Slow Cooker Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender shrimp cook slowly in a creamy garlic sauce, then get tossed with pasta for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the garlic to your slow cooker and add the chicken broth, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the slow cooker and mix well to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the shrimp are cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: About 30 minutes before the shrimp is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: Once the shrimp is done, stir in the cooked pasta and mix until well-coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley just before serving. Give it a final stir and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use medium or small shrimp if large shrimp are unavailable, adjusting cook time slightly to avoid overcooking.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian.
• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Try using gluten-free pasta if needed, cooking according to package directions.
• To add veggies, stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last 15 minutes of slow cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the shrimp directly in the slow cooker without sautéing the garlic first?

Yes, but sautéing the garlic first enhances its flavor and prevents it from tasting raw or bitter in the sauce.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can prepare this dish on the stovetop by simmering the sauce gently and adding shrimp to cook for about 5 minutes until pink and tender, then toss with cooked pasta.

Slow Cooker Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 128 reviews

Enjoy a creamy, flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Shrimp Pasta that’s perfect for an easy and satisfying meal. Tender shrimp slow-cooked in a garlicky, creamy sauce with a hint of spice, served over perfectly cooked pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a delightful dinner experience.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Sauce

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Garnish

• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This helps release the garlic’s aroma and flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed garlic to your slow cooker. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the slow cooker and stir to coat the shrimp thoroughly with the sauce.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. This gentle cooking ensures the shrimp becomes tender and infuses the sauce with rich flavors.
5. Cook Pasta: About 30 minutes before the shrimp finishes cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the shrimp is done, stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy shrimp sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Give it a final gentle stir and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less creamy.
• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor; dried parsley won’t have the same bright taste.
• For added vegetables, consider stirring in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• This dish can also be made in an Instant Pot using the slow cook function or quick pressure cooking with adjusted times.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Slow Cooked Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food, Seafood Pasta