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
Scale
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.
