Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Risotto

Cacio e Pepe Risotto

For those who are in love with the trendy Roman classic known as Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), have I got a new, quick, and simple recipe for you. In fact, all the ingredients are likely in your pantry and fridge right now. The Instant Pot makes risotto in the best possible hassle-free way (I’m talking no babysitting) and is worth getting for that alone. So when I wanted a creamy rice dish with the cacio e pepe treatment, I knew that I had to make and share my joy for Cacio e Pepe Risotto! Check out the optional add-ins to make it even richer and creamier.

Watch The Video!

Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Risotto

It Takes Two Ingredients

Arborio rice in bag
In order to make risotto, you MUST use one of two rices: arborio or carnaroli.
Arborio rice in measuring cup
Add the unrinsed rice to the Instant Pot
Broth
…along with some broth.

Under Pressure

Broth and rice in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking
I’ll have you know we’ve added just two ingredients which took barely any time and we’re ready to pressure cook! Secure the lid and cook at high pressure.

Risotto So Easy, It’s Silly

Risotto in the Instant Pot after pressure cooking
And that’s all it takes to get perfectly textured and creamy risotto made with ZERO effort! GAME CHANGER! Say goodbye to cooking it any other way again. Ever.
Adding butter to risotto
Next up, we’ll toss in some butter to add some flavor and creaminess.

The Cheese & Pepper Treatment

Adding grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese to risotto
And now, let’s give this risotto the ultimate cacio e pepe treatment. For the cacio (cheese), add in some grated/shredded Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a mix of the two.
Adding pepper to risotto
For the pepe (pepper), we’ll add (what else?) some black pepper. (NOTE: If you have the time to ground some peppercorns with a peppermill, be my guest to. It’ll make it that much fancier)
Stirring the ristto
Stir it all up until well-combined.
Finished, combined risotto
And just look at that completely perfect, cheesy, peppery risotto!
Risotto in bowl topped with more cheese and pepper
Plate some up and top with more cheese and pepper, if desired.

Optional Add-Ins

Adding herb cheese to risotto
Now if you want to really go all out and give this Cacio e Pepe Risotto an even richer touch, add in some herb cheese
Adding cream to risotto
…some cream, half-and-half or milk…
Adding frozen peas to risotto
…and/or, because so many love them with a cheesy pasta or rice dish, some frozen sweet peas.
Stirring risotto
Stir until well-combined. (NOTE: While the heat of the risotto will thaw and heat the peas, it will also cool down the risotto. You can hit the Sauté button while sautéing the peas with the risotto to heat it back up a bit.)
Risotto in bowl
Look at how terrific this looks! And it took no time and hardly any ingredients at all to make.

The Taste Test

Man holding bowl of risotto
Now serve yourself a nice, generous bowl of this exquisite Cacio e Pepe Risotto.
Man trying risotto
Play a game of airplane with it…
Man looking satisfied with risotto's results
…and the look says it all. Goes fantastic with some of my garlic bread!
Yield: 6

Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Risotto

Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Risotto

For those who are in love with the trendy Roman classic known as Cacio e Pepe (cheese and pepper), have I got a new, quick, and simple recipe for you. In fact, all the ingredients are likely in your pantry and fridge right now. The Instant Pot makes risotto in the best possible hassle-free way (I'm talking no babysitting) and is worth getting for that alone. So when I wanted a creamy rice dish with the cacio e pepe treatment, I knew that I had to make and share my joy for Cacio e Pepe Risotto! Check out the optional add-ins to make it even richer and creamier.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes

Ingredients

Optional Add-Ins

Instructions

  1. Add the rice and broth to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, move the valve to the sealing position, and hit Pressure Cook or Manual at High Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done.
  2. Add the butter, Pecorino Romano and/or Parmesan and pepper. Stir until well-combined.
  3. If using any of the optional add-ins, add them now and stir in. NOTE: If using the frozen peas, they'll thaw immediately from the heat of the risotto but will also cool it down a bit. Therefore, feel free to hit Sauté and Adjust to the More or High setting for a minute or so while stirring.
  4. Serve topped with additional cheese and pepper, if desired.

Jeffrey's Tips

If you decide you want more pepper and/or cheese, by all means, add more while stirring in Step 2 or 3.

If you wish for it to be creamier, add more cream, half-and-half, or milk, if using.

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