Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Looking for an easy slow cooker dinner that’s creamy, green, and loved by the whole family? This Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal. With just 4 simple ingredients, you get tender chicken, velvety cream cheese, fresh basil pesto, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta all in one dish. It’s a rich, comforting meal that tastes like a restaurant-quality pesto cream pasta but takes almost no effort.
Benefits:
Ready in 4–5 hours with minimal prep perfect for busy families
High-protein chicken keeps you full and satisfied
Creamy, comforting, and kid-friendly
Can be paired with vegetables for a balanced meal
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients (Serves 6):
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup prepared basil pesto (jarred or refrigerated)
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta, cooked al dente and drained
Directions:
Prep the slow cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Add chicken & pesto: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Pour the basil pesto evenly over the chicken, turning a couple of times to coat.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Cook pasta: About 20 minutes before serving, boil salted water and cook bow tie pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred & combine: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mixing with pesto and cooking juices. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted, creating a smooth, pale green creamy sauce.
Add pasta: Toss hot pasta with the shredded chicken and pesto cream sauce until fully coated. Adjust thickness with a splash of hot pasta water if needed.
Serve: Serve straight from the slow cooker. Pair with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
Lighter version: Swap half the cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel.
Stretch for more servings: Add up to 16 oz of cooked pasta.
Extra protein: Use 2½ pounds of chicken and keep the pesto amount the same.
Meal prep friendly: Cook pasta slightly, combine, and store in containers. Reheat with a spoonful of water.
Pasta shapes: Rotini, penne, or shells work well—12 oz is ideal.
Color boost: Use bright green pesto and gently stir cream cheese for a visually appealing sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights. With just 4 ingredients, you can create a flavorful dinner that tastes gourmet without the hassle. Your family will keep coming back for seconds, and leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.
