This slow cooker meal is the definition of comfort food: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that comes together with almost no effort. By layering the ingredients raw and letting the slow cooker do the work, you get a creamy, satisfying one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This step prevents the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
2. Layer the Pasta
Scatter the uncooked pasta shells evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them out as much as possible to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the sauce throughout.
3. Add the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the pasta shells, arranging them in a single, even layer. This positioning allows the chicken to cook uniformly while the pasta beneath absorbs the liquid.
4. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, roasted garlic, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture may look slightly lumpy from the cheese and garlic—this is normal and will smooth out during cooking.
5. Assemble and Dot with Butter
Pour the creamy mixture slowly and evenly over the chicken and shells, aiming to cover the pasta as thoroughly as possible. The shells should be mostly submerged to cook evenly and prevent drying. Dot the surface with the small pieces of butter, which will melt into the sauce, adding richness and a silky finish.
6. Cook
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