Instant Pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Orzo–orzo pasta is tossed with fresh basil, garlic, halved cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese for a perfect side dish or meatless meal.
Instant Pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Orzo
This super easy orzo pasta dish makes a perfect summer meatless meal or if you want to serve this as a side dish alongside a rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken that would me amazing. I love the taste of fresh basil and the tomatoes. It just gives a bright pop of color and fresh flavor to the pasta.
My daughter has dutifully watered her little basil plant each day and I’m super grateful. I would have totally let the plant die by now. If only she had her own tomato plant as well! Maybe next summer…
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What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
To make Instant Pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Orzo I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.
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Instant Pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute plus 5 minute NPR
- Total Time: 24 minute
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Orzo pasta is tossed with fresh basil, garlic, halved cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese for a perfect side dish or meatless meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 1/3 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, washed and sliced in half
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to the saute function. When the display says HOT add in the olive oil and swirl it around. Add in the diced onion and saute for about 3-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add in the chicken broth and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot. Add in the orzo, salt and pepper. Turn off the saute function.
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 1 minute on high pressure. When the time is up let the pot sit there for 5 minutes and then perform a quick release.
- Remove the lid and stir in the basil, cheese and tomatoes. Scoop onto plates and enjoy!
Notes
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: meatless, side, pasta
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I love the flavours in this recipe but I’ve made it twice now and the burn came on before the pressure was reached. The second time I made it, I waited a few minutes after turning off the sauté function before adding the liquid and the orzo. I then turned on pressure cook for 1 minute. I still got the burn notice before reaching full pressure cook. What do you suggest?
Thanks.
Kathy
I am wondering if this would be best made pot in pot style. I would pour 1 cup in IP and add a trivet. Lower in pan with ingredients and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
Thanks, Karen. To clarify, pour one cup of broth in IP and add trivet? Not so clear on your instructions and if any other ingredients need adjustments…
Thanks
Oops what I meant to say was pour 1 cup of water into bottom of Instant Pot. Place trivet into pot. Add orzo ingredients into a pan. Lower pan on top of trivet. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
Ok! Thanks so much. I must admit, at this point I may just cook it on stovetop ☺️. Regardless the favours and the recipe are delicious. I also added a couple of TBS of lemon juice to the broth which added a nice zip to the dish.
Thanks again for your help!
Made for dinner tonight with some IP Chicken Breast and it was amazing, the flavour is wonderful. I encounter a small problem… I did not have enough cherry tomatoes and decided to make 1/2 a recipe and cut everything in half including the liquid. Well, my fault, a layer of orzo was stuck to the bottom of the instant pot. I cook it for 1 minute and the orzo was a little bit overdone; I was able to save the dish my scooping everything that was good and cooking an extra 1/2 cup of orzo on the stove which I added back to everything. Karen would you know where I went wrong with the half recipe? Thank you. Here is a photo of tonight’s dinner:
https://shared-assets.adobe.com/link/bd414dbb-6d48-4929-6847-5ecd030c80b3
★★★★★
I think because orzo absorbs so much of the liquid when you halved the recipe it just all got stuck to the bottom. You may want to use the pot in pot method to halve this recipe. Then you don’t have to worry about that.
Had excellent flavor, although a bit on the gooey side. Will use 2 1/4 cups of orzo next time. I added some spinach at the end. Makes a good side dish with chicken.
★★★★★
Would the cooking time change for wheat orzo? Thank you!
no, keep it the same.
Oh my gosh- this is delicious! I just made it and ate two bowls! I hope it tastes as good when reheated. There was a little prep work but it cooked so fast. Thank you- love your recipes and always share them!
I am so glad you liked it. Fresh basil is always the best!
Love your dishes! Where did you get them?
★★★★★
My friend gave it to me! I wish I had a whole set. I love them too.
How would you double this?
https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/how-to-double-instant-pot-recipes/
This was far beyond my expectations, our first time having orzo and my husband raved about it, absolutely delish, we served with chicken scallopini, perfect weeknight meal.
★★★★★
Oh yum! I love chicken scallopini! I’m so glad he liked it 🙂
Can chicken breast be added to this recipe & would cooking time change?
you could probably cut up chicken breast into bite size pieces and cook at the same time. Since it’s such a short cooking time you’ll have to cut the chicken in pieces.
How would you make this in a Crockpot?
I wouldn’t in the crockpot but I would make it on the stove.
Karen, I love your blog! Being new to IP cooking, I have been searching for recipes and tips. I came across this blog one day and am so happy I did. All the recipes are spot on, clear, and concise. You and my IP are my new best friends! Thank you..
Awww that is so nice to hear. Thanks Marta!
This was sooooooo good!
HOORAY!
This recipe sounds wonderful, but I have some health problems that need some nutritional facts. It would be great if you could put them at the end of each recipe. Thank you.
Use MyFitnessPal or LoseIt or similar app to enter the ingredients for any recipe you’re interested in making – it will give you all nutrition information you need.