Delicious Instant Pot Orzo Recipe With Cheesy Sauce
Welcome, dear readers, to my latest culinary endeavor: the Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe. As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I am always on the hunt for new and exciting flavor combinations to tantalize my taste buds. But I also know the importance of quick and easy meals in our busy modern lives.
This recipe is the perfect combination of both: a delicious dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes using your trusty Instant Pot. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this cheesy orzo pasta packs a flavorful punch that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious side dish to accompany your meal or searching for a vegetarian main course, this Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe has got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, there are countless reasons why you will fall in love with this Instant Pot Orzo With Cheese Sauce Recipe. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it is also super delicious and will impress all your friends and family.
Are you on the hunt for a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish to accompany your main course? Look no further! This cheesy orzo pasta is cooked in the Instant Pot in just 4 minutes, making it a perfect side dish for those busy weeknights. But let me tell you, this Instant Pot Orzo isn’t just any regular pasta. It’s creamy, it’s indulgent, and it’s loaded with two different types of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
Imagine biting into this cheesy garlic orzo and feeling the warmth of the creamy sauce melt in your mouth. Better yet, why not take it up a notch by adding some caramelized chicken breast or ground beef to make a full meal out of it? Trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you for this one.
But that’s not all folks! This recipe is highly versatile & adaptable to suit differing dietary requirements. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly or use gluten-free orzo pasta if you need it to be gluten-free. Not feeling like having garlic parmesan orzo? How about mixing things up by adding lemon parmesan orzo or even mushroom orzo to the menu?
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, if you enjoy one-pot meals with minimal clean-up involved, then this Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce recipe is the perfect addition to your recipe book. Not only will it help save you time in the kitchen, but it will also satisfy your cravings for some luxurious comfort food. So go ahead and give this cheesy orzo a try; I guarantee that it will become a staple on your dinner table.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe:
- Orzo pasta (2 cups)
- Water (2 cups)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Olive oil (2 tsp)
- Butter (2 tbs, divided)
- Garlic cloves (3, minced)
- Small onion (1/2, diced)
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Spinach (1 cup, chopped; optional)
Note: You can customize this recipe according to your taste buds preference. If you want a tangy flavor, you can add lemon juice or lemon zest. You can also add more garlic and parmesan cheese for a stronger flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to “sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil and butter.
- Add the garlic and onion to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir to coat with the oil and butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.
- Turn off “sauté” mode and add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Stir well.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once the cook time is done, do a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir in both types of cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Serve while hot!
Now that you know how easy it is to make this delicious Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce, give it a try and impress your family or dinner guests with a comforting and flavorful side dish!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always ways to switch things up and customize the dish to your liking. With this Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe, there are a few variations you can try to make it unique.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You could also add in some delicious vegetables such as broccoli, squash, or zucchini to make it a complete meal. Simply stir them in before pressure cooking the dish.
If you’re not a fan of sharp cheddar cheese, there are other cheeses you could try instead. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would both melt nicely into the sauce and give it a creamy texture as well. You could even try experimenting with different types of hard cheeses like asiago or pecorino romano for an Italian twist.
For those who love meat, this recipe is versatile enough that you can add in different proteins to make it more substantial. You could try adding seared chicken breast or thighs, ground beef or lamb, or even diced ham.
Another variation would be to switch up the flavor profile by adding different herbs and spices. Try seasoning your Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce with fresh basil, thyme or dill for an aromatic twist. Garlic lovers could add extra cloves or even swap out the parmesan cheese for garlic-infused parmesan for extra garlicky goodness.
Additionally, to make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free orzo pasta and ensure that all other ingredients including chicken broth, butter and cheese used are also gluten-free.
Experimenting and personalizing dishes is part of what makes cooking so fun – so have fun with these variations!
Serving and Pairing
Oh, the delectable taste of perfectly-cooked orzo pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. This dish is my favorite comfort food, and I enjoy it on evenings when I want something comforting and satisfying without going overboard. But how ought we to serve and pair this instant pot orzo with cheese sauce recipe to make it even more delightful?
Firstly, this dish can be served as a side dish or a main course. If serving it as a main course, you might want to add chicken breasts or thighs, ground beef, mushrooms, or any other desired meat. The result will be a memorable one-pot chicken orzo that is absolutely amazing.
You could also swap out the regular cheddar cheese for sharp cheddar cheese, which would add an extra layer of delicious tanginess that pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins.
Another wonderful variation is to serve the cheesy garlic orzo alongside certain veggies like asparagus, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and spinach parmesan. These veggies harmonize marvelously with the flavors of the dish and bring some contrasting colors and textures.
Lastly, there’s nothing wrong with pairing this recipe with a refreshing beverage such as sparkling water infused with lemon or lime juice to balance out all those rich flavors. And if you’re in the mood for wine- I suggest going with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling or even an easy-going red like Merlot which will coax out the lighter notes in this creamy garlic orzo dish.
This Instant Pot orzo with cheese sauce is an incredibly versatile meal that can be customized to suit your preferences. Try different combinations and see what works best for you – it never feels like too much when it comes to savoring this fantastic recipe!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I daresay this Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce recipe can be made in advance, especially if you’re pressed for time! If you happen to have leftovers, though, worry not, my dear reader. This orzo pasta dish is an excellent make-ahead meal and stores well in the refrigerator.
To store this instant pot orzo recipe, first let it cool down to room temperature. Once it has fully cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
When it’s time to reheat the cheesy orzo dish, simply place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you could reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Now if by chance you made too much orzo and are looking for something creative and different to do with the leftovers, might I suggest adding a few ingredients of your choosing? Consider tossing in some cooked chicken breast, ground beef or chicken thighs to create a one-pot wonder meal that could be enjoyed by all!
Remember that this Orzo pasta recipe lends itself to many customizable variations. So feel free to experiment with flavors and see what concoctions you come up with. Bon Appetit!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want your Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce recipe to be a guaranteed hit, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips and tricks for perfect results. As someone who’s mastered this dish multiple times over, I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way that can help you achieve the same level of deliciousness every time!
Firstly, it’s important to note that the orzo cooks quite quickly in an Instant Pot, so make sure you don’t overcook it. Too much cooking can cause the orzo pasta to turn out too mushy and soft, messing up the whole dish. Ensure you follow the suggested cook time for best results.
Another crucial thing to remember is ensuring that your Instant Pot has enough liquid to cover the pasta completely. The water should be at least covering the top of the orzo. This water will also act as a medium upon which other flavors and spices will harmoniously blend in.
Also, don’t forget to always thoroughly rinse your orzo pasta before adding it to your Instant Pot. This will help remove any starchy residues, resulting in much smoother finished texture than having the sticky feeling from excess starches.
A common mishap when cooking with a pressure cooker is not seasoning adequately. To avoid this, ensure that you’re tasting what you’re cooking as you go along so that you can adjust any spices and salt levels according to personal preference.
Lastly, though often overlooked when cooking one-pot meals: presentation is just as vital as flavor. Topping off your cheesy orzo with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil will give a pop of color and add another layer of aroma! These minor details may seem insignificant but trust me when I say they bring an eat_me quality that elevates the overall experience.
By using these tips and keeping them in mind throughout your preparation, you’re sure to have a bowl of Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce that leaves everyone with a big, cheesy smile!
Bottom Line
this flavorful recipe in your instant pot and impress the taste buds of your loved ones with ease. The Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe is a perfect side dish or main dish that is quick to prepare and easy to customize. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious meal in no time.
Whether you are looking for a tasty side dish for dinner or a comforting meal on a cold winter’s night, this recipe has got you covered. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. And the best part? You can easily store and reheat any leftovers for later.
So why not give this Instant Pot Orzo with Cheese Sauce Recipe a try? With its versatility and deliciousness, it’s perfect for any occasion. And who knows? It might even become your new weeknight staple or your signature dish when entertaining guests.
Get creative with your ingredient substitutions, add some veggies or meat to make it more filling, explore different cheese options or take it up a notch by adding some lemon zest—it’s up to you! Whatever variation you choose, this recipe is sure to deliver delicious results every time.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the world of Instant Pot cooking and how easy it is to make this amazing cheesy orzo pasta dish, you have the opportunity to take your culinary skills to the next level. So get out that Instant Pot, start cooking and enjoy!
Instant Pot Orzo With Cheese Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Orzo
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Sauce
- 1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- For the orzo: Add orzo and water to the instant pot. Pressure Cook for 4 minutes on high pressure. Release using the Quick Release function. Strain the orzo and put it in a bowl.
- For the sauce: Coarsely grate the cheese. Add the cheese, milk, and butter to the instant pot. Use the Warm function, with the temperature set to Custom, at 150 degrees. The Warm function has a minimum time limit of 10 minutes, but the sauce should only be in there for 5 minutes, so hit Quick Release after 5 minutes.
- With a spatula, scrape the cheese sauce onto the orzo and stir it up. Let cool and enjoy!