Instant Pot mushroom risotto combines shiitake and crimini mushrooms with arborio rice to deliver the classic creamy texture of risotto in a fraction of the time. This version uses the Instant Pot to speed up the cooking while keeping the rich, savory flavor you expect from traditional stove-top risotto.

Creamy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
This Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is a fast, satisfying alternative to the lengthy stirring of traditional risotto. It still delivers a velvety consistency and deep mushroom flavor, and it comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or a simple dinner party first course.
Quick Q & A
What pairs well with risotto? Risotto can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with roasted or pan-seared chicken, baked or grilled salmon, pork roast, or a simple green salad.
How is risotto cooked? Classic risotto is made on the stovetop with repeated ladling of hot stock. This recipe adapts that flavor profile for the Instant Pot, reducing hands-on time.
Can I omit the white wine? Yes—replace the wine with a little extra broth plus a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How can I boost flavor? Use enough salt to bring out the mushroom flavor. For a subtle kick, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Finishing with fresh herbs or lemon zest also brightens the dish.

Ingredients You Need
- Shiitake and crimini mushrooms – An assortment of mushrooms gives a more complex texture and flavor.
- Arborio rice – The short-grain rice that gives risotto its characteristic creaminess.
- Olive oil – Used for sautéing; you can substitute butter if preferred.
- White onion – Finely minced for savory depth.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic complexity; don’t skip it.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- White wine – A dry white wine (like Chardonnay) adds acidity and depth; substitute broth plus lemon juice if needed.
- Vegetable or mushroom broth – Mushroom broth enhances the mushroom flavor, but any good-quality broth works.
- Italian cheese blend – A mix of salty, nutty cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and a little mozzarella for creaminess.
Ingredient Swaps & Add-ins
- Any mushrooms can replace shiitake/crimini—use what’s available.
- Substitute butter for olive oil for a richer finish.
- Swap white wine for extra broth plus a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth if mushroom broth isn’t available.
Optional Add-ins
This risotto is delicious on its own, but you can fold in extras when you finish:
- Lemon zest – Adds brightness; sprinkle a little on top before serving.
- Spinach – Stir in 5 oz. fresh spinach when you add the cheese so it wilts gently.
- Peas – Add frozen peas with the cheese so they thaw as the cheese melts.
- Fresh herbs – Finish with thyme or parsley for freshness.

How to Make Mushroom Risotto (Instant Pot)
- Prepare ingredients. Measure and chop everything before you start so the process is smooth and quick.
- Sauté aromatics. Use the Instant Pot’s sauté setting to heat the olive oil, then cook the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze and cook mushrooms. Pour in the white wine (or a splash of broth), scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, then add the mushrooms and cook 2–3 minutes so they begin to soften and absorb flavor.
- Toast the rice. Stir in the arborio rice and cook 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the grains and coat them in oil and aromatics.
- Add broth and pressure cook. Turn off sauté, add the broth, stir to combine, then close and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Finish with cheese. Quick-release the pressure, open the pot, stir, and fold in the shredded Italian cheese. Cover the pot for 1 minute to let the cheese melt and the risotto finish thickening.
- Serve. The risotto should be creamy but not soupy—serve immediately with freshly cracked pepper and extra grated cheese if desired.

What to Serve with Risotto
Risotto is versatile: serve it alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple protein. Ideas: Fresh Zucchini Salad, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Butter Lettuce Salad, Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon. These pairings balance the risotto’s richness and create a full meal.
Storage
Let the risotto cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess—heat on the stovetop over low heat while stirring, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Tips & Notes
- Before sealing the Instant Pot, ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom—this prevents a burn notice that some models may show.
- You can use a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend or combine 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/3 cup asiago, and 1/3 cup mozzarella for a similar result.
- If the risotto seems undercooked after pressure cooking and adding cheese, cover the pot and let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the rice absorbs remaining liquid and softens.

Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes (including pressure time)
- Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ large white onion, minced
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ cup Chardonnay or a dry white wine (or substitute broth + lemon)
- 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, diced
- 8 oz crimini mushrooms, diced
- 1.5 cups uncooked arborio rice
- 5 cups vegetable or mushroom broth
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Romano)
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté feature and heat the olive oil.
- Add the onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, salt, and pepper and cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits.
- Add the mushrooms and cook in the wine for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the arborio rice and toast for 2–3 minutes.
- Turn off sauté, add the broth, stir to combine, and close the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, uncover, stir once, then fold in the cheese. Cover the pot for 1 minute to let the cheese melt and the risotto finish thickening.
- Check texture—risotto should be creamy but not watery. Serve with cracked pepper and extra grated cheese.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 370 kcal; Carbohydrates: 71 g; Protein: 10 g; Fat: 6 g; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 5 g. Nutrition is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.