Creamy Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo: A Quick Family Favorite

Seafood enthusiasts will love the Instant Pot Shrimp and Orzo, a dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender pasta.

This meal is a quick way to enjoy flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine using modern cooking techniques.

With just a few simple ingredients, anyone can whip up a meal that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant without much fuss.

The Instant Pot helps keep the shrimp juicy and ensures the orzo soaks up all those delicious seasonings.

Together, they create a mix of textures that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Whether it’s for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this elegant recipe makes mealtime special with little effort required.

Why Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo Is A Time Saver

• Speedy One-Pot Wonder: Whip up a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal in minutes with minimal cleanup required.
• Foolproof Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe guarantees success even for kitchen beginners with step-by-step Instant Pot instructions.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy feta, fresh herbs, and succulent shrimp for a restaurant-quality dish that transports your taste buds to the Greek islands.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, quick to prepare, and appealing to both adults and kids, this orzo dish makes weeknight dinners stress-free and delightful.

Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo Ingredient List

• Orzo, Chicken Stock: Hearty pasta and liquid base that creates a comforting one-pot meal. Orzo works best when using a smaller, uniform size for even cooking.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the dish. Fresh or canned work well, with canned providing consistent texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that provides depth and savory notes. Fresh ingredients bring more robust taste.

• Shrimp: Quick-cooking seafood that adds protein and delicate texture. Use medium-sized shrimp for best results, peeled and deveined for convenience.

• Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that brighten the dish with herbal and slightly peppery notes. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that adds creamy saltiness. Greek or traditional feta works best.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides base for sautéing and adds rich flavor. Extra virgin olive oil preferred for best taste.
• Water or Chicken Stock: Used for deglazing and adding moisture. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought stock works well.

Instructions For Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat your Instant Pot on Sauté mode until it’s sizzling hot.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and dance these ingredients until they become soft and golden (around 3 minutes).

Splash a bit of water or chicken stock to loosen any delicious bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in your diced tomatoes and chicken stock.

Let everything bubble and mingle, ensuring no ingredients cling to the pot’s bottom.

Step 3: Create the Pasta and Seafood Layer

• Fresh parsley
• Chopped dill

Stir the herbs into the liquid.

Gently nestle shrimp across the top.

Season with salt and pepper.

Scatter feta cheese over everything.

Step 4: Pressure Magic

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.

Immediately release pressure to keep shrimp tender.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Give a gentle stir.

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean adventure!

Smart Tips For Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo

• Prep Ingredients Like a Pro: Chop onions and garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution in your dish.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir orzo well and deglaze the pot with liquid to avoid burning or clumping at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Layer Seafood Strategically: Place shrimp on top of the orzo mixture without stirring to maintain their tender texture and prevent overcooking.
• Quick Release is Key: Use immediate pressure release to stop cooking process and keep shrimp perfectly succulent and not rubbery.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use gluten-free orzo for a celiac-friendly meal.

How To Store Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo Safely

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add small amount of liquid to maintain moisture. Cook until heated completely, about 4-5 minutes.

Good Pairings For Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo

• Pair Zesty Mediterranean White Wine: Select a crisp, light Greek white wine like Assyrtiko to complement the shrimp and bright herb flavors, cutting through the richness of feta and enhancing the dish's Mediterranean profile.
• Serve with Rustic Greek Salad: Create a simple side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives dressed in olive oil and oregano to echo the dish's Mediterranean ingredients and provide fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Match with Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty bread brushed with garlic, parsley, and dill to absorb the flavorful sauce and provide a textural counterpoint to the tender shrimp and soft orzo.
• Boost with Crisp Rosé Wine: Choose a dry rosé from Provence or Greek regions that offers bright acidity and subtle fruit notes, perfectly balancing the savory seafood and herbal elements of the dish.

Mix It Up With Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo

• Mediterranean Veggie Swap: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein option, maintaining the same Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a celiac-friendly and low-carb version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Omit feta cheese and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute for those avoiding dairy products.
• Spicy Seafood Edition: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat, and swap shrimp for a mix of seafood like scallops and calamari for extra ocean flavor.

Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo FAQ List

• What makes orzo different from other pasta?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a unique texture, resembling grains of rice. It’s versatile and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for one-pot dishes like this shrimp recipe.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the Instant Pot. This ensures better flavor absorption and prevents excess water in the dish.

• How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?

Use the exact liquid-to-orzo ratio and cook for precisely 3 minutes. Immediately release pressure to stop the cooking process. Stirring gently after cooking helps maintain the pasta’s ideal texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional orzo is made from wheat flour, so it contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free version, look for alternative orzo made from rice or corn flour.

Creamy Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal Mediterranean magic comes alive in this Instant Pot Shrimp & Orzo dish, blending succulent seafood with tender pasta. Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon elevate this one-pot wonder, delivering a quick, elegant meal that whisks you straight to Greek island shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 ¼ pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ⅔ cup feta cheese (crumbled or cubed)

Grains and Base:

• ¾ cup orzo
• 1 ¼ cup chicken stock (sodium-free)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes (sodium-free, with juices)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating the Instant Pot and introducing fragrant olive oil. Gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors.
2. Create a liquid foundation by introducing diced tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot. Carefully scrape the bottom to prevent any ingredients from sticking, ensuring a smooth cooking surface.
3. Incorporate the orzo pasta, fresh parsley, and dill into the liquid mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the base.
4. Arrange the shrimp delicately across the top of the orzo mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the spices to permeate the seafood.
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the entire dish, creating a tangy and creamy layer that will melt into the other ingredients.
6. Seal the Instant Pot and set to high-pressure cooking mode for precisely 3 minutes. This brief cooking time ensures the shrimp remain tender and the orzo reaches perfect al dente consistency.
7. Once the cooking cycle completes, immediately release the pressure to prevent overcooking. This quick method helps maintain the seafood’s delicate texture.
8. Gently fold the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a harmonious balance of herbs, seafood, and cheese.
9. Serve immediately in warm bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors and enticing aroma of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Prevent burning by preheating the Instant Pot and using a splash of liquid when sautéing aromatics to create a flavorful base without sticking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and taste, ensuring they’re deveined and cleaned before adding to the dish.
• Customize the recipe by swapping shrimp with chicken or using gluten-free orzo for dietary restrictions, making it versatile for

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg