Easy, Delicious Pesto Risotto Recipe (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Ease, beauty, simplicity – this vegan pesto risotto recipe makes for one quick and utterly delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or alongside your favorite sides and entrees. It adds a pop of vibrant green alongside deep, rich flavors and a delightfully creamy texture.

What is Risotto?

Risotto is a creamy Italian side dish (or main course) made with starchy rice called arborio rice.

Ingredients

• Oil (or butter).
• Vegetable stock or water.
• Arborio rice.
• Salt.
• Pesto.

Note: ingredient amounts and methods can be found in the full recipe card towards the bottom of this post.

How to Make Pesto Risotto

What to Serve with Risotto

• Nothing – it’s great on its own!
• Add your favorite protein – tofu, tempeh, pine nuts, and seeds all make great toppers for this risotto dish!
• Top with steamed or roasted veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or peas.
• Serve alongside a big salad.
• If you aren’t vegan or dairy-free, stir in a handful of shredded parmesan cheese for a cheesy delight.
• Top off with some creamy white beans.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch.

Top Tips

Rice: Be certain to only use arborio rice. This particular rice is high in starch and responsible for the creamy texture you get with risotto.

Pesto: This recipe works with any pesto your heart desires — store-bought, vegan broad bean and pea, beet, oregano pesto – you name it!

More Delicious Recipes

Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto

Zucchini Pesto Orzo Casserole

Instant Pot Air Fryer Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Want to learn more about the classic technique for making risotto? Check out this How to Make Risotto post!

📖 Recipe

Pesto Risotto

—

Previously Published on moonandspoonandyum

***

You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project

Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often

Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It

The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex

..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything

—

Photo credit: Kristen Wood