Imagine creating a restaurant-worthy Italian classic right in your own kitchen, without hours of stirring or complicated techniques. This Instant Pot Chicken and Pea Risotto is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game, delivering a luxuriously creamy dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare - but takes just 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy home cooks who crave gourmet flavors without the traditional risotto hassle, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the rice, broth, and frozen peas.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with oil, toasting them lightly for about 1-2 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the rice and onion mixture. Ensure all rice grains are submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select Manual or Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking the rice.
- Open the lid and stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to warm through the residual heat.
- Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it's fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes to allow it to thicken and reach a creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use Arborio rice specifically - its high starch content is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture.
- Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Don't skip the quick release after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference - grate it yourself for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Let the risotto rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to reach the ideal creamy consistency.
- If the risotto seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra warm chicken broth.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish to brighten the dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
