Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and seriously satisfying, you’ve just found it. Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo combines the juicy sweetness of shrimp, the creaminess of a tomato-based sauce, and the tender bite of orzo pasta—all cooked in a flash. With the Instant Pot, you can create this beautiful dish in under 30 minutes. The flavors are bold, comforting, and guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a cozy Italian kitchen. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo

• Quick and Easy: No more slaving over the stove for hours. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, and you get to relax while it does its magic. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes!
• Flavor Packed: The shrimp soak up the garlicky, herby tomato sauce, infusing the dish with so much flavor. The orzo acts like a sponge, soaking up all the goodness, making each bite a mouthful of comfort.
• One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this is the kind of dish that makes life easier. Everything is cooked in one pot—less mess, more time to enjoy your meal.
• Customizable: You can tweak this recipe to your liking—add extra veggies, throw in some spices, or change up the herbs. It’s versatile enough to accommodate all your cravings.
• Perfectly Balanced: You’ve got protein, pasta, and a rich, savory sauce all in one dish. It’s comforting yet light enough for any time of year.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Orzo:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined. They cook quickly and are the star of the dish!
• Orzo: A pasta that’s small and rice-shaped, perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce.
• Olive oil: To sauté the shrimp and bring out the depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Because no savory dish is complete without the wonderful aroma and taste of garlic!
• Onion: Adds a sweet base flavor to the dish.
• Tomato paste: Gives the sauce that deep, rich tomato flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes: For that juicy, tangy element.
• Chicken broth: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the orzo.
• Lemon juice: A splash of fresh acidity to balance the flavors and brighten the dish.
• Seasonings: Dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Parmesan cheese: For a cheesy finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once it’s hot, drizzle in olive oil. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste and cook it for 1 minute, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot (that’s flavor!).

Step 4: Add the Orzo

Stir in the orzo, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. This will cook along with the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Cook Under Pressure

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on high for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Once the pressure is released, open the lid and stir the orzo. Add the shrimp back into the pot and stir gently to combine. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 750mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (including pressure cooking time)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a perfect combo.
• A Side of Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are great veggie sides that complement the dish beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Shrimp Variations: If you prefer, you can use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• More Veggies: Feel free to add some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for extra nutrients and color.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Broth Substitute: You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking or add an extra minute to the sauté time. You can also cook them from frozen in the Instant Pot, but the texture might be a little different.

Q2: Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
A2: Yes, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best served immediately, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid if needed.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Freezing this dish is not ideal due to the texture of the shrimp, but the orzo and sauce can be frozen separately. Just make sure to thaw thoroughly before reheating.

Q6: How do I make this dish lighter?
A6: Use less olive oil or substitute it with a spray of cooking spray. You can also reduce the cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter meal.

Q7: Can I add extra vegetables?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. You can sauté them along with the onions or stir them in with the orzo.

Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A8: Absolutely! Just be sure to peel, seed, and chop the fresh tomatoes before using them in place of canned diced tomatoes.

Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Yes! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

Q10: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A10: You can use other types of small pasta like farfalle, elbow macaroni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Tomato and Shrimp Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner: it’s packed with flavor, quick to make, and super satisfying. You get the creamy goodness of the tomato sauce, the tender shrimp, and the perfectly cooked orzo all in one pot. It’s a cozy meal that will have you savoring every bite. So, grab your Instant Pot and get cooking—it’s time to treat yourself to this delicious dish!

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