Slow Cooker Comfort Food
Creamy Chicken & Shells Slow Cooker Meal
Tender chicken and pasta shells coated in a rich, creamy herb sauce for an easy family dinner.
Pour this creamy, flavorful mixture over raw chicken and shells, then let the slow cooker
handle dinner. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the pasta absorbs all that
delicious savory sauce. It’s the kind of warm, comforting meal everyone asks for again.
handle dinner. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the pasta absorbs all that
delicious savory sauce. It’s the kind of warm, comforting meal everyone asks for again.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225 g) dry medium pasta shells
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish and a little extra Parmesan for serving.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
Lightly season the chicken breasts with black pepper and garlic powder.
Place them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. - Add the shells:
Spread the dry pasta shells around and between the chicken breasts.
Keep the pasta mostly submerged once the sauce is added. - Make the creamy mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth,
heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. - Pour over everything:
Slowly pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and pasta shells,
spreading it evenly throughout the slow cooker. - Slow cook the chicken:
Cover and cook on LOW for about 3½–4 hours, or until the chicken reaches
165°F (74°C) internally and is tender. - Check the pasta:
Once the chicken is cooked, check the shells. If they are not yet tender,
continue cooking for a short time, checking frequently to prevent overcooking. - Shred the chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken and shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Return it to the slow cooker and gently stir everything together. - Finish:
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes with the lid off so the sauce can thicken.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Cut very large chicken breasts in half for more even cooking.
- Do not overcook the pasta or the shells can become mushy.
- Keep the lid closed as much as possible during cooking.
- Add a splash of warm broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with warm garlic bread.
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad.
- Finish with Parmesan and chopped parsley.
For the Creamiest Result:
Keep the pasta surrounded by plenty of sauce and avoid cooking it longer than necessary.
If you prefer an especially rich finish, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream and
Parmesan just before serving.
Keep the pasta surrounded by plenty of sauce and avoid cooking it longer than necessary.
If you prefer an especially rich finish, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream and
Parmesan just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen the creamy sauce.
- Stir gently while reheating to keep the pasta and chicken moist.
Easy Variations
- Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar before serving.
- Mushroom chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- Spinach: Stir fresh baby spinach into the finished dish.
- Herb garlic: Add extra garlic and fresh parsley for more flavor.
