Craving a restaurant-quality shrimp pasta dish without the fuss? This creamy slow cooker garlic shrimp pasta is a rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy seafood dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy tender shrimp, silky garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in one comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Set it and forget it – minimal hands-on time
Ultra creamy, garlic-infused sauce
Perfectly tender shrimp every time
Elegant enough for dinner guests, easy enough for weeknights
High-protein and satisfying
Ingredients Breakdown:
Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled & deveined): The star of the dish—sweet, tender, and quick-cooking.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds bold, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the garlic and deepen the flavor of the sauce.
Chicken Broth (1 cup): Provides a savory base and helps build the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): A subtle kick of heat to balance the creaminess.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors.
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (8 oz): Long, wide noodles that soak up the garlic cream sauce beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a salty, umami kick and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A bright, fresh finishing touch for flavor and color.
Tips and Tricks:
Use raw, not pre-cooked shrimp for best texture
Add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish
For extra richness, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end
Want more veggies? Stir in spinach or peas in the last 10 minutes
Avoid high heat settings on the slow cooker—shrimp can become rubbery
Variations and Customizations:
Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles
Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or provolone before serving for extra meltiness
Pairing Suggestions:
Serve with:
Garlic bread or a toasted baguette
Caesar salad or mixed greens
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
Not recommended for freezing: The cream and shrimp may not thaw well
Popular Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the slow cooker.
Will the pasta get mushy if cooked in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the flavor will be slightly different.
