Instant Pot Orzo

Did you know you can make orzo in an Instant Pot? This rice-shaped pasta cooks in just 2 minutes!

Orzo is one of my favorite types of pasta because it can be used in soups, salads, and casseroles. It cooks quickly thanks to its short shape and you can even prepare it in a pressure cooker! Like most pasta, this can easily be cooked on the stovetop, but you can also use your Instant Pot!

What is orzo?

Orzo is a short pasta that’s shaped like a large grain of rice. Because of its small size, it typically takes 6-8 minutes to cook on the stovetop! In the Instant Pot, you can cook it in just 2 minutes, plus the time it takes to pressurize. You can find orzo near the boxed pasta, but it can also be found near the rice. You can get whole wheat orzo pasta, but it may be a bit harder to find. DeLallo makes a great whole wheat orzo that you can get on Amazon.

Is orzo healthy?

Like other pasta, it’s made with refined flour so it doesn’t have a lot of nutrients. But you can still enjoy it in moderation and pair it with your favorite vegetables. Unfortunately, it is hard to find whole wheat versions of orzo. But if you’re looking for an option with more protein and fiber, definitely check out Banza’s gluten-free “chickpea rice”.

How to Make Orzo in an Instant Pot

Add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of orzo pasta, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and set to manual pressure cook for 2 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure, then the timer will count down.

Once it’s done cooking, “quick release” the Instant Pot by releasing the pressure then removing the lid and turning off the Instant Pot.

If there is still water in the pot, drain the pasta in a colander.

How to Use Orzo

Once your orzo is cooked, you can add it to soups or salads or just toss it with your favorite sauce! I love making this 15 Minute Parmesan Orzo, this Orzo Pesto Salad, or you could use it in a Feta and Orzo Salad! It keeps well in the fridge, but I do recommend tossing it with a little olive oil before you store it. This helps prevent clumping.

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