Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but pressed for time? This Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is the answer. It’s light, buttery, and bursting with garlicky, lemony goodness. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is a foolproof way to impress yourself or your guests. The best part? You can have it on the table in no time.
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious one-pot dish.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or replace with more chicken broth)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Keep them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté in the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting and add 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil. Once melted and heated, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant (but not browned). Add the red pepper flakes at this stage if you prefer some heat.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits—that’s where the flavor lives! Add in the lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy kick. Then, add the broken spaghetti, making sure it’s evenly spread in the liquid. Press it gently into the broth to ensure it cooks properly, but don’t stir.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once it’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 4 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to "Venting."
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Open the lid and give the pasta a quick stir. Add the shrimp on top of the pasta, then dot them with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Close the lid (don’t worry about sealing it this time) and set the pot to "Sauté.” Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, give everything a good toss to coat the pasta and shrimp in the buttery, garlicky sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Since shrimp is the star of this dish, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Customizations: You can swap out the spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
- Add Vegetables: Want to make this dish a little heartier? Toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms before pressure cooking.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? This recipe can easily be doubled—just make sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi with a crisp green salad, a side of garlic bread, or a glass of chilled white wine. It’s versatile enough for a casual dinner or a special date night meal.
This dish is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is sure to become a regular in your weekly rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your tasty masterpiece!
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