Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto Recipe

If you love creamy, luxurious risotto but dread all the stirring, this Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto is about to become your new obsession. Jewel-like shrimp, vibrant asparagus, and spinach mingle with velvety rice cooked to perfection in a fraction of the usual time—no endless stirring required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto is in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients cooked together to create something truly special. Every element has a role: the aromatics build the flavor, the Arborio rice provides that signature creamy bite, and the shrimp and veggies add both protein and vibrant color.

• Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps the onions and garlic bloom with flavor.
• White onions: Mild but essential, they form the aromatic backbone of the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Their savory punch deepens the overall flavor—don’t skimp!
• Unsalted butter: Adds a hint of creaminess and helps toast the rice for perfect risotto texture.
• Arborio rice: This is the key to classic risotto’s signature creaminess; don’t substitute with regular rice!
• Dry white wine: A splash brightens everything up—choose a wine you’d actually enjoy sipping.
• Seafood, chicken, or vegetable broth: The flavors in the broth soak right into the rice. Use your favorite!
• Parmesan reggiano cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that makes every bite irresistible.
• Raw shrimp: Tender, juicy shrimp cook perfectly in the risotto and are the star of the show.
• Old Bay seasoning (or homemade seafood seasoning): Boosts the seafood flavor and adds a little zesty kick.
• Salt and pepper: Round out the flavors—season generously but thoughtfully.
• Fresh spinach: Wilted in at the end, it adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrition.
• Asparagus: Chopped small for even cooking, it brings a hint of crunch and a beautiful green pop.
• Fresh lemon juice (optional): A squeeze at the end lifts all the flavors and adds brightness.

Variations

Once you’ve made Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto, you’ll see just how versatile it is! The base is so adaptable that you can tweak the vegetables, swap out protein, or dial up the spice to suit your personal cravings or dietary needs.

• Swap the Veggies: Try peas, baby kale, mushrooms, or even sweet corn in place of (or alongside) asparagus and spinach.
• Go Dairy-Free: Omit the parmesan or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for ultra-luxurious risotto.
• Switch the Protein: Not a shrimp fan? Use scallops, chicken, or roasted veggies for a vegetarian version.
• Add More Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper or some diced jalapeño for a subtle spicy kick.

How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Turn on the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function and add olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until the onions go translucent and their aroma starts to fill your kitchen. This simple step is foundational for that classic risotto depth.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Drop in the butter and once it melts, add the Arborio rice. Stir for one to two minutes, making sure each grain is coated in that lush, buttery goodness. Allowing the rice to toast just slightly brings out its nutty flavor and sets you up for creamy results.

Step 3: Add Wine and Broth

Pour in your dry white wine, followed by the broth. Give everything a good stir so the rice absorbs all that fragrant liquid. The wine’s acidity helps balance out the richness, while the broth infuses the risotto with savory undertones.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual > High-Pressure Cooking for 8 minutes. While the risotto cooks, season your cleaned shrimp with Old Bay, salt, and pepper—so they’re ready for their big moment.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp and Veggies

When the timer beeps, carefully do a quick release of the steam. Switch back to the “Sauté” function and add the seasoned shrimp, parmesan reggiano, chopped asparagus, and fresh spinach. Stir gently, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom, and cook for another 3–4 minutes—just until the shrimp turns pink, the cheese melts, the veggies soften, and the spinach wilts.

Step 6: Brighten and Serve

Drizzle in fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Old Bay if needed. The risotto should be delightfully creamy, the shrimp succulent, and your kitchen smelling incredible. Let cool just a touch, then get ready to serve Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto while it’s still luscious and hot.

How to Serve Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly grated parmesan or pecorino, some bright lemon zest, and maybe a handful of chopped parsley or chives will make your Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto simply irresistible. For a little heat, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a hint of red pepper flakes adds both visual pop and flavor.

Side Dishes

This risotto is a star all by itself, but it also shines with a crisp, lemony arugula salad on the side or a platter of roasted veggies. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the last creamy bites, and a chilled glass of white wine never goes amiss.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto mounded up in wide shallow bowls for that classic comfort-food vibe, or make it an elegant starter by spooning it into small ramekins or martini glasses for a dinner party. For extra flair, arrange a few shrimp on top with a twirl of lemon peel and a sprinkle of microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your risotto cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture will thicken a bit after chilling, but the flavors only deepen—which means leftovers make a fantastic lunch!

Freezing

While you can freeze instant pot shrimp risotto, the creamy texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, portion into small airtight containers for up to 1 month, knowing you might need to loosen it with extra broth or water when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat small batches on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of broth or water to restore the original, creamy consistency. Heat just until everything is warmed through—avoid overcooking so the shrimp keeps its tenderness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto that makes even an ordinary night feel a little bit special. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for impressing family, guests, or just celebrating yourself over a bowl of creamy, dreamy comfort.

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