Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken & Shells—a comforting, creamy pasta dish perfect for busy days.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or lightly grease it. - Add chicken and seasoning:
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Add liquids:
Pour in chicken broth and cream. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. - Shred the chicken:
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. - Cook the pasta:
Add uncooked pasta shells to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for about 30–40 minutes, until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Add cheese and vegetables:
If using, stir in shredded cheese and frozen peas. Cook an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese melts and peas are heated. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
💡 Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor—they stay juicier in slow cooking.
- For a lighter version, swap cream for evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt (stir in at the end to prevent curdling).
- If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or milk while cooking.
If you want, I can also give you a version with a creamy tomato sauce twist that makes it taste like a comforting Italian pasta bake but still cooked entirely in the slow cooker.
Do you want me to do that?
