Name: Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium shallot, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups Arborio rice; 4 cups vegetable broth, divided; 2 tablespoons butter; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pinch black pepper; Zest and juice of one lemon; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something so bright and comforting about the combination of fresh lemon and sweet peas in a creamy risotto, and the best part? You can make it effortlessly with a rice cooker. This Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or whenever you want that luxurious risotto texture without standing at the stove.

A white bowl holds creamy risotto mixed with bright green peas, giving a soft and slightly lumpy texture with bits of black pepper sprinkled on top. The risotto looks tender and shiny, with uniform creamy rice grains lifted by the fresh peas scattered throughout. Behind the bowl, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with uncooked white rice. To the side are some pale yellow cheese shavings, a whole garlic bulb, a reddish shallot, and a white rice cooker with orange and red indicator lights. All items rest on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, soft background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made risotto in my rice cooker — no stirring, no constant babysitting, just pop the ingredients in and relax. The lemon zest adds a fresh zing that brightens every bite, balancing the richness of Parmesan and butter in a way that feels so fresh.

Effortless Cooking: You don’t need to stand over the stove stirring for ages; the rice cooker does all the work.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: Lemon juice and zest bring a lively brightness that lifts the creamy texture beautifully.
Comfort with Freshness: Peas add a sweet pop and vibrant color, making this dish both cozy and fresh.
Customizable & Quick: It’s easy to add your favorite herbs or swap ingredients, plus it’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part to create that luxurious risotto creaminess without fuss. Arborio rice’s high starch content makes it perfect for this no-stir method, while butter and Parmesan add richness. The lemon enlivens the whole dish, and the peas give a tender sweetness. Here’s a quick rundown:

Flat lay of a medium shallot, whole garlic bulbs with several peeled cloves separated, a small white ceramic bowl filled with Arborio rice, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh vegetable broth, a few pats of unsalted butter stacked, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with whole black peppercorns, a whole lemon next to a small white ceramic bowl of lemon zest and another small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding vibrant green frozen peas slightly thawed, and a small white ceramic bowl heaping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion base flavor that complements lemon and cheese perfectly.
Garlic: Builds savory depth with its mellow pungency when cooked gently.
Arborio rice: Key for creamy risotto texture thanks to its starch content.
Vegetable broth: Adds umami and moisture—split here so you can adjust texture at the end.
Butter: Creates creaminess and richness essential for that indulgent mouthfeel.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Lemon zest & juice: Provide a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the dish.
Frozen peas: Bring sweetness, color, and a little texture contrast.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish and helps thicken the risotto.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love jazzing up this risotto depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s a flexible recipe, so you can tweak it a bit and make it your own.

Variation: When I'm feeling a bit indulgent, I stir in a spoonful of cream or swap butter for olive oil for a lighter twist.
Herbs: Adding fresh basil or thyme at the end lifts the flavors even more.
Protein boost: Toss in cooked shrimp or chicken to turn it into a complete meal.
Veggie swap: Frozen asparagus or spinach also works great if you want a different green veggie.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe

The image shows a white electric rice cooker filled with creamy risotto mixed with small bright green peas. The risotto looks soft and slightly shiny with a pale beige color, and the peas are spread evenly throughout the dish, adding a fresh green contrast. The rice cooker is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of striped cloth partially visible on the right. In the background, there is a shallot, a bulb of garlic, and a small glass bowl of uncooked rice, all slightly blurred to keep focus on the risotto. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Load the Cooker

Start by dicing your shallot and mincing the garlic finely — this helps release their flavors better. Throw these into your rice cooker with the Arborio rice, 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth, butter, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything combines well and the rice is evenly coated. This little step sets the foundation for a creamy texture.

Step 2: Let It Cook

Close the lid, set your rice cooker to the white rice setting if you have it, or just hit cook like I do on my simple model. Resist the urge to open the lid early — it needs the steam and time to work its magic. Usually, it takes about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Bright Finishes

Once the rice cooker cycles off, open it up and gently fold in the lemon zest, lemon juice, frozen peas, and Parmesan cheese. If it looks a bit thick, pour in the remaining broth a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency. This final step is where that fresh, lively flavor truly shines.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Risotto waits for no one — serve it right away for the best, creamiest texture. If you want, sprinkle some more Parmesan or fresh herbs on top to finish it off.

Top Tip

I get asked all the time how to avoid ending up with gluey or undercooked risotto in a rice cooker. From my many experiments, a few tricks keep it perfectly creamy every time.

Don’t Skip the Stir: Give everything a good stir before cooking to prevent any clumps or rice sticking to the bottom.
Measure Your Broth Carefully: Starting with 2 ½ cups of broth, then adding extra at the end, keeps the risotto creamy without getting mushy.
Use Frozen Peas Directly: They thaw into the hot risotto perfectly without losing their texture.
Resist the Lid Temptation: Opening the rice cooker too soon can affect cooking time and texture, so be patient!

How to Serve Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top right before serving for that cheesy finish. Sometimes, I throw on some chopped fresh parsley or basil — it adds a pop of green and freshness that complements the lemon perfectly.

Side Dishes

This risotto pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. For more protein, a simple grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the risotto in shallow bowls and top with edible flowers or microgreens — it feels fancy but still cozy. Another trick is to serve it inside hollowed-out lemon halves for a stunning citrus presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens quite a bit as it cools, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

Although risotto is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in small portions. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently — it won't be quite as creamy, but still tasty.

Reheating

Reheat risotto on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back its creamy texture. I find low and slow heating works best — it helps avoid drying out or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a regular rice cooker for this risotto recipe?

Absolutely! Even a basic rice cooker works great. Just use the regular cooking setting and be sure to follow the ingredient proportions carefully for best results.

Do I really not have to stir the risotto?

That’s the magic of this recipe! The rice cooker’s steam and even heat do the work of softening the rice and releasing starch without stirring. Just mix the ingredients well before cooking and add the final touches after.

Can I substitute the peas for other vegetables?

Yes! Frozen asparagus tips, spinach, or even green beans work nicely. Just add them frozen at the end like the peas and stir them gently to warm through.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Rice Cooker Lemon Pea Risotto Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s such a joy to come home to a warm, bright, and creamy risotto that practically makes itself — trust me, once you try making risotto this way, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself to a delicious bowl of no-fuss comfort!