No, you should not rinse Arborio rice before cooking. Unlike some other types of rice, such as long-grain or jasmine rice, Arborio rice should not be rinsed. Rinsing Arborio rice can remove the outer layer of starch, which is essential for creating the creamy texture in dishes like risotto.
The starch in Arborio rice is what gives risotto its characteristic creaminess as it releases into the cooking liquid, creating a velvety sauce. If you rinse the rice, you'll wash away some of this starch, and your risotto may not turn out as creamy and flavorful as desired.
To cook Arborio rice, simply follow the recipe instructions for your specific dish, whether it's risotto, rice pudding, or any other dish that calls for this type of rice. Keep in mind that Arborio rice requires constant stirring when making risotto to release the starch and achieve that creamy consistency.