Description

Craving a quick, flavorful seafood pasta that’s bursting with zesty and savory notes? Look no further than Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! This delightful recipe features tender shrimp infused with garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of spice, tossed with al dente linguine or spaghetti and finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan. The slow cooker makes the shrimp preparation effortless, creating a fragrant, garlicky base, while the pasta is cooked separately to ensure perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Sauce

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Tender, succulent protein base.
- Substitution: Scallops, firm white fish (e.g., cod), or tofu for vegetarian.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses bold, savory aroma.
- Substitution: 1 tsp garlic powder or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
Olive Oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps flavors meld.
- Substitution: Avocado oil or melted butter.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Provides subtle heat.
- Substitution: Cayenne pinch or omit for milder flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 lemon, ~2-3 tbsp): Brings bright, tangy zest.
- Substitution: Lime juice or 1 tbsp white vinegar.
Lemon Zest (1 lemon, ~1 tsp): Enhances citrusy brightness.
- Substitution: Orange zest or omit.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (½ cup): Keeps shrimp moist and adds depth.
- Substitution: Water with bouillon or white wine (reduce salt if using bouillon).

For the Pasta and Finishing

Linguine or Spaghetti (8 oz): Provides hearty pasta base.
- Substitution: Fettuccine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta.
Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds vibrant, herbaceous freshness.
- Substitution: Fresh basil, cilantro, or 1 tbsp dried parsley.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated, optional): Adds nutty, creamy depth.
- Substitution: Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.

Why They’re Important: The shrimp deliver a delicate, protein-packed core, while lemon juice and zest provide vibrant citrus notes. Garlic and olive oil create a savory base, pasta adds hearty texture, and parsley and Parmesan bring fresh and cheesy finishes, making each bite a zesty, coastal delight.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp in the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to mix.
Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing gently to coat in the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours or high for 45-60 minutes, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through (internal temperature ~145°F/63°C). Check early to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Stir in the juice of 1 lemon (~2-3 tbsp) and zest of 1 lemon (~1 tsp). Set the slow cooker to “keep warm” while preparing the pasta.
- Tip: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture; frozen shrimp may release excess water. Stir gently to avoid breaking shrimp. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

About 15 minutes before the shrimp are done, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ½ tbsp salt and 8 oz linguine or spaghetti. Cook to al dente per package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside and keep warm.
- Tip: Undercook pasta by 1 minute to avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use a colander for easy draining.

Step 3: Combine and Finish the Dish

Transfer the shrimp and sauce from the slow cooker to a large mixing bowl (or keep in the slow cooker if large enough). Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat with the lemon-garlic sauce.
If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water (1-2 tbsp at a time) to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Fold in ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Tip: Toss gently to preserve shrimp and pasta texture. Add lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering. If the sauce is too thin, simmer briefly in a skillet to reduce (optional).

Step 4: Serve

Divide the lemon garlic shrimp pasta among 4 plates or serve family-style on a large platter, ensuring each portion has a balance of shrimp and pasta (about 1 cup pasta and ¼ lb shrimp per serving).
Sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and extra parsley for garnish. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Tip: Arrange for a vibrant presentation—pasta twirled on plates with shrimp and parsley scattered on top. Warm plates for a cozy touch. Offer extra Parmesan, lemon wedges, or red pepper flakes on the side for customization.