Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
You can make quick and simple dinners without sacrificing when it comes to flavor. This Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi, with its buttery, garlicky white wine sauce with fresh lemon juice, is ready to serve in no time yet tastes every bit as good as the classic restaurant dish.
This easy Instant Pot shrimp scampi with pasta is filling and delicious. And since shrimp cooks quickly, it’s an ideal protein for a delicious meal in a hurry. Shrimp scampi not only tastes great, but it looks beautiful on the plate.
This simple weeknight meal is elegant enough for serving guests with a side of garlic bread and some steamed vegetables, but it doesn’t have to be a special occasion meal. Enjoy Instant Pot shrimp scampi any night of the week!
If you like this please check out this Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo, and Instant Pot Salmon, and Easy peasy Shrimp Creole.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Fast – Cook the shrimps for 1 minute on each side, then cook everything for 1 minute at high pressure in the instant pot. You are mere minutes away from succulent shrimp and pasta cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Flavorful – If you love garlic, you will love the flavor of this sauce. The garlic pairs beautifully with butter, white wine, and lemon juice.
Made With Pantry Staples – Pick up fresh shrimp and then shop your pantry for the rest of the ingredients.
INGREDIENT NOTES
Olive Oil – or use your favorite light, neutral-flavored cooking oil.
Shrimp – look for medium shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. If you use larger or smaller shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Shallot – minced shallot has a mild, subtle flavor. Use regular onion if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic – this dish is all about garlic, so fresh chopped garlic is a must. If you love garlic, increase the amount to 3 or 4 cloves.
White Wine – select a dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute chicken broth or chicken stock.
Water – for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot.
Pasta – Angel hair pasta is a great choice because the pasta is thin and cooks quickly.
Butter – I prefer to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the dish.
Lemon – use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Feel free to add a little lemon zest to boost the citrus flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes – if you like a bit of spice, add a bit of red pepper.
Parsley – fresh parsley adds color and brightness to the dish.
Ready to make this shrimp scampi instant pot? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil to the bottom of the insert. Allow the oil to heat almost to the smoking point.
Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to thoroughly dry the raw shrimp, then season with salt and pepper.
Carefully place the shrimp in the insert and sauté for 1 minute on each side.
Turn off the sauté function and add minced shallot, garlic, white wine, and water. Be sure to add the water last, so it doesn’t splatter in the hot oil.
Add the pasta, pressing it down with a wooden spoon until fully submerged.
Place on the lid, turn the valve to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure / high pressure for 1 minute.
When done, perform a quick pressure release (QPR). Open the lid and add butter, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley.
Toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
PRO TIPS
Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking.
Use fresh garlic and real lemon juice in this recipe.
The shrimp do not need to cook all the way through when you sauté. They will finish while you cook the pasta and will come out cooked perfectly.
If you prefer, you can swap the white wine for chicken stock or vegetable stock.
Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spoon when you add the wine to remove any stuck-on bits.
Lay the pasta in a criss-cross pattern and press it under the water.
If the butter doesn’t melt immediately, replace the lid (with the Instant Pot turned off) and leave it to sit for 3 minutes.
Top with lemon zest for more citrus flavor.
The cooking time listed does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or to release the pressure.
DELICIOUS VARIATIONS
Add Cheese – Sprinkle your finished pasta with a bit of parmesan cheese for more flavor.
Add Peas – After releasing the pressure, toss in a few handfuls of frozen peas, stir and close the lid for three minutes. The peas will be warmed through and delicious.
Add Capers – Top the finished dish with capers for a briny flavor.
Swap The Pasta – Not a fan of angel hair pasta? Use spaghetti or linguine, or try zucchini noodles for a low carb and gluten free version. Cooking times may vary slightly for thicker pasta.
PREP AND STORAGE
Prep Ahead – You can thaw the shrimp if they are frozen.
Store – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days.
Freeze – Freezing the leftover shrimp scampi pasta is not recommended because the noodles will become mushy.
Reheat – Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the leftover scampi. Toss until warmed through.
