The Easiest Instant Pot Orzo

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Pressure cooker orzo pasta is surprisingly easy to make, and you don't have to worry about waiting for the water to boil. The Instant Pot is great for those set it and forget it kind of meals! While you are making the rest of your dinner, add the orzo to your electric pressure cooker and it will be ready in no time!

For the full recipe, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

The Instant Pot is a great way to make some of your favorite side dishes. Couscous, Mexican rice, and long grain rice are all made quickly in the Instant Pot!

Even though you might think orzo is similar to rice, orzo only looks like a large grain of rice. It is actually a type of pasta made from semolina flour or durum wheat. Similar to pasta, you would cook it for 8-10 minutes in boiling water on the stovetop.

• Orzo. Use your favorite brand found at your grocery store.
• Olive oil. To gently toast the orzo.
• Chicken broth. 3 ¼ cups of water or vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to make this orzo vegetarian. Homemade chicken broth is best if you have it.
• Salt. To season the orzo as it cooks.
• Parmesan cheese. To make this a cheesy orzo recipe.
• Lemon zest and lemon juice.

• Instant Pot. I have a 6-quart Instant Pot that I love
• Measuring cups
• Liquid measuring cup
• Measuring spoons

Press the saute function on your Instant Pot for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and orzo to the Instant Pot. Mix well to coat the orzo in the olive oil.

After 2 minutes, pour the broth in the Instant Pot and add a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Mix well. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure it is in the sealing position. Set the cooking time to 2 minutes on high pressure.

Once the cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure. Mix the orzo with a wooden spoon removing any stubborn orzo that might be stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Place the lid back on the Instant Pot. Make sure the Instant Pot is off. Let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes so the residual heat will allow the orzo to absorb the rest of the liquid. After 3 minutes, add the parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Mix until the orzo has a creamy texture and just al dente.

• As an easy side dish. Serve this orzo just as it is with one of your favorite chicken recipes. Sprinkle with your favorite fresh herbs and it makes a great main dish!
• Loaded with veggies! Add a splash of heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and spinach to the top of the orzo once it is done cooking. Let the spinach wilt while the Instant Pot is closed. Serve this delicious dish with chicken thighs or grilled chicken breasts.
• In an orzo pasta salad! One of my favorite ways to use orzo is to add the cooked orzo in this orzo pesto pasta salad! It's loaded with healthy ingredients and perfect for your next barbecue!
• With your favorite dish! Serve this orzo under Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken, with marinara sauce, or mixed in with pesto rosso.

Once the orzo is cooked, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Leftover orzo will stay fresh in the refrigerator up to 5 days. You can also freeze orzo. Add the orzo to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The burn warning pops up on your Instant Pot when something sticks to the bottom of the pot. To avoid that, make sure there is enough water or broth in the Instant Pot. If the burn notice does come up, open the Instant Pot and add ½ cup more water and mix.

Yes! You can use gluten free orzo and it will cook the same as your standard orzo.

Did you love this Instant Pot Orzo? If you did, don't forget to tag me on social media on Instagram or Facebook and share this recipe on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and enjoy these delicious and easy recipes!

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

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Simple Instant Pot Chicken Broth

Crispy Instant Pot Bacon

Simple Instant Pot Couscous