Instant Pot parmesan and peas risotto
In 25 minutes or less, this easy pea and parmesan risotto makes a fabulous lunch or dinner, with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
 | 1.5 cups uncooked Arborio rice – a type of Italian short-grain rice that is necessary to make risotto |
 | 1 cup of frozen peas are best, as fresh or canned peas will cook too quickly. (If you only have fresh or canned peas, add them at the end at the same time as the parmesan, instead of cooking with the rice.) |
 | 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese |
 | (Optional) 1 chopped or sliced white onion |
Spices and flavoring ingredients
 | pinch of garlic powder |
 | 2-3 sprigs of chopped fresh or dried parsley |
 | 6 cups of liquid vegetable or beef stock or cube of stock with water |
 | 2 tablespoons of butter |
 | (Optional) 1/2 cup of dry white wine |
 | Pinch of salt and pepper |
How to make this parmesan and peas risotto in the Instant pot
- Add all ingredients (except the parmesan cheese) to the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Allow a natural pressure release once cooking is complete.
- Open the lid carefully and stir the risotto.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix well. (If the risotto is too watery, turn on the Sauté function for a few minutes and stir until thickened.)
- Serve warm.
The Italian risotto is one of those fabulous dishes that can be served by itself or as a side. It can be an easy meal for yourself on a busy weekday, or a delectable side served with a chicken or meat dish for a satisfying and healthy meal.
In this risotto variation, I’ve added peas and parmesan to make a vegetarian dish that can go with almost anything.
The one thing I will note with this recipe is that the moment when you do add the peas into the Instant pot will depend on if they are frozen peas or canned peas.
Canned peas are already cooked, so you can just add them at the end at the same time as the cheese. If you add them beforehand, they will become mushy. Frozen peas, on the other hand, can be added into the rice before cooking, and they will come out perfectly done.
Type of rice for risotto
The best rice for a risotto is short-grained rices like the Italian arborio rice. You can also use Spanish bomba or French riz de camargue, which is also traditionally used in a risotto.
Note, Basmati rice is a long-grain rice and unfortunately does not do well in a risotto.
Cooking tips
- White wine is included in the traditional Italian recipe, but you may want to leave it out if you are serving it to children or to someone who doesn’t drink alcohol. You can add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice as a substitute, or just leave it out completely.
- If you only have fresh or canned peas, add them at the end at the same time as the parmesan, instead of cooking with the rice.
- You can also use beef or chicken stock if you don’t mind going non-vegetarian.
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Instant pot pea and parmesan risotto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups uncooked arborio rice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of frozen green peas *
- 1 medium sliced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine (optional)
Herbs and spices
- 6 cups of vegetable or beef stock
- pinch of garlic powder
- 2-3 sprigs of chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the instant pot, except for the parmesan cheese.
- Set the Instant pot to cook for on high for 5 minutes.
- Let it natural release when it finishes and beeps. Open the instant pot carefully and stir the risotto.
- Add in the parmesan cheese and stir. (If there is too much water, turn on the Sauté function for a few minutes and stir.)
- Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
You can serve this Instant pot pea and parmesan risotto as a main dish with a side like a carrot and potato soup or a mixed green salad.
For a starter, try roasted tomatoes or these homemade oven baked cheese puffs.
If you want to serve it as a side dish, try pairing it with roast lamb or these air fryer lemon pepper chicken drumsticks.
How to store it?
This pea and parmesan risotto can easily be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for around a day or so.
If you want to freeze it however, I recommend doing so before you add the parmesan cheese. Let it cool completely and place it in an airtight glass container, and it should last a couple of months.
