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Orzo Pasta with Chorizo and Mozzarella – 30 Minutes, One-Pot

Making a delicious dinner for four doesn’t have to be complicated. You can create a satisfying meal using a pressure cooker with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe combines orzo pasta, chorizo sausage, vibrant peppers, onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella for a quick and tasty dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Sauté time 12 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta You can use any small pasta like acini di pepe or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • 200 g chorizo sausage Sliced. Vegetarian alternatives like soy chorizo or lentils work well too.
  • 1 red bell pepper Chopped. Any colour pepper is fine, you can also use zucchini or spinach.
  • 1 orange bell pepper Chopped. Any colour pepper is fine, you can also use zucchini or spinach.
  • 1 white onion Chopped. Red onion or shallots can be substitutes.
  • 150 g mushrooms Sliced. Use any mushrooms or try canned mushrooms for convenience.
  • 1 stock cube Use any stock you prefer for how much liquid you are going to use.
  • 100 g mozzarella Shredded. You can replace this with feta for a different taste.

Instructions
 

  • Preparation: Start by chopping all your vegetables and slicing the chorizo. It helps to have everything ready before you start cooking.
  • Sautéing: Turn on the pressure cooker and select the sauté option. Add a splash of oil and cook the chorizo and onion until it’s browned. This enhances the flavours.
  • Add Vegetables: After the sausage is ready, stir in the peppers, and mushrooms.
  • Incorporate Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and enough water or broth (around 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of orzo) to cover all ingredients. Stir well to mix everything.
  • Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for about 3 minutes. Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
  • Finishing Touch: Open the lid, stir in the mozzarella, and let it melt into the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Enhancing Your Meal

You can make your pressure-cooked dinner even better by choosing the right side dishes. The right sides complement the flavours and balance the meal.

Selecting Side Dishes

Pair your orzo pasta dish with sides that add variety and texture. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread: This is easy to make. Simply spread garlic butter on sliced bread and toast it in the oven.
Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can freshen up your meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini bring colour and nutrients.
Roasted Potatoes: These add heartiness. Toss potatoes with herbs and roast for a crispy texture.
Keyword meat, one dish, one pan