Slow Cooker French Onion Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor, this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Orzo is an easy dinner the whole family will love! Tender shredded chicken is slow cooked in a rich buffalo ranch sauce, then finished with orzo and plenty of melty cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or anytime you're craving something cozy with a little kick.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 (10.5 oz) cans condensed French onion soup
1 packet onion soup mix
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss if that's easier to find)
8 oz dried cellentani pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Crispy fried onions
Instructions
Add the chicken, French onion soup, onion soup mix, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker.
Cook:
Low: 5–6 hours
High: 3–4 hours
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Add in the cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Add the dried pasta and chicken broth. Stir well.
Cover and cook on High for 30–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender.
Stir in the Gruyère until everything is melted and creamy.
Garnish with crispy fried onions and serve.
Tips for the Best French Onion Pasta
Don't add the pasta too early. Cellentani cooks quickly, so adding it at the end keeps it tender without becoming mushy.
If the pasta absorbs more liquid than expected, simply stir in a little additional warm chicken broth.
Freshly shredded Gruyère melts beautifully into the sauce. Swiss cheese is a good substitute if you can't find Gruyère.
The crispy fried onions are optional, but they add a great little crunch and extra French onion flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
