This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells recipe combines tender shredded chicken, jumbo pasta shells, garlic, herbs, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for an irresistibly comforting dinner. Everything comes together in the slow cooker for an easy family-friendly meal with silky sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of savory cheesy flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
- Tender shredded chicken coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce
- Jumbo pasta shells capture plenty of creamy sauce in every bite
- Easy slow-cooker preparation with minimal hands-on cooking
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy comfort-food nights
Ingredients Overview
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Pasta Shells
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Season evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Pour 1 cup of chicken broth around the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Shred the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Set the shredded chicken aside while preparing the pasta and creamy sauce.
3. Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until just al dente according to package directions.
Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
Add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Everything
Drain most of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the cooked pasta shells and pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over everything.
Gently stir until the chicken and shells are completely coated.
6. Slow Cook Until Creamy
Cover and cook on LOW for another 20–30 minutes.
Stir gently once during cooking so the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
7. Serve
Spoon the creamy chicken and pasta shells into serving bowls.
Finish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the pasta only until al dente so the shells do not become too soft in the slow cooker.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce aggressively because it can separate.
- Shred the chicken into larger pieces for a heartier texture.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this slow cooker creamy garlic Parmesan chicken shells with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
Leftover Ideas
- Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli while reheating.
- Spoon leftover chicken and sauce over rice or mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Skip the slow-cooking step for the chicken and use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or bow-tie pasta all work well with the creamy sauce.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Yes. Replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or additional chicken broth.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or asparagus are all delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells combine tender shredded chicken, soft pasta shells, buttery garlic, herbs, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce in one comforting meal. Rich, easy, and family-friendly, this slow-cooker pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a warm and satisfying homemade dinner.
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