Creamy Crockpot Chicken Pasta Shells with Boursin

This slow cooker pasta is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Cubed chicken breast, pasta shells, and a smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce come together with garlic herb Boursin and fontina for a rich, comforting meal.

Just layer everything in the Crockpot, walk away, and return to a bubbling, cheesy dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without the fuss.

This recipe turns a handful of everyday ingredients into a luscious, creamy pasta dinner with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the work, melding the flavors of tender chicken, smoky red pepper sauce, and two melty cheeses.

The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve it straight from the Crockpot for a casual dinner or plate it up for a more polished presentation.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker method allows the chicken to cook gently in the sauce, keeping it moist and tender. The pasta shells absorb the flavorful liquid as they cook, becoming perfectly al dente without needing to boil a separate pot.

The Boursin and fontina melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that coats every shell.

This recipe is designed for convenience. There is no need to brown the chicken or pre-cook the pasta; everything goes into the slow cooker at once.

The layered approach ensures that the pasta doesn't become mushy, and the cheese melts into a silky sauce. It is a truly hands-off meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Notes and substitutions

Chicken breast tenderloins are ideal for this recipe because they are lean and cook quickly. If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. The pasta shells hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can substitute any short pasta shape you have on hand.

The smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce adds a deep, slightly sweet flavor. If you cannot find it, a good-quality roasted red pepper Alfredo sauce is a great substitute. The Boursin cheese is the star of the dish, providing garlic and herb notes that infuse the sauce as it melts.

• chicken breast tenderloins: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• medium conchiglie pasta shells: other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle
• smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce: store-bought roasted red pepper Alfredo sauce or homemade red pepper sauce
• Italian fontina: mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups
• Large spoon
• Serving spoon
• White dinner plate