Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta. When you combine that rich creaminess with the bold, fresh flavor of pesto, it becomes an irresistible meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Slow cooker creamy pesto chicken and pasta brings together tender, juicy chicken with a luscious sauce, all infused with the herby, garlicky goodness of pesto. This dish offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights.
Imagine coming home to the smell of creamy, pesto-coated chicken that’s been slowly simmering all day. The best part? The slow-cooker does most of the work for you, meaning you can spend more time relaxing and less time stressing over dinner. The combination of chicken, pesto, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s indulgent yet balanced, and the addition of pasta makes it a complete, hearty meal.
Benefits of Making Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta
- Effortless cooking: With just a few simple ingredients, you can throw everything into the slow-cooker and let it do the hard work.
- Rich and indulgent flavor: The cream cheese and pesto create a sauce that’s both creamy and full of flavor, with a hint of tang from the parmesan.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish makes fantastic leftovers and is easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
- Family-friendly: Picky eaters love the mild, creamy sauce, and it’s easy to customize with vegetables or other toppings.
- Complete meal in one: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Tools You’ll Need:
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger): Large enough to accommodate the chicken and sauce, plus space to add pasta later on.
- Tongs: To remove and shred the chicken before adding it back into the sauce.
- Mixing spoon: For stirring the ingredients together in the slow-cooker.
- Saucepan: Optional, for cooking the pasta separately if you prefer a firmer texture.
Basic Steps to Get Started:
- Add ingredients to the slow-cooker: Layer the chicken, pesto, cream cheese, and broth in the slow-cooker and cook until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred it with two forks.
- Cook the pasta: Either cook the pasta separately or add it directly into the slow-cooker for the final 30 minutes.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the parmesan for extra creaminess and flavor, then serve!
Preparation Tips
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Al dente pasta: If you prefer your pasta with a bit of bite, cook it separately and stir it into the slow-cooker right before serving.
- Fresh pesto: While jarred pesto works fine, using fresh, homemade pesto takes this dish to another level.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, or 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow-cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow-cooker.
- Add pesto and cream cheese: Spread the pesto over the chicken and top with the cream cheese. Pour the chicken broth around the sides to prevent burning.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the slow-cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow-cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add pasta: If cooking the pasta in the slow-cooker, add it along with 1/2 cup of water during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions, drain, and stir it into the sauce just before serving.
- Finish with parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and any additional vegetables, if using.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and the pasta is cooked, serve the creamy pesto chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and replace it with sliced mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Low-carb version: Serve the creamy pesto chicken over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
Yield & Serving
This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
Side Dish Recommendations
- Garlic bread: The perfect way to soak up the creamy pesto sauce, garlic bread is a classic pasta pairing.
- Caesar salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan, and croutons balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a light, healthy touch to this meal.
Tips, Notes, Storing, and Serving
- Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the pesto chicken mixture in the slow-cooker the night before. In the morning, just turn on the slow-cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Too thick sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
- Pasta overcooking: If cooking the pasta in the slow-cooker, be sure to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Curdled cream cheese: To prevent curdling, make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding it to the slow-cooker and stir it in well after shredding the chicken.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta
- How long does it take to make this recipe?
- The chicken takes about 4-5 hours on low in the slow-cooker, and the pasta can be added in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
- Can I substitute certain ingredients?
- Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cream cheese for heavy cream, or use a different type of pesto like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
- Yes! It’s very simple to make with minimal prep required, making it perfect for beginners.
- What can I serve this with?
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal, slow cooker creamy pesto chicken and pasta is the perfect solution. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s so versatile—add your favorite veggies or tweak the pesto to make it your own. Try it tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your household!