Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cups medium pasta shells (pre-cooked al dente)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
Spinach or broccoli florets
Crushed red pepper (for heat)
Mozzarella or cream cheese (extra creaminess)
👩🍳 Instructions
Season the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, garlic, basil, parsley, onion powder, and melted butter.
Assemble
Place chicken breasts on one side of a slow cooker or deep baking dish. Add cooked pasta shells on the other side.
Pour & Cover
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over chicken and pasta.
Cook
Slow Cooker: Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2½–3 hours
Oven: Cover and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes
Finish
Stir gently, shred chicken if desired, and adjust seasoning.
🔄 Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker: Best for ultra-tender chicken and hands-off cooking
Oven Bake: Faster with lightly golden edges
Stovetop Finish: Great for reheating and thickening sauce
📜 A Little History
Creamy chicken pasta dishes draw inspiration from Italian-American comfort cuisine, blending Italian pasta traditions with rich cream sauces popularized in North America during the mid-20th century.
💪 Benefits
High in protein
Comforting and filling
Easy to customize with veggies
One-pot = fewer dishes
🧪 Formation (How It Comes Together)
As the dish cooks, the cream and broth reduce into a silky sauce, Parmesan melts into richness, and herbs infuse flavor while chicken juices deepen the taste—creating a perfectly balanced, creamy harmony.
❤️ For the Lovers
Creamy food lovers
Busy families
Meal-prep fans
Comfort-food seekers
🥰 Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken & Shells Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—simple, soothing, and irresistibly creamy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.