High!
Shawna says
Hello Nora! I was wondering what size of instant pot did u use for this recipe?? Was it a 3, 6, or 8 quart? I have a 3 quart
Nora says
Hey Shawna, I used a 6 quart! I honestly don’t know if it’s too much for the 3 quart. You might want to try cutting the recipe in half! Hope that helps 🙂
Nicole says
Hello when you say cook the rice for 2 more minutes while stirring, is it back on sauté setting?
Nora says
Yes, back to sauté, Nicole! Sorry, I’ll add that to the recipe ASAP. – Nora x
Michelle says
So at step 5…am I turning my instant pot to saute for those 2 min of cooking? Or just the heat it already has in it?
Nora says
Yes, back to sauté, Michelle! Sorry, I’ll add that to the recipe ASAP. – Nora x
Beccy says
Delicious. Will definitely be making this again. I was fearful that there was too much liquid in the recipe but I should have had more faith – it was just right!
Nora says
Beccy, I definitely didn’t believe this would turn out the first time I made it – but I was wrong, too! I’m so glad you enjoyed the risotto – thank you for taking the time to leave a review. – Nora x
Cicely says
This was very good! Thanks!
Nora says
I’m glad you liked the risotto, Cicely! And thank you for taking the time to leave a review – I appreciate it!
Amelie Tan says
What if my instant pot does not have the low pressure function? How should I readjust the cooking time?
Nora says
Hey Amelie, if you have an electric pressure cooker such as the instant pot, you don’t have to worry about setting the pressure! Just use the suggested cooking time as the instant pot naturally cooks on the lower pressure setting (compared to regular stovetop cookers)! Hope that helps 🙂