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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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