Here is a full and well-organized guide for **Shrimp in a Slow Cooker with 3 Ingredients**, including all the requested sections and clean formatting:
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### **Shrimp in a Slow Cooker with These 3 Ingredients**
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### **Introduction and Origin**
Slow cooker shrimp recipes offer a modern, hands-off solution to quick, flavorful meals. This particular version—made with just three ingredients—is a brilliant example of minimalism in cooking. While shrimp dishes have roots in global coastal cuisines, this slow-cooker variation draws from contemporary American kitchen hacks, blending convenience with flavor.
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### **Cultural Significance**
As life gets busier, slow cookers have become a staple in kitchens for their simplicity and ability to transform ingredients with minimal effort. This shrimp recipe reflects the ongoing shift toward easy, no-fuss meals that still feel satisfying and nourishing. It’s ideal for weeknights, meal prepping, or serving a crowd without the stress.
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### **Ingredients Quantity** *(Serves 4)*
* 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on or tail-off)
* 1/2 cup bottled Italian dressing (or olive oil + herbs alternative)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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### **Optional Additions**
* 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
* Juice of half a lemon for brightness
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning
* Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
* Add cherry tomatoes or spinach during last 30 minutes
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### **Tips for Success**
* Use large or jumbo shrimp to avoid overcooking
* Don’t overcook—shrimp only need 30–60 minutes on **low** in a slow cooker
* Stir halfway through for even cooking
* Avoid the **high** setting to keep shrimp from turning rubbery
* Drain excess liquid before serving if desired
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prep Shrimp:** Rinse and pat dry your raw shrimp.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In the slow cooker, add shrimp, Italian dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat evenly.
3. **Cook on Low:** Cover and cook on **low** for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. **Serve:** Stir gently and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or a salad—or enjoy as is.
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### **Description**
This dish is juicy, savory, and delightfully simple. The Italian dressing brings tang and herbs, the Parmesan melts into a rich, salty coating, and the shrimp turn tender and flavorful with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that surprises everyone with how much flavor comes from so little effort.
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### **Nutritional Information** *(Per serving, approx.)*
* **Calories:** \~180
* **Protein:** 20g
* **Fat:** 9g
* **Carbohydrates:** 3g
* **Sugar:** 1g
* **Sodium:** \~500mg
*Varies depending on dressing and cheese brand used.*
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Shrimp in a slow cooker with just three ingredients is the perfect last-minute meal. It’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a restaurant-style dish at home.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
To make this dish more wholesome:
* Use a low-sodium or homemade vinaigrette instead of bottled dressing
* Choose freshly grated Parmesan for fewer additives
* Pair with steamed veggies or serve over quinoa or zoodles
* Opt for organic or sustainably sourced shrimp
* Skip cheese for a dairy-free version and add fresh herbs for flavor
These small adjustments help balance flavor and nutrition while keeping the dish deliciously satisfying.
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