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Shrimp scampi might not be the first recipe that comes to mind for your slow cooker, but it works surprisingly well for this fast, flavorful dish. The garlic butter sauce comes together effortlessly as the slow cooker warms, and the shrimp cook quickly in just a few minutes at the end.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or keep it low carb with spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Hands-off cooking. Let the slow cooker do most of the work—just add the shrimp at the end.
Bold garlic butter flavor. Butter, garlic, and seasonings create a rich and savory sauce.
Versatile serving options. Delicious over pasta, rice, or low carb bases like cauliflower rice.
Quick finish. Shrimp only take minutes to cook, so dinner’s ready fast.
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the scampi sauce—rich and flavorful.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and balances the butter.
- Garlic: Use fresh for best flavor; four cloves is bold but not overpowering.
- Paprika: Adds a warm, earthy note to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle heat—adjust to taste.
- Shrimp: Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best; tails optional.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the buttery sauce at the end.
- Parsley & Parmesan: Optional garnishes that add color and flavor.
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Shrimp Scampi
- Add the butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 20 minutes to infuse the sauce.
- Stir in the shrimp, coating well with the seasoned butter.
- Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, cover again, and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until shrimp are opaque.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or a low carb base. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use large shrimp so they don’t overcook too quickly.
- Make sure shrimp are thawed and well-drained if using frozen.
- Don’t overcook—check at 5 minutes after adding lemon juice.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy scampi. Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garlicky twist. Increase garlic to 5 or 6 cloves for even more punch.
- Add white wine. Replace 2 tablespoons of butter with dry white wine.
- Lemon herb version. Add fresh thyme or oregano with the parsley.
- Creamy scampi. Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over angel hair, spaghetti, or linguine.
- Pair with white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Add a side of garlic bread for sopping up the buttery sauce.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan and lemon wedges.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through—avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freeze: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.
You might also like this easy shrimp wiggle, or try this tasty lemon garlic shrimp and rice.
Slow Cooker Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, fresh ground
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Garnish: chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.6 tbsp unsalted butter | 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil | 4 cloves garlic | 1 tsp paprika | 1 tsp kosher salt | 1/4 tsp black pepper | Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Cover the pot and cook on high for 20 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and stir to coat.1 1/2 pounds large shrimp
- Cover the pot and cook on high for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Stir in the lemon juice.1 tbsp lemon juice
- Serve the shrimp with angel hair pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.Garnish: chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
