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One-Pot Comfort Food

Instant Pot Low-Carb Pescatarian Stuffed Peppers

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 20, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Mediterranean-Inspired 35 mins instantpotonepotpescatarianhealthylowcarbquickeasyfamily-friendlyweeknightflavorfulmealprepcomfortfood

Enjoy this healthy and quick Instant Pot recipe featuring Mediterranean-style low-carb stuffed peppers filled with shrimp, zucchini, feta, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pot meal offers a nutritious, protein-rich seafood dinner that’s family-friendly and flavorful.

Instant Pot Low-Carb Pescatarian Stuffed Peppers
Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMediterranean-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped roughly
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat olive oil. Add chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add diced zucchini, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until zucchini is slightly softened.
  3. Turn off 'Sauté' mode and transfer the cooked vegetables to a bowl to cool slightly.
  4. In the same bowl, mix the sautéed vegetable mixture with chopped shrimp, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well until combined evenly.
  5. Generously stuff each hollowed bell pepper with the shrimp and vegetable filling, pressing down gently to fill completely.
  6. Pour 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Place the stuffed peppers upright on the included steamer rack or trivet inside the pot.
  7. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to 'Sealing,' and cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' at high pressure for 8 minutes.
  8. When cook time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  9. Remove the stuffed peppers carefully from the pot. Spoon any cooking liquid over the peppers for added moisture and flavor.
  10. Serve the stuffed peppers warm, garnished with extra fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this Instant Pot Low-Carb Pescatarian Stuffed Peppers recipe to your dietary preferences or pantry with these ingredient substitutions that keep it quick, healthy, and delicious:

  • Shrimp: Replace with cooked scallops, firm white fish chunks, or canned tuna as alternate pescatarian proteins.
  • Feta Cheese: Use dairy-free feta or omit for dairy-free diets. For vegan variations, try marinated tofu cubes.
  • Zucchini: Swap with finely diced eggplant or summer squash for seasonal variety.
  • Bell Peppers: Use large portobello mushroom caps or hollowed tomatoes as a unique vessel alternative compatible with Instant Pot cooking.
  • Vegetable Broth: Substitute low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock to deepen flavor while keeping the meal low carb.
  • Olive Oil: Exchange with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for different healthy fat sources.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Dill): Try basil or cilantro for a fresh, complementary seafood flavor twist.
  • Spices: Add cumin or coriander for warm, aromatic notes or omit smoked paprika for a milder taste.

All swaps retain the recipe’s family-friendly, healthy, low-carb, instantpot, onepot, and flavorful qualities, perfect for adaptable weeknight dinners, meal prep, and comforting seafood meals.

Pan Or Pot Required

For this One-Pot Comfort Food recipe, the Instant Pot is essential cookware. The Instant Pot lets you seamlessly sauté aromatic vegetables and then pressure cook stuffed bell peppers in one pot, reducing cleanup and locking in vibrant flavors.

Using the Instant Pot's sauté function efficiently softens the onion, garlic, and zucchini before combining with shrimp filling. Pressure cooking ensures the bell peppers become tender while the shrimp cooks gently, perfect for a quick, healthy, low-carb, and family-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

If you don't have one, a 6-quart or similar electric pressure cooker is highly recommended for its versatility and time-saving benefits, especially with recipes like this that prioritize quick, easy, and nutritious one-pot meals. The sturdy stainless steel inner pot and included trivet hold the peppers upright and promote even cooking.

This one-pot method minimizes cookware and cleanup, supporting the quick, easy, healthy, family-friendly, and comfortfood aspects of this seafood-stuffed pepper recipe.

Cookware Size Guidance

For best results with this One-Pot Comfort Food recipe, use a 6-quart Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker model. This size easily accommodates 4 large stuffed bell peppers standing upright on the steamer rack, along with 1/2 cup of vegetable broth needed for pressure cooking.

A 6-quart unit ensures adequate space for even steam circulation, maintains proper pressure levels, and prevents overcrowding, all essential for perfectly cooked, tender stuffed peppers.

If using a smaller Instant Pot (3–4 quarts), reduce the recipe quantity or cook in batches. Larger models (8-quart or more) work equally well but aren’t necessary for this family-friendly and quick dish.

Following this size guidance maximizes cooking efficiency and flavor melding for an ideal low-carb Mediterranean Instant Pot meal.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This recipe is optimized for the Instant Pot, leveraging the pressure cooker’s speed and moisture retention to create tender, flavorful stuffed bell peppers in under 40 minutes. However, alternative cookware options work well while maintaining the recipe’s ease and delicious taste.

  • Stovetop Steaming: Use a deep pot with a steaming rack. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright, add 1 cup vegetable broth or water, cover tightly, and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes until peppers are softened and filling cooked through, mimicking Instant Pot steam pressure.
  • Slow Cooker: Place peppers upright in a slow cooker insert, add broth, cover, and cook on high 2–3 hours or low 4–5 hours. Although slower, this yields tender, infused peppers ideal for easy meal prep and family dinners.
  • Oven-Baked Version: Set stuffed peppers in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, add a splash of broth or tomato sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes until softened and fully cooked.

These swaps preserve the recipe’s healthy, family-friendly, lowcarb, and flavorful qualities. When adapting cookware, maintain gentle moisture and heat to ensure the shrimp filling cooks thoroughly and peppers remain tender but intact.

Leftovers Quality

Leftover Instant Pot Low-Carb Pescatarian Stuffed Peppers remain fresh and tasty when stored properly. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. They keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

This recipe also freezes well. Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months to retain optimal flavor and texture.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a microwave or preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covering loosely to retain moisture. Spoon leftover cooking liquid or broth over the peppers before reheating to keep them juicy.

This versatile, healthy, and family-friendly meal is ideal for meal prep and convenient enjoyment throughout busy weeks.

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