Slow Cooker Creamy Chipotle Chicken Shells
Ladle This Creamy Chipotle Mixture Over Chicken for an Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Meal Everyone Loves
If you’re searching for a slow cooker creamy chipotle chicken shells recipe that’s rich, smoky, and incredibly easy, this cozy dump-and-go dinner will quickly become a family favorite. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly in a creamy chipotle sauce while pasta shells soak up every bit of flavor, creating the perfect balance between comfort food and weeknight convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken:
Benefits of this recipe:
Time-saving slow cooker meal perfect for busy schedules
High-protein comfort dinner thanks to tender chicken breasts
Creamy and smoky flavor without complicated steps
Family-friendly recipe that can be adjusted for mild or spicy tastes
One-pot cleanup makes it ideal for weeknight cooking
This dish combines the warmth of classic creamy chicken pasta with the bold kick of chipotle peppers, making it a standout option for anyone craving a cozy homemade dinner.
Ingredients:
Servings: 6
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 cup sour cream
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or sliced green onions (optional garnish)
Directions:
Lightly spray a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Place chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom.
Add the dry pasta shells around and over the chicken.
In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, chicken broth, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Ladle the creamy chipotle mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3½–4½ hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and pasta is tender.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Let sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes to thicken, then garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve hot.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas:
For a milder slow cooker chicken pasta, use only one chipotle pepper and add extra sour cream when serving.
Add frozen corn or peas during the last 30 minutes for extra color and nutrients.
If your slow cooker runs hot, cook the chicken and sauce first, then add pasta during the last 30–45 minutes.
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy sauce.
