Are you craving a delicious dinner without the fuss? Let’s make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! This simple recipe brings rich flavors and fresh ingredients right to your table. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a meal that impresses. With shrimp, garlic, and buttery goodness, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
To cook Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, you need simple ingredients. Start with large shrimp. You want them peeled and deveined for easy eating. Next, grab some unsalted butter. This will add richness and flavor. Garlic is key too, so don’t skip the minced cloves.
Lemon juice and zest give brightness. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Dried parsley provides a fresh touch, but you can use fresh if you have it. You will also need salt and pepper for seasoning.
For the pasta, linguine or spaghetti works best. Lastly, fresh parsley and lemon wedges make your dish look great and add extra flavor. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Garlic Butter Mixture
Start by mixing the following in a medium bowl:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Stir these ingredients well. This mixture adds a rich flavor to your shrimp.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, transfer 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp. Toss the shrimp well to coat them evenly. This step makes sure every shrimp gets a taste of that garlic goodness.
Cooking Time and Preparation of Pasta
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the shrimp for about 2 hours, or until they turn pink. Stir once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
While the shrimp cook, prepare 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Once the shrimp are ready, gently stir in the cooked pasta. Mix it well so the pasta is coated in the sauce. Check the flavor and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. Enjoy this flavorful dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra kick.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
How do you know when shrimp are done? Look for color and texture. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink and firm up. They should not be gray or rubbery. When you see them curl into a C shape, they are ready. Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. Keep an eye on them as they cook.
Serving Suggestions
How can you present this dish well? Serve it in a large shallow bowl. Top it with fresh parsley for color. Add lemon wedges on the side for a fresh taste. This adds a lovely touch and brightens up the meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.
Ingredient Adjustments
What are some good swaps and add-ins? If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes. You can use other herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley. For a twist, try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach. These add color and nutrition to your dish. If you don’t have linguine, spaghetti works just as well.

Variations
Different Seafood Options
If you want to switch things up, you have many options. You can use scallops instead of shrimp. They add a sweet flavor. Another great choice is lobster. It gives a nice, rich taste. You can also use crab meat for a unique twist. Just ensure the seafood is fresh. This makes a big difference in taste.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want to add some heat? You can increase the red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon more. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. If you prefer less heat, leave out the red pepper flakes. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
Herb Alternatives
Herbs can change the taste of your dish. If you want a different flavor, try using fresh basil. It pairs well with shrimp. You can also use fresh thyme for a earthier taste. Oregano is another great option. It gives a nice Mediterranean flair. Fresh herbs always taste best, but dried herbs work too. Just use a little less if you go that route.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, place the shrimp scampi in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. Seal it tightly and keep it in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 days. To keep the flavor fresh, try to eat it within this time.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, the best method is to use a pan on the stove. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until warm. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. This method prevents it from drying out.
Freezing Recommendations
You can freeze shrimp scampi if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the stovetop method for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps them cook evenly. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. Then, follow the same steps in the recipe.
How long does it take for shrimp to cook in a slow cooker?
Shrimp take about 2 hours to cook on low in a slow cooker. They will turn pink and firm when done. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the time, as overcooking can make them tough.
What sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp scampi?
Several sides go great with garlic butter shrimp scampi. Consider these options:
– Garlic bread
– Steamed broccoli
– Mixed green salad
– Roasted asparagus
– Rice pilaf
These sides add color and nutrition to your meal. Plus, they soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce!
This blog post covered a simple and tasty shrimp scampi recipe. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfect results. I also shared ideas for variations, as well as how to store and reheat your dish.
Remember, the key to great shrimp scampi lies in the garlic butter mix and cooking time. Try different seafood or herbs to personalize it. Enjoy creating this dish at home and impressing friends and family!



