This 5-ingredient slow cooker conchiglie is the kind of easy, shareable dinner that feels perfect for a casual Friendship Day get-together or any busy weeknight when you want comfort food without hovering over the stove. Using raw dry conchiglie right in the crock pot keeps prep wonderfully simple, and the shell shape catches the sauce so every bite turns out creamy, cozy, and satisfying with very little hands-on work.
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli to round out the meal. If you're having friends over, set out grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a simple sparkling drink so everyone can customize their bowl and the whole dinner feels a little more special with almost no extra effort.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Friendship Day ConchiglieServings: 6
12 ounces raw dry conchiglie pasta
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the raw dry conchiglie to the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth.
2. Stir gently so the pasta is mostly coated and evenly distributed. Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if your schedule allows, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes with the lid off to thicken slightly before serving.
5. Spoon the conchiglie into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & TipsMake it meatier: If you want a heartier version, stir in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or browned Italian sausage near the end of cooking so the pasta stays the star but the dish becomes even more filling for a group.
Add vegetables: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach at the end or add a cup of finely chopped mushrooms at the beginning for an easy way to work in vegetables without changing the simple feel of the recipe.
Watch the timing: Slow cookers can run a little differently, so start checking the pasta at the 2-hour mark. If it looks dry before the shells are tender, add a small splash of extra broth; if it seems loose at the end, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
For easier entertaining: This is a great recipe to keep warm on the slow cooker's warm setting for a short time while friends help themselves. Give it a good stir before serving so the sauce stays creamy and evenly coats the shells.