Date nights are a fundamental part of my marriage. It is something that we rely on to keep things going and happy. And it works! When we are struggling, having regular date nights brings us closer together. Dates feel especially important right now, when things are so up in the air and so stressful. So, I am so grateful to have Meseidy Rivera’s new book, Weeknight Gourmet Dinners! Author of the blog, The Noshery, Meseidy has written a cookbook full of delicious date night worthy dinners that are easy to make at home. Perfect for right now! One of the amazing recipes in Meseidy’s book is this creamy Instant Pot Risotto Carbonara. If you resist making risotto because of how much time it takes standing at the stove, this version is for you. It defines gourmet made easy.
How to Make Risotto in the Instant Pot
Though this version involves pancetta for a great Carbonara spin on risotto, this is a basic method that can be used anytime with Arborio rice to make risotto.
What is Arborio Rice
Arborio Rice is a short grain rice native to Italy. When cooked, it releases more starch than regular rice, thus creating the creaminess you love in risotto. Because the starch content is higher in Arborio rice, you can not replace it with long grain rice in this recipe.
Pancetta vs. Bacon
In my Pasta Carbonara recipe we use thick cut bacon. But as we are making an elevated more gourmet meal here, spring for the pancetta. It’s rendered fat and thick cut is delicious for this recipe.
Other Instant Pot Favorites
I love making dinner with my Instant Pot because so many of them are great hands off meals. Here are some of our favorites:
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole Instant Pot Taco Soup
If you make this Instant Pot Risotto or any of the recipes listed above, leave me a comment and let me know what you think. And if you get Meseidy’s book (available here), let me know what else you make from it!
Recommended Tools
Instant Pot: I am often asked if I really use my Instant Pot, and I do! I use it at least once a week for rice and often for other great fast dinners. (Our favorite Instant Pot meal is my Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.) Measuring Cups: Liquid measuring cups are a must for a kitchen to get accurate amounts for recipes like this. Garlic Press: This garlic press is more expensive than it’s counterparts, but I love it. It is perfect for a cook moving fast through their kitchen and much easier to clean than my other press.
