I love how this dish transforms minimal ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal with almost no effort. The garlic butter soaks into the shrimp as they cook low and slow, and the Italian seasoning brings just the right amount of herbal balance. Cleanup is a breeze, and the whole thing takes only five minutes to prep. It’s also easy to pair with pasta, rice, or veggies — or enjoy just as it is.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Directions
I add the cleaned shrimp directly to the slow cooker.
I pour the melted butter over the shrimp to coat them evenly.
Then I add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. I give everything a gentle stir to combine.
I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
I stir the shrimp gently before serving and, if I want to dress it up, I garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours on low Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
Add Spice: I sprinkle in red pepper flakes before cooking for a bit of heat.
Make It Creamy: I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese right before serving.
Lemon Garlic Twist: I add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Herb Swap: I switch out Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, basil, or dill for a different herbal note.
Serve Over: I love serving this shrimp over angel hair pasta, steamed rice, or sautéed spinach for a full meal.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. I avoid overcooking them during reheating to keep the texture tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, I can use frozen shrimp — I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess water in the dish.
Will the shrimp overcook in the slow cooker?
If I cook on low and check around the 1.5-hour mark, they stay juicy and tender. I avoid cooking on high or leaving them in too long.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. I double the ingredients and keep the cooking time the same — just make sure the shrimp are in a single layer or stirred halfway through.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
I like serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. It also works great as a party appetizer.
Is this dish keto or low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly, especially when served with vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp is a recipe I rely on when I want something fast, easy, and full of flavor without hovering over the stove. It’s buttery, garlicky, and delicious — a true crowd-pleaser that works for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With just five ingredients, it proves that simple really can be sensational.
This easy slow cooker shrimp recipe is bursting with buttery garlic flavor and made with just five ingredients. A simple seafood dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
Add shrimp to the slow cooker.
Pour melted butter over the shrimp.
Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well to coat evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Stir before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes before cooking for a spicy twist.
Do not overcook — shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and firm.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
For a dairy-free version, try vegan butter alternatives.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:2 hours
Category:Easy Recipes, Main Course, Seafood, Slow Cooker, Weeknight Dinners
