Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Pumpkin

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed meal that’s both easy and satisfying, this Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Pumpkin is a game-changer. The combination of earthy mushrooms, rich pumpkin purée, and aromatic white wine makes this risotto irresistibly delicious. And the best part? The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you—no constant stirring required.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort
• One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor
• Foolproof Method – No need to constantly stir like traditional risotto
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers

Taste & Texture

• Ultra-creamy – Thanks to the starch from arborio rice and a touch of vegan Parmesan
• Rich & Savory – Earthy mushrooms and pumpkin create a deep, complex flavor
• Satisfying & Hearty – Perfect for a main dish or a side

Dietary Attributes

• Vegan-friendly (use vegetable stock and vegan Parmesan)
• Gluten-free (just ensure your stock is GF-certified)
• Can be made nut-free (check your Parmesan substitute)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 lb (450g) mushrooms (chestnut mushrooms preferred)
• 2 cups (370g) arborio risotto rice
• ½ cup (118ml) white wine
• 4 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup (115g) pumpkin purée
• 4 ½ cups (1125ml) vegetable stock
• ⅓ cup (35g) grated vegan Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Notes on Quality

• Mushrooms: Chestnut mushrooms give a deep, earthy flavor, but cremini or shiitake work well too
• Pumpkin Purée: Use canned or homemade for a slightly sweet, creamy addition
• Wine: Any dry white wine works—Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are great choices

Possible Substitutions

• Rice: Arborio rice is best, but carnaroli or vialone nano will also work
• Wine Alternative: Swap with ¼ cup white vinegar + ¼ cup water
• Parmesan: Use regular Parmesan if not vegan, or a homemade cashew-based version

Step-by-Step Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

• Sauté the mushrooms – Select the sauté setting on the Instant Pot, add a splash of oil, and cook mushrooms until they release moisture and start to brown
• Toast the rice – Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent
• Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it cook until mostly evaporated
• Add ingredients (but don’t stir!) – Mix in green onions and pumpkin purée, then pour in the vegetable stock. Do NOT stir after adding the liquid

• Pressure cook – Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes (or 6 minutes for a softer texture)
• Quick release – Once done, turn off the Instant Pot and perform a quick release
• Finish & serve – Stir in the Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra cheese and fresh parsley

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Don’t stir after adding stock – This prevents the rice from getting too thick and sticking to the bottom
• Use a wooden spoon – Helps keep the risotto’s creamy consistency
• Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes after cooking – This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to settle

Common Mistakes

• Using regular rice – Only arborio or another short-grain risotto rice will work
• Overcooking – The Instant Pot already makes the rice soft, so follow the timing carefully
• Not deglazing properly – Leftover bits on the bottom can trigger a burn notice on the Instant Pot

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-sauté mushrooms on the stovetop while prepping other ingredients
• Use pre-sliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time
• Make extra and store for easy reheatable meals throughout the week

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms for an elegant appetizer
• Enjoy alongside Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers for a fresh, tangy contrast
• Pair with Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs for a flaky, cheesy side

Presentation Ideas

• Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic look, topped with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil
• Garnish with microgreens or freshly ground black pepper for an elevated touch
• Use a ring mold to shape portions into perfect circles for an elegant plated dish

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy risotto
• Non-Alcoholic: A citrusy sparkling water or herbal iced tea balances the richness
• Cocktail: A light Aperol Spritz enhances the dish’s earthy flavors

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating)

Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat over low heat, stirring constantly
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through
• Instant Pot: Use the sauté function with a little extra liquid to reheat gently

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

• Can I use brown rice instead? No, brown rice doesn’t release the same starch and takes much longer to cook
• Can I make this without pumpkin? Yes, swap with butternut squash purée or omit it entirely

Troubleshooting

• Risotto too thick? Add a splash of warm stock and stir until creamy again
• Not creamy enough? Stir in extra Parmesan or a bit of plant-based butter
• Rice too hard? Close the Instant Pot lid and let it sit on “Keep Warm” for 5 more minutes

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make it gluten-free – Use certified GF stock and wine
• Make it nut-free – Double-check the ingredients in your Parmesan substitute

Flavor Twists

• Add roasted garlic for extra depth
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick
• Swap green onions for shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add roasted chestnuts for a festive holiday touch
• Stir in fresh sage and cranberries for a Thanksgiving-inspired risotto

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Pumpkin is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, it’s sure to impress. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments. And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, check out my Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

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