Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

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Make mouthwatering Shrimp Scampi quickly with your Instant Pot. This recipe gives you all the tasty flavors of classic scampi pasta without the long cooking time. Picture tender shrimp cooked with garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon—each bite is fresh and flavorful. This Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is ideal for busy evenings or when you want a gourmet meal without fuss.

Below, I'll share my preferred method for making shrimp scampi—a one-pot meal that's incredibly easy to prepare and yields outstanding results. I'll detail the ingredients needed, the step-by-step cooking process, and essential tips to ensure your pressure cooker shrimp scampi turns out perfect every time.

This recipe takes inspiration from my orzo shrimp scampi and complements perfectly with these roasted frozen vegetables.

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Ingredients:
How to Make Shrimp Scampi in an Instant Pot:
Tips:
FAQs:
Storage:
How to Reheat Leftover Shrimp Scampi:
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Ingredients:

Here are the ingredients needed for the Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi:

Shrimp: Medium to large size, peeled, tail-on, and deveined. Provides the main protein element and seafood flavor.
Rotini: Pasta choice for the dish, absorbs flavors and complements the shrimp.
Shallots and Garlic: Aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy freshness and tanginess to balance the richness of butter and olive oil.
Butter and Olive Oil: Provides richness and depth of flavor when cooking the shrimp and aromatics.
Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides liquid for cooking the pasta and enhances the overall savory profile.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and serves as a garnish.
Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, and Black Pepper: Seasonings that add spice, heat, and enhance flavors.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi in an Instant Pot:

Here are the steps to follow to prepare shrimp scampi using an Instant Pot:

Step 1: Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of oil, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes or up to an hour.

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter and remaining oil, then sauté shallots, and remaining garlic and red chili pepper flakes until fragrant.

Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter and remaining oil, then sauté shallots, and remaining garlic and red chili pepper flakes until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour in the white wine and simmer until it reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes. Turn off the sauté mode.

Step 4: Add the rotini pasta to the Instant Pot, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Season with additional salt and black pepper. Gently press the pasta into the liquid, making sure it's covered.

Step 5: Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top of the pasta mixture.

Step 6: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 1 minute. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes after cooking is complete.

cooked shrimp and pasta in an instant pot.

Step 7: Carefully release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.

Step 8: Stir in additional lemon juice (about ½ to 1 tablespoon) and chopped parsley. Mix everything together well.

Tips:

Here are some helpful tips for preparing shrimp scampi using an Instant Pot:

Choose the Right Size Shrimp: Use medium to large shrimp pieces. Avoid tiny or small shrimp to prevent them from becoming overcooked during the cooking process.
Keep the Shrimp Tail On: Keeping the shrimp tail on adds extra flavor to the dish. It also helps prevent the shrimp from overcooking during the cooking process. The shrimp tail also adds a visual appeal to the dish, making it look more attractive and inviting when served.
Don't Skip Marinating the Shrimp: Since shrimp are not sautéed with other ingredients in this recipe, marinating helps them stay tender and juicy during the cooking process.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency: For a saucier pasta dish, add more preheated low-sodium chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice after removing the cooked shrimp from the pot.
Red Chili Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red chili pepper flakes based on taste preference. If serving the dish to children, start with a smaller amount and add more later if desired.
Using Long Pasta: If using long pasta like spaghetti, break them into two pieces to ensure they are fully covered by the broth during cooking. Add more liquid if necessary to cover the pasta adequately.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?

Frozen shrimp can be a convenient option, especially if you find that fresh shrimp tend to cook a bit too quickly or become overcooked for your liking. However, it's important to note that marinating frozen shrimp before cooking may be more challenging due to their frozen state.

How do I prevent overcooking shrimp in shrimp scampi?

Use medium to large shrimp pieces and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid tiny or small shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes, you can omit the wine or substitute it with low-sodium chicken broth or seafood broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I freeze shrimp scampi?

It's not recommended to freeze shrimp scampi as the texture of both the shrimp and pasta may change upon thawing.

What pasta shapes are best for shrimp scampi?

Rotini, Linguine, or spaghetti are commonly used for shrimp scampi as they hold the sauce well. Break long pasta into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.

How do I make shrimp scampi gluten-free?

Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients like broth, butter, and seasonings are gluten-free certified.

Can I Use Just Olive Oil Instead of Butter and Olive Oil?

Yes, you can use just olive oil in your shrimp scampi recipe. However, butter adds a creamy texture and richness to the sauce without making it overly oily. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, complementing the shrimp and pasta.

Storage:

Here's how to store leftover shrimp scampi properly:

Cooling Down: Allow the shrimp scampi to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the flavors intact.
Refrigeration: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container or sealable bag. Refrigerate promptly to keep the shrimp and pasta fresh.
Use Within: Consume the leftover shrimp scampi within 3-4 days for best quality and flavor.

For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.

How to Reheat Leftover Shrimp Scampi:

Reheating leftover shrimp scampi is easy and ensures that it remains delicious:

Stovetop Method: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a skillet or frying pan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, if needed. Heat until the shrimp and pasta are warmed through.
Microwave Method: Place the leftover shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent splattering. Microwave on medium heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This helps ensure even heating until the shrimp and pasta are thoroughly warmed.
Check Temperature: Regardless of the method used, ensure the shrimp scampi reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure it's thoroughly heated.

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a ★★★★★ rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.