Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal but short on time? Look no further! This slow cooker shrimp pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ready when you are. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this healthy meal is ready in minutes and cooks itself to perfection. This is one of those best recipes that's both quick dinner ideas and a delicious dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
-
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
-
Add Shrimp and Pasta: Gently add the shrimp and pasta to the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
-
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the shrimp is pink and opaque. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
-
Serve: Once cooked, serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Shrimp Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. The slow cooker's gentle heat prevents this, but keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them entirely.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Add them along with the garlic in step 2.
- Use different pasta: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Other shapes like penne or rotini will also work well.
Variations:
- Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy recipe for slow cooker shrimp pasta is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!