Quick and Easy Instant Pot® Shrimp Scampi with Orzo

This flavorful shrimp scampi comes together in no time using your Instant Pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze. With tender shrimp and perfectly cooked orzo, it’s a delicious meal that’s both quick and satisfying.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATINGNew

Quick and Easy Instant Pot® Shrimp Scampi with Orzo

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 shallot, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 pinch red pepper flakes salt and ground black pepper to taste ½ lemon, juiced (Optional) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 ½ cups orzo 2 cups shrimp stock ¼ cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped parsley, or to taste (Optional) 4 lemon wedges (Optional)

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by tossing the shrimp in a large bowl and set it aside for now. Next, turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat up some olive oil. Add the shallot and cook it, stirring, for about a minute and a half until it softens. Then, stir in the garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking just until the garlic smells amazing, about another minute and a half. Pour this flavorful mix over the shrimp, squeeze in the lemon juice, give everything a good stir, and pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest.

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Step 2

Wipe out the Instant Pot’s inner pot and turn the sauté function back on. Melt the butter, then add the orzo, stirring constantly to coat all the little pasta pieces with butter—this should take around a minute and a half. Pour in the shrimp stock and white wine, give it a good stir, and bring everything to a boil. Lock the lid in place and set it to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. It’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.

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Step 3

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Take off the lid and spread the marinated shrimp evenly over the cooked orzo. Seal the lid again, set the pressure cooker to high for just 1 minute, and wait for it to build pressure, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

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Step 4

After that last quick cook, release the pressure carefully once more. Open the lid, give everything a gentle stir, and serve your shrimp scampi topped with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Make sure to thaw shrimp completely before cooking for even results.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Stir the orzo well after cooking to prevent it from sticking together.

Why you’ll love it

This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky sauce, and creamy orzo is comforting yet light. Using the Instant Pot® cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.

Serving ideas

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for brightness. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a great side. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair nicely to soak up the sauce.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the orzo creamy. Avoid freezing, as shrimp can become tough after thawing.