🍗 Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken & Shells (Dump-and-Go Comfort Dinner)
Just pour this rich, creamy mixture over raw chicken and pasta shells in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? A cozy, ultra-comforting dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but barely lifted a finger.
Perfect for busy days when you want something that hits different every single time 💛
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 large raw chicken breasts (or 4 small)
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2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
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1 small onion (finely diced)
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2 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
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Optional: 1 cup spinach or mushrooms
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Add to Slow Cooker
Place raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add uncooked pasta shells around the chicken.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Cream of chicken soup
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Garlic
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Onion
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Italian seasoning
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Thyme
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Olive oil or melted butter
3️⃣ Pour & Cook
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and shells.
Cover and cook:
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Low: 4–5 hours
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High: 2–3 hours
4️⃣ Shred & Finish
Once chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the slow cooker.
Stir everything together.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover and cook another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
🌿 Optional Add-Ins
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Spinach (stir in at the end)
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Sautéed mushrooms
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Red chili flakes for heat
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Sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flavor
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Serve with garlic bread
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Side Caesar salad
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Roasted broccoli or green beans
🥗 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: 36g
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Carbs: 38g
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Fat: 26g
❓ Q & A
Q1: Will the pasta cook properly in the slow cooker?
Yes, as long as there’s enough liquid and it stays covered.
Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and food safety.
Q3: Can I make it lighter?
Use light cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta.
Q4: Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything in the insert and refrigerate overnight.
