Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is not just a dish; it’s an experience that floods your senses with buttery aromas and zesty lemon goodness. Imagine shrimp, perfectly cooked in an Instant Pot, bathed in a heavenly garlic sauce that makes you feel like you’ve just taken a vacation to Italy without leaving your kitchen. That’s right! This dish is a one-way ticket to flavor town, and the best part? You don’t even need to pack your bags!
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with shrimp scampi. Picture this: I was at a beachside restaurant, the sun setting over the ocean while I savored every last bite of this incredible dish. The moment those flavors danced on my taste buds, I knew I had to recreate it at home. And here we are! Each time I make Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi, it’s like reliving that magical evening—all while wearing sweatpants and lounging at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip this up on a busy weeknight or impress guests without breaking a sweat.
- The flavor profile combines rich butter and fresh herbs for a sophisticated yet comforting taste.
- Visually, the vibrant colors of the dish will make anyone’s mouth water before they even take a bite.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta or serve over rice for a delightful twist on dinner.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen works well—just ensure they’re thawed if frozen.
- Butter: A good amount of unsalted butter creates that rich base for the sauce. Don’t skimp; this is where the magic happens.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that bold flavor into play. Trust me; you want to use fresh instead of pre-minced.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balance to the richness of the butter.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley serves as both garnish and flavor enhancer, giving your dish a pop of color and freshness.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for moisture without overwhelming saltiness in your dish.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine enhances flavors beautifully; choose one you’d enjoy sipping!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add butter and allow it to melt before tossing in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about one minute—don’t let it brown; we want flavor, not burnt bits!
Step 2: Add Shrimp
Next up, throw in those beautiful shrimp! Stir them around until they turn pink and opaque—this should take about two minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, give them some love with freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Wine
Now it’s time to elevate this dish! Pour in chicken broth and white wine (the latter being optional but highly recommended). Stir everything together while scraping up any golden bits stuck at the bottom—those are flavor gold!
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Securely close the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for just two minutes. Yes, you read that right! In two minutes, you’ll have perfectly tender shrimp.
Step 5: Quick Release
When that timer goes off (cue excitement), perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve away from you—hot steam alert! Once it’s safe to open, give everything a gentle stir.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley
Finally! Drizzle fresh lemon juice over your scampi and sprinkle chopped parsley generously on top for color and zing.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Pair with crusty bread or pasta; either way, get ready for an explosion of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- This delightful Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is more than just a quick meal; it’s a flavor explosion that impresses everyone.
- The tender shrimp, garlic, and buttery sauce come together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in the Instant Pot until fragrant, then add shrimp to sear lightly. Next, incorporate pasta and broth for optimal absorption of flavors. Finish with a splash of lemon juice and parsley for a fresh kick.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or even vegetables if you prefer a lighter dish. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, preserving that delectable sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked shrimp, avoid overcooking; they should be pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish beautifully!
Sometimes I whip up this Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi for friends, and their delighted faces remind me why I love cooking so much—it’s all about sharing joy through food!
FAQs:
What is Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi?
Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that combines shrimp with garlic, butter, and white wine. Cooking it in the Instant Pot allows for a rich sauce to develop while ensuring the shrimp remain tender and juicy. This dish typically features pasta or can be served alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests.
How long does it take to make Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi?
Making Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is incredibly quick! From start to finish, you can prepare this dish in about 20 minutes. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. After sautéing the garlic and shrimp, simply pressure cook for just a few minutes. This efficient cooking method ensures that your shrimp is perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
Can I customize my Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi?
Absolutely! You can customize your Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. You could also substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Additionally, feel free to experiment with seasonings such as red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi?
Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi pairs wonderfully with various sides. Traditionally, it’s served over pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, which complements the rich sauce beautifully. Alternatively, consider serving it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. You might also enjoy pairing it with steamed vegetables or rice for a well-rounded dinner.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi:
In summary, Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is an easy and delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and buttery sauce creates a delightful dish that everyone will love. With its quick preparation time and customizable options, this recipe allows you to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this flavorful dish a try, and enjoy every bite!
Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delightful Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi combines tender shrimp with buttery garlic and zesty lemon, creating a quick and satisfying meal that transports you to a coastal paradise.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large, deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add butter and let it melt before adding minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and stir until they turn pink and opaque, approximately two minutes.
- Add chicken broth and stir well, scraping any golden bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for two minutes.
- When cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve away from you. Stir gently once safe to open.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or using different herbs such as basil for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a delightful twist.



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