Quick & Creamy Instant Pot Tomato And Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Crafting a delightful instant pot tomato and shrimp orzo promises a culinary adventure that will spark joy in your kitchen.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple one-pot wonder, bringing comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Tender shrimp nestled among soft pasta create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients come together quickly, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.

Bright tomatoes infuse the dish with vibrant color and rich, tangy notes that complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

Pantry staples transform into an elegant meal that looks like you spent hours preparing.

Savor each bite knowing you’ve created something special in mere minutes.

Tomato and Shrimp Orzo Made Quick in Instant Pot

• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: Perfect for home cooks seeking a stress-free meal that delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
• One-Pot Mediterranean Magic: Combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving delicious meals.
• Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with succulent shrimp and protein-rich orzo, this dish offers a balanced and satisfying meal that keeps everyone energized.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe impresses with its elegant presentation and crowd-pleasing taste profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need Ready

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy texture in this one-pot meal.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base and moisture for the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the orzo perfectly.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that cooks quickly and adds protein to the dish.
• Feta Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that adds a Mediterranean-style richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor-building ingredients that create a savory foundation.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a smooth richness.
• Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and herbal notes to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Water or Chicken Stock: Used for deglazing and preventing ingredients from sticking.

Easy Steps to Prepare This Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Magic Pot

Set your Instant Pot to Saute mode and let it heat up. Drizzle in some olive oil and welcome your chopped onions and minced garlic.

Dance them around the pot until they turn soft and see-through, which takes about 3 minutes. Pour a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent any stubborn bits from sticking.

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Garlic
• Water or chicken stock

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Tumble in the diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Let everything bubble and mingle, ensuring no ingredients are clinging to the bottom of the pot.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken stock

Step 3: Create the One-Pot Wonder

Sprinkle in the orzo, fresh parsley, and dill. Give everything a good stir.

Gently nestle the shrimp on top and season with salt and pepper. Crown the dish with a generous shower of crumbled feta cheese.

• Orzo
• Parsley
• Dill
• Shrimp
• Salt
• Pepper
• Feta cheese

Step 4: Pressure and Perfection

Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 3 minutes. Once the timer chimes, quickly release the pressure to keep the shrimp tender and prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Give the pot a gentle stir before transferring to serving bowls. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired feast!

Tips for Best Flavor and Texture

• Add a splash of liquid when sautéing to stop ingredients from sticking and scorching at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Place shrimp on top of the orzo and avoid stirring during cooking to keep them perfectly tender and prevent rubbery texture.
• Swap feta with goat cheese or parmesan for different flavor profiles that complement the tomato and seafood base.
• Adjust chicken stock quantity based on desired sauciness – less liquid creates a thicker dish, more creates a brothier texture.
• Chop herbs and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth, efficient preparation.

Flavorful Variations to Try Out

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace shrimp with diced chicken breast and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Seafood Splash: Incorporate chorizo sausage and swap out shrimp for mixed seafood like scallops and mussels. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas and zucchini. Use vegetable stock and add spinach for extra nutrition.
• Mediterranean Harvest: Include diced bell peppers, swap half the orzo with quinoa, and top with fresh basil and pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Side Dishes That Work Well Here

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tomato and seafood flavors, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Salad: Create a light Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the Mediterranean profile of the orzo and shrimp.
• Herbal Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm garlic and herb focaccia or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and add textural contrast.
• Zesty Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a refreshing lemon-mint sparkling water or light cocktail to cleanse the palate and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich orzo dish.

Storing Your Orzo Properly

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, keeping shrimp and orzo fresh and flavorful.

Carefully pack cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and taste.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Gently reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice but is actually a small, short-cut pasta made from wheat flour.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the recipe to prevent excess water.

• What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can make this dish on a stovetop by following similar steps, cooking orzo in a covered pot and adding shrimp towards the end of cooking time.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and not inherently spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want to increase heat level.

Instant Pot Tomato And Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds in this Instant Pot tomato and shrimp orzo, blending coastal Italian flavors with swift kitchen convenience. Creamy pasta, succulent shrimp, and robust tomato sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.25 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled or cubed)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes (sodium-free, with juices)

Grains, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 3/4 cup orzo
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.25 cups chicken stock (sodium-free)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence for approximately 3 minutes. Deglaze the cooking surface with a liquid splash to prevent any potential scorching.
2. Incorporate diced tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid foundation. Ensure a gentle boil while carefully preventing ingredient adherence to the bottom surface.
3. Introduce orzo, fresh parsley, and dill into the simmering mixture, thoroughly combining all elements. Carefully arrange seasoned shrimp atop the mixture, sprinkling salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile. Distribute crumbled feta cheese evenly across the surface.
4. Engage the Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking mode for precisely 3 minutes. Upon completion, immediately execute a quick pressure release to preserve the delicate texture of the shrimp and prevent potential overcooking.
5. Gently fold the ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend. Taste and refine seasoning as needed before transferring to serving dishes, allowing the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors to shine.

Notes

• Ensure the Instant Pot is preheated to prevent ingredient sticking and achieve optimal flavor development.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and sweetness, removing shells and deveining beforehand for a cleaner taste.
• Consider swapping feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version, maintaining the tangy flavor profile.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using frozen shrimp, as they release additional moisture during cooking, potentially making the orzo too watery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg