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
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, 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.
