Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is an indulgent, restaurant-quality meal that’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This dish combines tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce for a rich, flavorful experience. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 grams shrimp, cleaned and shells removed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 225 grams of pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
- Set your slow cooker to low heat.
- Add olive oil and unsalted butter to the slow cooker. Once the butter melts, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of chili flakes (optional).
- Let the garlic sauté in the mixture for 2-3 minutes to enhance its flavor.
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Add the Liquids:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine with the garlic mixture.
- Let the liquids heat through for 10-15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Break the pasta in half if necessary to fit it into the slow cooker. Submerge the pasta fully in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness—when the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, it’s ready for the next step.
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Add the Shrimp:
- Add cleaned, deveined shrimp to the slow cooker when the pasta is nearly done.
- Stir the shrimp evenly into the pasta and sauce. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked.
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Finish with Parmesan and Garnish:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added freshness and flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta hot, straight from the slow cooker.
- Optional: Add lemon wedges on the side and encourage your guests to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over their portions for a tangy burst of flavor.
Notes
- Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
- Pasta: Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine work best, but penne or fusilli are great for a different texture.
- Adjustments: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired