Description
This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. The tender orzo pasta is cooked with diced tomatoes and aromatic herbs, then topped with succulent shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this hearty main course combines the convenience of pressure cooking with fresh, vibrant ingredients for a satisfying seafood pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Protein & Cheese
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with juice, the broth, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and then press the Cancel button to stop sautéing.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to rapidly depressurize.
- Add Shrimp: Carefully open the lid and stir in the raw shrimp. Replace the lid without sealing and let the shrimp sit in the hot liquid for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, mixing well to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use medium or large shrimp for the best texture and quicker cooking.
- For extra vegetables, add fresh spinach or diced zucchini after pressure cooking along with the shrimp.
- If the orzo becomes too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
