Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Tender chicken breasts cook low and slow with pasta shells in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce—all in one pot. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself and tastes like pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells (uncooked, about 3 cups dry)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup roasted garlic cloves or paste (about 1 small head, mashed)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the uncooked pasta shells evenly across the bottom.
- Place the raw chicken breasts on top of the shells.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, roasted garlic, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta, covering the shells as much as possible. Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the pasta is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during the first half of cooking.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir well to coat the shells in sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. Add a splash of warm broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
- Let sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check pasta early to prevent overcooking.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of broth, cream, or milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg