Description
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot recipe featuring tender shrimp and tomato-infused orzo pasta. This one-pot meal combines sautéed onions and garlic with diced tomatoes, herbs, and shrimp, cooked to perfection using pressure cooking for a comforting and satisfying dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pantry
- 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
Dairy
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Add Orzo: Pour in the orzo pasta, stirring to combine and ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook mode. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release: When cooking is complete, carefully turn the valve to Venting for a quick pressure release. Open the lid and stir the orzo. Allow it to sit for a few minutes if there is excess liquid to absorb.
- Cook the Shrimp: Gently fold the shrimp into the orzo mixture. Close the lid and let the residual heat cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Finish and Serve: Stir the dish to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease and quicker cooking.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Letting the orzo sit after pressure cooking helps absorb any remaining liquid for better texture.
- Residual heat cooking of shrimp avoids overcooking and keeps them tender.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with cooked chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
