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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the orzo pasta, fresh parsley, and dill into the liquid mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the base.
- Arrange the shrimp delicately across the top of the orzo mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the spices to permeate the seafood.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the entire dish, creating a tangy and creamy layer that will melt into the other ingredients.
- 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.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, immediately release the pressure to prevent overcooking. This quick method helps maintain the seafood’s delicate texture.
- 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.
- 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