Description
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a savory tomato-based broth infused with garlic, onion, and herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy dinner option that delivers Mediterranean-inspired tastes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the olive oil to the pot.
- Cook the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring.
- Add Orzo Pasta: Stir the orzo into the tomato mixture making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and set the valve to Sealing.
- Pressure Cook: Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle ends, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to Venting.
- Check Orzo and Absorb Liquid: Open the lid and stir the orzo. If there is excess liquid, let it sit for a couple of minutes to absorb for the best texture.
- Add Shrimp: Gently fold the peeled and deveined shrimp into the orzo mixture. Close the lid again and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Final Taste and Season: Stir everything together again and taste, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the orzo and shrimp, then garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; residual heat after pressure cooking is enough to cook them perfectly.
- You can substitute fresh oregano for dried oregano if preferred, using about 1 tablespoon.
- Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add brightness but can be omitted for a dairy-free or simpler version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
