Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the midst of a hectic week, I stumbled upon an unexpected comfort—my cozy, creamy Italian Wedding Risotto. Inspired by the heartwarming essence of traditional Italian wedding soup, this dish transforms simple ingredients like Arborio rice and savory meatballs into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm hug. Again, I marveled at how effortlessly the Instant Pot delivered this culinary delight in just six minutes, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or a romantic evening in. You’re not just cooking here; you’re creating a memory, especially with its gluten-free twist that welcomes everyone to the table. Want to learn how to bring together the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together! Why is Wedding Risotto a Must-Try? Comforting, Cozy Feel: This dish brings together the heartwarming essence of traditional Italian wedding soup into an easy risotto form. Quick Preparation: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can whip up this creamy risotto in just six minutes, making it a game-changer for busy weeknights! Flavorful Meatballs: Tender, bite-sized meatballs bursting with savory goodness elevate the entire meal, ensuring every forkful is a delight. Customizable Ingredients: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs or swap the meat for lentils for a vegetarian twist. Enhance it with your favorite greens for added freshness. Memorable Meal: Ideal for cozy romantic dinners or family gatherings, it’s a dish that creates conversations and fond memories around the table. For additional inspiration on using your Instant Pot, check out our tips on Instant Pot Cooking. Wedding Risotto Ingredients • Get ready to craft an unforgettable dish! For the Meatballs Ground Beef – Provides a base for meatballs; swap for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option. Italian Sausage – Adds flavor and juiciness; can be substituted with ground chicken or vegetarian sausage for a lower-fat choice. Egg – Binds meatball ingredients together; a flax egg may work as a vegan substitute. Breadcrumbs – Gives texture to the meatballs; use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free. Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness; consider Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Garlic – Enhances the flavor profile; fresh minced garlic is preferable for the best aroma. Salt & Pepper – Balances flavors; season according to your personal taste. For the Risotto Olive Oil & Butter – Provide moisture and flavor; you can replace olive oil with butter for additional richness. Onion, Carrot, Celery – Serve as the aromatic base; feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand. Arborio Rice – The key ingredient for achieving that creamy risotto texture; Carnaroli rice is a great alternative for a differing texture. Chicken Broth – Infuses flavor; opt for low-sodium broth to control salt content or use vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Greens (Escarole, Kale, Spinach) – Enhance freshness and color; use any combination available to you. Get ready to indulge in a warm, cozy dinner that brings the taste of Italy right to your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Wedding Risotto Step 1: Prepare Meatballs Preheat your broiler on high. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Lightly oil a baking sheet, then roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the sheet and broil for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through, with a nice caramelized exterior. Step 2: Sauté Vegetables Next, set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully—this aromatic base is vital to your Wedding Risotto. Step 3: Cook the Risotto After sautéing, add Arborio rice to the pot and stir for another minute, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors. Then, cancel sauté mode and pour in chicken broth, giving everything one final stir. Seal the pot, set it to ‘Pressure Cook’, and cook for 6 minutes. The rice will plump up and become beautifully creamy during this time. Step 4: Release Pressure and Mix Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot sit for 5 minutes to naturally release pressure. Then, carefully switch the valve to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and your choice of chopped greens, like escarole, kale, or spinach, mixing until they wilt slightly into the creamy risotto. Adjust seasoning as desired. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy To serve your Italian Wedding Risotto, dish out portions into bowls and top with the perfectly broiled meatballs. For an extra touch, sprinkle more cheese on top if desired. Applaud the arrival of this comforting meal at your table, bringing family and friends together for a delightful dining experience! Wedding Risotto Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your Wedding Risotto uniquely yours! Vegetarian Delight: Substitute meatballs with lentils or portobello mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free meal. Both options provide a satisfying texture and earthiness. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the risotto for a delightful kick that transforms the dish into a flavor fiesta. Your taste buds will dance with joy! Herbaceous Burst: Infuse the risotto with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary during cooking or as a fresh garnish to brighten the flavor profile. It’s like a garden party on your plate! Creamy Dream: For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of mascarpone or a splash of heavy cream at the end for that lush, velvety finish. This will elevate your dish to a whole new level of indulgence. Noodle Substitution: Experiment with orzo or other small pasta in place of Arborio rice for a different texture that’s equally comforting. The pasta will soak up flavors beautifully! Nut-Free Option: If you’re sensitive to nuts, skip adding any nut-based toppings and instead, use a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch and nutrition without compromising on taste. Colorful Addition: Add in vibrant veggies like bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra nutrition and a splash of color that brings joy to the meal. Cheese Swap: Swap out Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor, making it suitable for vegan diets. Check out our guide on Dairy-Free Cooking for more ideas! Make Ahead Options These Italian Wedding Risotto preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the meatballs up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the instruction to mix and broil them, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The risotto base can be made 24 hours ahead—just sauté your vegetables and cook the rice in the Instant Pot according to the recipe. To maintain that creamy texture, refrigerate the risotto, and when ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth, then stir in Parmesan and greens. This method ensures your Wedding Risotto is just as delicious and comforting, ready for a cozy family dinner with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Wedding Risotto Broil Meatballs Well: Ensure even cooking by spacing meatballs out on the baking sheet; this promotes caramelization without splatter. Sauté Responsibly: Avoid burning; stir frequently as you sauté vegetables, allowing flavors to meld beautifully without sticking to the pot. Perfect Rice Ratio: For creamy wedding risotto, maintain the rice-to-liquid ratio; too little broth leads to undercooked rice, while too much makes it soupy. Natural Pressure Release: Let the Instant Pot sit for 5 minutes after cooking before releasing pressure for optimal texture and flavor in your risotto. Adjust Seasonings Mindfully: While adding salt and pepper, remember that parmesan is salty too; taste and adjust carefully to achieve balance without overpowering. How to Store and Freeze Wedding Risotto Fridge: Store leftover wedding risotto in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the texture creamy, stir in a little broth before reheating. Freezer: For longer storage, place the risotto in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat risotto on the stove over low heat, adding chicken broth or water as needed to revive the creamy consistency. Meatballs Storage: Broiled meatballs can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2–3 months. Reheat by baking at 350°F until warmed through. What to Serve with Italian Wedding Risotto Transform your delightful Italian Wedding Risotto meal into a full feast with these perfect pairings that will tantalize your taste buds. Garlic Bread: Softer on the outside and crunchy on the inside, garlic bread delivers a buttery finish that complements the creamy risotto perfectly. It’s a beloved classic, ideal for soaking up every last drop of that rich, savory sauce! Simple Green Salad: Crisp, refreshing greens tossed with a light vinaigrette provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the risotto. This adds a fresh element to your meal, brightening each bite and enhancing the overall dining experience. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus not only add color to your plate but introduce a range of textures and flavors that beautifully complement the risotto’s creamy richness. Wine Pairing: A chilled Pinot Grigio showcases bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the risotto while offering floral notes that enhance the meal. This is the perfect drink for a cozy evening! Chocolate Mousse: Why not indulge in dessert? A silky chocolate mousse is a light yet decadent way to close your meal on a sweet note—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a comforting main course. Herbed Focaccia: This flavorful bread, infused with fresh herbs, adds an inviting aroma and enhances the rustic Italian feel of your dinner. Its soft texture is perfect for mopping up that extra risotto. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: For a protein boost, simply marinated grilled shrimp accentuate the dish while adding a smoky flavor. Their lightness pairs wonderfully with the rich risotto, creating a balanced plate that’s simply irresistible. Lemon Sorbet: As a delightful palate cleanser, the light, citrusy notes of lemon sorbet refresh your senses and offer a delightful contrast after the hearty risotto and meaty servings. Italian Wedding Risotto Recipe FAQs What type of rice should I use for wedding risotto? For a perfect creamy texture, Arborio rice is the best choice. Its high starch content helps create that luxurious consistency that risotto is known for. If you’re looking for an alternative, Carnaroli rice works well too, offering a slightly different texture that is still delightful in risottos. How can I tell if my greens are fresh? Fresh greens like escarole, kale, or spinach should look vibrant and crisp, with no wilting or dark spots. If they have a dull color or feel slimy, they’re past their prime. Remember, fresher greens add an appealing color and taste to your wedding risotto, enhancing its overall charm! How should I store leftover wedding risotto? Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its creamy texture, I recommend stirring in a little chicken broth before you reheat it. When ready to enjoy, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding broth or water as needed. Can I freeze wedding risotto? Absolutely! For longer storage, place the risotto in freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth to bring back its creamy consistency. Can I make wedding risotto vegetarian or vegan? Yes! To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the meatballs with lentil or mushroom-based alternatives. For a vegan option, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg for binding and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free. With some creativity, you can enjoy the essence of this comforting dish without the meat! What happens if my risotto is too watery? If your wedding risotto turns out too watery, don’t worry! Simply return it to low heat and cook it a bit longer, stirring frequently until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also gradually add more Arborio rice, cooking for a few additional minutes to absorb excess liquid. Just keep stirring! Creamy Wedding Risotto for a Cozy Dinner Night This Creamy Wedding Risotto is a delightful blend of flavors, inspired by traditional Italian wedding soup, perfect for a cozy dinner night. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 26 minutes mins Servings: 4 platesCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 540 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 lb Ground Beef Can swap for ground turkey1 lb Italian Sausage Can be substituted with ground chicken or vegetarian sausage1 each Egg Flax egg can work as a vegan substitute1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Consider Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic preferredto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Risotto1 tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with butter for richness1 tbsp Butter1 each Onion Diced1 each Carrot Diced1 each Celery Diced1 cup Arborio Rice Carnaroli rice is a great alternative4 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium or vegetable broth can be used2 cups Greens Any combination like escarole, kale, or spinach Equipment Instant Pot Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your broiler on high. Mix ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and broil for 5-6 minutes.Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Heat olive oil and butter. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.Add Arborio rice to the pot, stir for another minute. Cancel sauté mode, pour in chicken broth, stir, seal the pot, set to ‘Pressure Cook’, and cook for 6 minutes.Once done, let the Instant Pot sit for 5 minutes to naturally release pressure. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped greens until they wilt.Serve portions in bowls topped with broiled meatballs and additional cheese if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3.5mg NotesFeel free to customize with your favorite greens or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Perfect for cozy dinners and creating memories around the table. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
