If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comes together in no time, the Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances tender shrimp with the comforting, pillowy texture of orzo pasta, all swimming in a tomato-rich sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe feels both cozy and special, thanks to its effortless preparation and fresh ingredients that shine through every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, bringing depth, texture, and a beautiful medley of colors to the plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides tender, juicy seafood flavor that cooks quickly and perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to deepen the dish’s taste.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Creates a subtle sweetness and fragrant base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable punch of garlic goodness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings bright acidity and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the orzo perfectly tender and adds savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star grain that soaks up the sauce for a creamy, satisfying texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you want a little zip in every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Melts into the dish for a salty, nutty finish when garnishing.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness and color on top.
How to Make Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and warming the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion, cooking it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds more—until you smell that irresistible fragrance filling your kitchen. This initial step builds a savory foundation that makes all the flavors come alive in the final dish.
Step 2: Create the Tomato Base
Next, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, the low-sodium chicken broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir as you bring it to a gentle simmer right in the pot. This simmering stage lets the herbs meld with the tomatoes and broth, creating a rich and aromatic sauce in which the orzo will cook.
Step 3: Add the Orzo Pasta
Stir the orzo into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. This step is crucial because the orzo absorbs all the wonderful flavors while softening to a tender yet slightly chewy bite, making the dish comfortingly satisfying.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Orzo
Seal the Instant Pot with its lid and set the valve to Sealing. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set it for 5 minutes on high pressure. Waiting for that perfect timing ensures the orzo cooks just right—soft but not mushy—and fully infused with the tomato and herb sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Shrimp
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting. Open the lid, give the orzo a good stir, and if there’s excess liquid, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes so it absorbs it all. Gently fold in the raw shrimp—the residual heat will cook them perfectly in about 5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This gentle finish keeps the shrimp tender and juicy without overcooking.
Step 6: Adjust and Garnish
Give the entire dish a final stir and taste to adjust salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley to add a nice finishing touch of creaminess and herbal freshness that makes this recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley takes this dish from everyday to extraordinary. These garnishes not only contribute bright colors but also add layers of flavor and a touch of elegance that everyone will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This tomato and shrimp orzo pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. Something like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or oven-roasted asparagus works perfectly to complement the richness of the orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this comforting dish in shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant colors and steam rising from the plate. For a casual dinner party, dish it out on family-style platters, garnished generously, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy. You can even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top for a fresh zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day for an easy lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
Because shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, it’s best to freeze the tomato orzo base without the shrimp if you want to prep ahead. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems a bit dry, splash in a little water or chicken broth to bring back that creamy consistency. This way, you’ll rediscover that comforting, fresh-from-the-pot feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before adding them to the dish so they cook evenly and retain their tender texture. Adding shrimp at the end allows them to cook gently without becoming rubbery.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
If orzo is unavailable, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as some pasta shapes may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. You can omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a protein boost, try adding sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, which pair wonderfully with the tomato and herb flavors.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming your palate. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dish or add more if you love spice.
Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, though it will take a bit longer. Sauté the aromatics in a pan, add the liquid and orzo, and let it simmer until the orzo is cooked. Then gently cook the shrimp on top until they turn opaque. The Instant Pot just speeds up the process while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty kitchen gadget can produce an impressive, mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re cooking for a bustling weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to return to time and again. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with how effortless and delightful dinner can be.
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 flavorful and quick one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy orzo pasta is cooked in a savory tomato and herb broth, then topped with tender shrimp cooked to perfection using the residual heat of the Instant Pot. Garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish balances delicate seafood with vibrant tomato flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
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, then sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Mix in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer inside the Instant Pot.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release: When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a Quick Release by turning the valve to Venting to release the pressure promptly.
- Check Orzo: Open the lid and stir the orzo. If there’s any excess liquid remaining, let it sit for a couple of minutes to absorb fully into the pasta.
- Cook Shrimp with Residual Heat: Gently fold the shrimp into the orzo mixture. Close the lid again and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Final Mixing and Seasoning: Stir everything well to combine. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the orzo and shrimp, then garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp by relying on the residual heat to keep them tender and juicy.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the orzo separately on the stovetop and sauté the shrimp, then combine everything with the tomato mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat nicely.
