One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo in the Instant Pot®

What Makes This Dish So Tasty

Quick, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot. It combines tender shrimp with buttery garlic and bright lemon, all mixed with creamy orzo. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without a lot of cleanup.

Cooking Advice

- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t forget to deglaze the pot well after sautéing to avoid a burn notice.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon to your taste; they really brighten the dish.

Step 1

Tos the shrimp in a bowl and set it aside for now. Next, turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat up some olive oil. Add the shallot and cook it for about a minute and a half, stirring occasionally. Then, mix in the garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking until the garlic smells amazing, which should take another minute or so. Pour this flavorful mixture over the shrimp, add some lemon juice, give it a good stir, and pop it in the fridge to marinate while you prepare the rest.

Step 2

Wipe out the inner pot, pop it back in the Instant Pot, and melt butter on the sauté setting. Stir in the orzo, making sure each little grain gets coated in butter—keep stirring for about a minute and a half. Pour in the shrimp stock and white wine, give everything a good stir, and let it come to a boil. Once boiling, lock the lid in place and set the pressure cooker to high for 4 minutes. It might take 10 to 15 minutes to reach pressure.

Step 3

When the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and spread the marinated shrimp evenly over the cooked orzo. Lock the lid again and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for just 1 minute this time. After it comes to pressure (about 5 to 10 minutes), do another quick release.

Step 4

Serve everything warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy!

Simple Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated Parmesan on top makes a nice finishing touch. Crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up any extra sauce.

Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If the orzo thickens, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.