Creamy Chicken Shells with Onion Parmesan Cream

• total time: 30-40mins

Ingredients

12 oz pasta shells

2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)

Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 large onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup whole milk

1¼ cups grated parmesan cheese

Optional: parsley, chili flakes

Directions

Cook the pasta:

Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the chicken:

If not already cooked, season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.

Caramelize the onions:

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and slightly caramelized (about 8–10 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Make the parmesan cream sauce:

Pour in heavy cream and milk, letting it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in parmesan until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season to taste.

Bring it all together:

Add chicken and cooked shells to the skillet. Toss gently so the sauce fills the shells and coats everything evenly.

Serve & enjoy:

Finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. Serve warm and creamy!

Why It Works:

The sweet caramelized onions bring depth and balance to the rich parmesan sauce, while the shells hold onto every drop of creamy goodness. It’s hearty, flavorful, and pure comfort in every bite. 😌🧀🧅