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instant pot orzo WS
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Instant Pot Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Arugula

Instant Pot Orzo is a quick weekday dinner that comes together in just minutes! This creamy pasta dish is versatile enough for a light main dish or even a cold side dish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
pressurizing10 minutes
Total Time19 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: pasta,
Servings: 6
Author: Bobbie Blue

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 cups orzo
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups water, or broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  • Turn the sauté feature on the Instant Pot and allow it to warm while chopping the garlic.
  • Once the Instant Pot is hot add the olive oil and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds being careful to not burn the garlic.
  • Add the orzo and stir to coat with the olive oil while toasting the orzo. After a minute turn off the sauté feature.
  • Add the water, or broth if using, and the salt, pepper and lemon juice.
  • Now secure the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the timer for 2 minutes and make sure that you turn the steam valve to the sealing position.
  • The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to pressurize. You will hear it make slight hissing noises as the steam is building inside the pot. Once it gets to pressure the 2 minute timer will begin to count down.
  • Once the 2 minutes is up it is time to release the stem or do a quick steam release. Do this by using a wooden spoon to move the steam release valve to the venting position. Be carful to keep your face away as the steam is released.
  • Now you can remove the lid from the Instant Pot and add the Parmesan cheese and arugula. The heat will melt the cheese and wilt the arugula as you stir it into the orzo.
  • Let the orzo sit for 2-3 minutes as the pasta absorbs the remaining liquid. The starchy pasta will create a creamy sauce with the cheese.
  • Serve immediately as a quick vegetarian dish or with protein of choice for a delicious side dish.
  • Leftover orzo can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave with a little splash of water.

Notes

  • Never put the Instant Pot lid in place when using the sauté function.
  • Pressure cookers must have some sort of liquid when using the pressure cook function.
  • Use caution when removing the steam from the steam release valve.
  • We want an al dente orzo pasta so do not use the natural pressure release because the orzo will become overcooked and mushy.