Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and energy? Look no further! This slow cooker shrimp scampi recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic dish with minimal effort. It’s a perfect example of healthy meals made simple, ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and flavorful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely later. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
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Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it will quickly turn bitter.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed garlic to your slow cooker. Add the shrimp, white wine, lemon juice, butter, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
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Serve immediately: Once cooked, gently stir in the remaining butter until melted and creamy. Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, or with crusty bread for dipping. The creamy sauce is divine!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the shrimp to cook evenly. If you have a large amount of shrimp, consider cooking them in batches.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Add some veggies: For a heartier meal, add some chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and lemon juice make a huge difference in the flavor of this dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of lemon juice and garlic for a more intense lemon-garlic flavor.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on pasta/bread serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Varies depending on side
This slow cooker shrimp scampi recipe is a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas and a delicious, healthy meal the whole family will love. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks and impressive enough for a dinner party. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade cooking experience!