Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Pasta Recipe

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This recipe is a comforting, one-pot dinner that combines tender chicken with pasta shells in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. By pouring a simple mixture over raw chicken and pasta shells in the slow cooker, you allow the flavors to meld together slowly, creating a meal that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.

The slow cooker does all the work, gently cooking the chicken until it’s tender and infusing the pasta with savory creaminess. The sauce clings to every shell, while the chicken provides satisfying protein. With minimal effort and only a few ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours of careful preparation.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 3 cups uncooked pasta shells
  • 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

INSTRUCTION:

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer the chicken and pasta: Place the cubed chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the uncooked pasta shells on top.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream (or milk), garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour over the mixture: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and pasta shells. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated.
  5. Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent the pasta from clumping.
  6. Add cheese (optional): About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
  7. Serve warm: Spoon the creamy chicken and pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

SERVINGS:

This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for family meals or leftovers for the next day.

NOTE:

  • Texture balance: Cooking pasta directly in the slow cooker allows it to absorb the sauce, but be sure not to overcook, as pasta can become too soft.
  • Protein choice: Chicken thighs add extra tenderness, while chicken breasts keep the dish leaner.
  • Flavor boost: Adding parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or basil enhances the richness.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Mindful preparation: This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that feels homemade and heartwarming.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Pasta is the definition of easy comfort food. By combining raw chicken, pasta shells, and a simple creamy mixture, you create a dish that is both filling and flavorful. It’s a recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, reminding us that the best meals often come from the simplest methods.

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