Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

This irresistible 3-minute Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi is made with angel hair pasta, a fragrant shallot and white wine broth, and tender garlic butter shrimp. Top it with capers and parsley for a fresh and flavorful meal!

**THIS RECIPE HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 10/23/19. PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTION NOTES BELOW!**

Learning how to make perfect Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi with angel hair pasta is simple and quick. Forget about the time and skill required in a traditional scampi! This version is just as buttery, flavorful, and satisfying without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

I’m a huge fan of a creamy, garlic butter scampi. I’ve made versions with scallops and zucchini noodles, classic shrimp scampi on the stove, and one recipe with extra spice! I can never get enough of the layers of complex flavors from the beautiful ingredients.

In this easy Instant Pot recipe, deliciously thin angel hair pasta is bathed in a luscious white wine scampi sauce and topped with perfectly sauteed shrimp. The flavors are completely addicting even though it takes less than 3 minutes of cook time. It’s a savory and comforting crowd pleaser that pairs well with homemade garlic knots, roasted vegetables, and green salad!

Check out my Skillet Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe

What is shrimp scampi?

For most Americans, the word “scampi” is associated with creamy pasta, aromatic spices, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and sauteed shrimp. Shrimp scampi is so popular around the country that you can almost always find it on the menu at Italian or seafood restaurants. 

This savory seafood dish with a creamy scampi sauce is usually made on the stovetop in under 30 minutes but I’ve chosen to quicken things up by making it in a non-traditional way: in the Instant Pot! You can still find all of the flavors from the classic version here as the shrimp and angel hair pasta are seasoned with fresh garlic, white wine, shallots, lemon juice, chicken stock, and butter.

How to make easy shrimp scampi in the Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot to Saute mode and saute the garlic and shallots in the butter and oil. Once they’re fragrant, pour in the wine.

Add the shrimp to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue sauteeing as you add the lemon juice. Remove the partially cooked shrimp from the IP when they’re well coated in the wine and lemon mixture.

Turn Saute mode off. Pour the chicken stock and pasta into the pot and separate the uncooked noodles the best you can so they don’t stick together when cooking. Place the shrimp on top of the pasta before securing the lid on top. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.

Quick release the pressure before opening the lid. Stir in the capers before plating, then season each bowl with fresh parsley and parmesan and enjoy!

How to avoid a burn notice

This updated recipe shouldn’t give you a burn notice on your Instant Pot, but there are a few precautions you can take to still avoid it:

• Fully submerge your pasta in the broth before cooking. Once it’s submerged, stir the pasta so the noodles don’t stick together. 
• You can either leave the partially cooked shrimp on the bottom of the pot or remove them and place them back on top of the pasta before pressure cooking.
• Deglaze the pot with chicken broth and scrape up any garlic or shallots that may be stuck to the bottom. 

Can I make it on the stovetop?

Yes! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, follow the instructions in my Skillet Shrimp Scampi Pasta recipe instead.

Tips and substitutions

• For an alcohol-free version of this dish, try using white grape juice, additional chicken stock, or even water in place of the white wine. 
• Not a fan of angel hair pasta? Try spaghetti, linguini, or fettuccine noodles instead. 
• Looking for a healthier shrimp scampi? Make this recipe with low carb zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Just saute the zoodles in the Instant Pot beforehand so they don’t overcook under pressure.
• Top the Instant Pot shrimp scampi with extra red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, or toasted breadcrumbs for added flavor.

What to serve with shrimp scampi

While I consider shrimp scampi to be a comforting meal, it’s still light enough to pair with a few side dishes. My favorites are crispy oven roasted potatoes, bacon wrapped asparagus, or my tropical summer fruit salad. If you want to keep things simple, pair each bowl with some garlic knots and an arugula salad. 

How to store shrimp scampi

• To store: Place your leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shrimp scampi can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months; just be sure to completely thaw your leftovers before reheating them. 

• To reheat: Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once your oil is hot, add your leftover shrimp scampi and cook, stirring frequently, until warm. 

More Instant Pot recipes to try

• Chicken Parmesan
• Salmon and Quinoa
• Really Good Instant Pot Chili
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta