Chicken and Spinach Risotto in the Instant Pot

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Creamy delicious risotto with chicken and spinach stirred right in sounds complicated, but it’s super simple with the help of an instant pot.

Risotto is the perfect comfort food. Usually the rich flavor and creamy texture require spending some time slowly adding liquid and doing lots of stirring.

This recipe gives you all the goodness with a fraction of the work. Using a pressure cooker makes it easy and you can’t tell you used a shortcut when you sit down to dinner.

There is just something about a good risotto. It looks so simple but tastes fabulous.

If you have ever made it, you know it is a labor of love. It is not particularly complicated to make, but it does take time and attention.

Of course it is instantly worth it when you take the first bite. The mouthfeel is spectacular and the creamy goodness pulls you in.

This recipe keeps all of the good parts and takes away the babysitting of the pot. It’s a whole meal in one and once the prep is done you can set the timer and walk away.

It is not quite dump and go, but the little bit of time that goes into sweating the onions, browning the chicken and toasting the rice is well worth it. The whole process is done in just a few minutes and you are paid back handsomely with the final texture and flavor.

After that is done, just deglaze the pan and add the liquid.  Set your instant pot and let the magic happen.

Just like with a pot of risotto, a bit of Parmesan cheese and a pat of fresh butter are added at the very end. That helps enhance the flavor and creamy finish.

Then all you have to do is serve it up. Be prepared to sit back and collect the compliments.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what Little Dude would think about it. He’s good about eating quite a few vegetables but spinach isn’t on that list.

He asked what the green stuff was and I answered honestly. Though I did add that you can’t really taste it.

He proceeded to gobble it up and ask for more! Now that’s a win!

Tips and Tricks

Arborio rice is the best rice to use for this dosh, it gives that perfect texture. If you don’t have any, opt for another short grain rice if possible.

I have not tried it with a long grain rice personally. However I imagine it would still taste good, it will just lack some of that creamy finish.

Try using other vegetables besides spinach. The easiest way to be sure they aren’t over or under cooked would be to cook them separately and stir them in at the end.

Adding a splash of dry white wine adds such depth of flavor to risotto, but it’s not necessary. Just replace the wine with additional chicken stock and proceed, it will still be great!

Additional Recipes You May Enjoy

Mushroom risotto was the first risotto I made at home. It is savory, delicious and one of our favorites.

Butternut squash risotto is another fabulous option. It is a perfect way to turn those winter squash into something spectacular!

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is another great Instant Pot meal. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

For a fun twist, try making farro instead. Farro with sausage and kale is an all in one meal that is easily made with the help of an instant pot.

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Thanks for sharing!