Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken Shells 🍗🧄🍝
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4–6 hours
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz medium pasta shells
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Optional browning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
Load the crockpot: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic and diced onion.
Make the creamy sauce: Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C internally and is tender.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
Add the cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
Cook the shells separately: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well.
Combine: Fold the cooked shells into the creamy garlic chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
Add mozzarella: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Cover for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta—slightly undercooked shells hold up better when mixed into the creamy sauce.
For extra garlic flavor, add 1–2 additional cloves near the end of cooking.
Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for vegetables.
For a richer dish, replace some of the chicken broth with additional heavy cream.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk before serving.
