“`html
If you’re looking for a cozy, vibrant, and downright addictive one-pot dinner, this Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly tender orzo soaking up the rich, tangy flavors of diced tomatoes and savory chicken broth, while plump, juicy shrimp cook to tender perfection right in the pot. The combination of garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a comforting depth of flavor that’s brightened by fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises a satisfying, effortless meal that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each item plays a crucial role, adding layers of taste, texture, or color that bring this dish to life without any fuss.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined shrimp provide tender, juicy bites packed with protein and a subtle sweetness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Adds a mild, savory base and gentle crunch when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Garlic intensifies the aroma and delivers that classic Mediterranean punch of flavor.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained): These bring juicy acidity and vibrant color, creating a luscious sauce for the orzo.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): It’s the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the orzo tender and infuses the dish with depth.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup): This small, rice-shaped pasta soaks up the sauce perfectly, balancing tender shrimp and veggies.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant herbal note essential to the Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle heat that wakes up all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to bring all the elements together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated, optional): A nutty, salty finish that elevates the dish to restaurant quality.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant herbaceousness to brighten every bite.
How to Make Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heating the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it gently for 2-3 minutes until it’s soft and slightly translucent. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this step is where the flavors begin to build their magic.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season everything with salt and pepper. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, creating a vibrant and aromatic base for your orzo.
Step 3: Incorporate the Orzo
Add the orzo to your Instant Pot, stirring well to ensure each piece is surrounded by that fragrant liquid. This will help the orzo cook evenly and soak up all the delicious tomato broth flavors.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure. This quick burst of cooking works wonders, softening the orzo and marrying the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Quick Release and Stir
Once the timer is up, carefully perform a Quick Release by turning the valve to Venting. Open the lid and give the orzo a good stir. If you notice any excess liquid, simply let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes to absorb it—no one wants soupy orzo!
Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Finish Cooking
Gently fold the peeled and deveined shrimp into the orzo mixture. Close the lid without sealing and let the residual heat cook the shrimp gently for about 5 minutes, until they turn perfectly pink and opaque. This gentle finish keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give everything one last stir, taste the dish, and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve this vibrant dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like grated Parmesan and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley is more than just decoration—it brings an additional layer of texture, flavor, and a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich tomato base and succulent shrimp.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted vegetables can round out your meal, providing contrast in textures and adding even more color to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or when you want to impress, serve the orzo in individual shallow bowls topped with a lemon wedge to squeeze over. You can also drizzle a little good quality extra virgin olive oil or swirl in some crème fraîche for a creamy texture twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to refrigerate it soon after cooking to keep the seafood fresh and flavors vibrant.
Freezing
While shrimp dishes can sometimes lose a bit of texture when frozen, you can still freeze this orzo mixture without the shrimp. Freeze the orzo and tomato base separately for up to 2 months, and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best result.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. If reheating shrimp together, do so just until they’re heated through to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are thawed before you add them during the final cooking step, so they cook evenly without becoming tough.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap the shrimp for hearty mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
While orzo is preferred for its texture and size, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small elbow macaroni can work well as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce can easily crank up the heat to your preference.
Can I double the recipe in my Instant Pot?
You can double it as long as your Instant Pot is large enough (at least 8 quarts). Just adjust cooking times if necessary and ensure the orzo is fully submerged in liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will be in yours too. It’s a brilliant way to get a flavorful, home-cooked meal on the table fast without sacrificing any taste or texture. Once you try it, you’ll see how such simple ingredients can create pure comfort in every forkful. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
“`
Print
Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo is a quick, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender shrimp, hearty orzo pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth. Cooked entirely in the Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let this mixture come to a simmer.
- Add the Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the Instant Pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Quick Release: When the cooking cycle ends, carefully perform a Quick Release by turning the valve to Venting to release all the steam before opening the lid.
- Let Orzo Absorb Excess Liquid: Open the lid and stir the orzo. If there’s any excess liquid, let it sit for a couple of minutes to absorb naturally.
- Cook the Shrimp: Gently fold the shrimp into the orzo mixture. Close the lid and let the residual heat from the Instant Pot cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Final Seasoning: Stir everything together well and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the orzo and shrimp, then garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- The shrimp cooks gently in the residual heat to prevent overcooking and ensure it stays tender.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level, but salt can be adjusted at the end to taste.
- Parmesan and fresh herbs add brightness and depth but can be omitted to keep the dish dairy-free.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
