Creamy Instant Pot Tomato Orzo with Spinach

You need dinner fast—but not boring. This one-pot orzo is creamy, cozy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food but still tastes fresh and bright.

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The Instant Pot makes it possible to cook everything in one go. You drop in dry orzo, crushed tomatoes, and broth—press start—and in just a few minutes, you’ve got a thick, rich tomato base. Stir in some spinach and cheese at the end, and it transforms into something warm, velvety, and satisfying.

No babysitting. No extra pans. Just simple ingredients that cook together and taste like they belong together.

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Why You’ll Want to Keep This Recipe Handy

There’s a lot to like about this recipe, starting with how fast it comes together. From start to finish, you’re looking at under 25 minutes.

It also nails that balance of creamy without being too heavy, thanks to a mix of broth, tomato, and a final touch of Parmesan. Plus, it’s flexible—make it with dairy-free cheese or bulk it up with extra veggies if you like.

• No need to boil water or drain pasta
• Just one pot from start to finish
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Works as a full meal or a hearty side

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What You Need to Make It

This recipe works with just a few everyday items from the pantry and fridge.

• Orzo – Small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes – Use canned or fresh-blended; they make the base rich and smooth.
• Vegetable or chicken broth – Adds depth while keeping it light.
• Fresh spinach – Tossed in at the end to wilt and bring freshness.
• Parmesan cheese – For that final creamy finish and savory bite.

You can also add garlic, onion, or a splash of cream to dial up the richness.

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How to Make Creamy Tomato Orzo in the Instant Pot

The process is quick—just a few easy steps, each adding flavor and texture.

• Sauté the base
  Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook chopped onion and garlic in a splash of oil until softened and fragrant.
• Add the orzo and tomato
  Stir in dry orzo and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to coat the pasta with the tomato base.
• Pour in the broth
  Add your broth, stir again, and scrape the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Pressure cook
  Seal the lid and set to HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then manually release the rest.
• Stir in spinach and cheese
  Open the lid, stir in a handful of fresh spinach and grated Parmesan. Let the residual heat melt the cheese and wilt the greens.
• Adjust consistency
  If it’s too thick, add a bit more warm broth or water and stir until creamy.

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What Tastes Good with Tomato Orzo

Side Dish	Why It Pairs Well
Garlic bread	Great for scooping up the creamy sauce
Roasted broccoli	Adds crisp texture and contrast
Baked chicken breast	Makes this a full, protein-packed meal
Mixed greens salad	Refreshing balance to the rich pasta
Pan-fried halloumi slices	Brings saltiness and chew
Sautéed zucchini	Mild and earthy flavor that works well
Grilled sausage	Turns it into a bold main dish

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Tomato orzo keeps well in the fridge and reheats with minimal effort.

• Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
• Freeze? Not ideal—pasta texture can break down—but doable if needed. Thaw and reheat gently with extra liquid.

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FAQs About This Creamy Tomato Orzo

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. It still turns creamy from the starch in the orzo.

Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Add cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or ground turkey after pressure cooking.

Is it spicy?
Not at all—but you can add red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili paste for extra kick.

Can I use another green instead of spinach?
Chopped kale or Swiss chard also work well—just stir in a minute longer.