Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of slow cooker creamy garlic parmesan chicken shells. This dish has rapidly gained popularity for its comforting blend of flavors and ease of preparation. By allowing the ingredients to meld together in the slow cooker, you are rewarded with a creamy, rich sauce that clings beautifully to tender pasta shells and juicy chicken. Little wonder it has become a favorite for busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike!Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also boasts numerous benefits. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the pasta absorbs all the savory goodness of the garlic and parmesan. Perfect for meal prep or hosting guests, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet remains simple to make. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a memorable meal that brings family and friends together around the dining table.⭐ Our Most Popular Crockpot Recipes Right Now ❤️✔️ 15+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes✔️ Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Potatoes✔️ Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken✔️ Crockpot Chicken and Rice✔️ Crockpot Beef and BroccoliCreamy Garlic Chicken ShellsServings 6Prep Time 15 MinutesCook Time 3.5 to 4.5 Hours (on LOW) OR 2 to 2.5 Hours (on HIGH)Calories 680 kcalIngredients:1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts12 oz medium pasta shells (uncooked, about 3 cups dry)2 cups low-sodium chicken broth1½ cups heavy cream1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)¼ cup roasted garlic cloves or paste (about 1 small head, mashed)1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)Instructions:Prep Your Slow CookerGive the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker a generous spritz of nonstick cooking spray.This prevents any pasta from sticking to the sides and bottom as it cooks and makes cleanup so much easier.Layer the PastaScatter the uncooked pasta shells evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.Spread them out as much as possible so they cook evenly and absorb the cream sauce throughout rather than clumping together.Add the ChickenLay the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the pasta shells, nestling them gently into the layer.You want the chicken sitting in a fairly even layer so it cooks uniformly and the pasta underneath gets good contact with the liquid.Make Your Creamy MixtureIn a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, roasted garlic, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.The mixture might look slightly lumpy from the Parmesan and roasted garlic—that’s completely fine and will smooth out beautifully as everything cooks together.Pour and Dot with ButterPour the creamy garlic-Parmesan mixture slowly and evenly over the chicken and shells, trying to cover the pasta as thoroughly as possible.You want the shells mostly submerged in liquid so they cook evenly and don’t dry out on top.Then dot the butter pieces over everything—the butter enriches the sauce as it melts and adds another layer of silky richness.Cook Low and SlowPut the lid on your slow cooker and resist the urge to lift it. Cook on LOW for 3½ to 4½ hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours.The steam trapped inside is doing crucial work cooking the pasta evenly—every time you lift that lid, you release steam and add time to your cook.The dish is done when the chicken registers 165°F and the pasta is tender all the way through.Shred, Stir, and RestRemove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Shells
