Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta

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There’s nothing better than coming home to a slow cooker meal that practically makes itself. This Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in basil pesto, garlic, and a touch of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy—without any extra effort!

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
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Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta

0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings

This Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in basil pesto, garlic, and a touch of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup basil pesto

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great)

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

  • Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

Directions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour the pesto over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
  • Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined and smooth.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • • For extra veggies, stir in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before serving.
    • Want it even creamier? Add a little more heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
    • This recipe also works great with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick version!
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Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta

There’s nothing better than coming home to a slow cooker meal that practically makes itself. This Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in basil pesto, garlic, and a touch of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy—without any extra effort!

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pin
Print

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta

0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings

This Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in basil pesto, garlic, and a touch of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup basil pesto

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great)

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

  • Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

Directions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour the pesto over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
  • Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined and smooth.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • • For extra veggies, stir in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before serving.
    • Want it even creamier? Add a little more heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
    • This recipe also works great with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick version!
Pinterest

Like this recipe?

Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest