If you’re a fan of the bold, herby flavors of pesto paired with tender chicken and pasta, then this slow cooker chicken pesto pasta is the dish for you.

Imagine walking into your kitchen to the smell of rich garlic, basil, and cheese wafting through the air. This dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients and requires almost no hands-on time.

A photograph of a shallow white ceramic bowl brimming with creamy chicken pesto pasta, invitingly displayed from a top-down perspective. The pasta is generously coated in a vibrant green pesto sauce with visible chunks of tender chicken, scattered with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and a delicate dusting of black pepper. Surrounding the bowl on a rustic wooden table are a few golden-brown garlic bread slices and a bright green lime wedge. Soft, natural light illuminates the scene, highlighting the textures and creating a warm, appetizing atmosphere.

The chicken is slow-cooked until it’s fall-apart tender, and the creamy pesto sauce comes together perfectly with the pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight meal or feeding the family on the weekend, this recipe delivers the comfort and flavor you crave.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

This recipe is a total game-changer. Here’s why you should try it:

Tender, Juicy Chicken – The slow cooker ensures the chicken turns out perfectly cooked and tender, without drying out.
Rich, Creamy Pesto Sauce – The pesto sauce is creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, coating every bite of pasta.
Minimal Effort – Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you.
Customizable – You can adjust the pesto flavor by adding extra herbs, cheese, or even a touch of lemon for a fresh twist.

This meal is perfect for anyone who loves an easy, comforting dinner packed with flavor and restaurant-quality results.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

This dish uses a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully for a flavorful, creamy meal:

A photograph of a warmly lit kitchen counter displaying the ingredients for a comforting slow cooker meal. Neatly arranged on the weathered wooden countertop are several components: succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a glass jar of vibrant creamy pesto sauce, a small bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a carton of heavy cream, a carton of chicken broth, and ceramic bowls containing salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. A small sprig of fresh basil rests atop the pesto jar, while soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the freshness and inviting warmth of the scene. The scene evokes feelings of comfort, homemade goodness, and a promise of a delicious meal to come.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Chicken breasts or thighs work well here, as both become incredibly tender when cooked slowly.
Pesto Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Heavy Cream – This gives the pesto sauce a rich, creamy texture that coats the pasta and chicken.
Parmesan Cheese – A touch of grated Parmesan adds more depth to the creamy pesto sauce.
Pasta – Penne or fusilli works well, but feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer.
Chicken Broth – The broth helps to keep the chicken moist while it cooks and also creates a flavorful sauce for the pasta.

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and comforting.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

Making this creamy chicken pesto pasta is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

A photograph taken directly above a warmly lit kitchen countertop, showcasing juicy golden-brown chicken breasts sizzling in a stainless steel pan. The chicken pieces are generously seasoned with rosemary and paprika, releasing fragrant steam that curls delicately above the pan. Beside the pan, a slow cooker bubbles with a vibrant green pesto sauce and chicken broth mixture, while a set of copper measuring spoons and a neatly folded red and white checkered dish towel rest subtly in the background. Soft window light illuminates the scene, casting gentle highlights on the ingredients and creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Prepare the Chicken – Place the boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
Add the Pesto and Cream – Pour the pesto sauce and heavy cream over the chicken. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir well.
Cook the Pasta – While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve – Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss with the creamy pesto chicken. Stir until everything is well combined. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil for garnish.

With minimal prep and no fuss, this dish comes together beautifully with maximum flavor.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

This creamy pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some great sides to serve with it:

A photograph of a shallow white ceramic bowl filled with creamy chicken pesto pasta, showcasing a vibrant, inviting culinary scene. The pasta is beautifully coated in a rich, green pesto sauce, generously dotted with tender chunks of chicken and sprinkled with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Beside the bowl rests a few golden-brown garlic bread slices and a bright lime wedge on a rustic wooden table, softly illuminated by warm, natural light from a nearby window. A linen napkin is casually draped beside the bowl adding a touch of elegance to the still life.

Side Dish	Why It Works
Garlic Bread	The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad	A crisp, tangy salad with Parmesan cheese provides a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables	Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or carrots add texture and color.
Grilled Chicken Skewers	Add extra protein and flavor by serving with grilled chicken on the side.
Fresh Green Salad	A light, fresh salad balances out the richness of the pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

This dish makes great leftovers, and you can easily store it for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat:

How to Store Leftovers

Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Stovetop: Reheat the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
Slow Cooker: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

These tips will ensure your chicken pesto pasta turns out perfectly every time:

Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. If you prefer breasts, they work great too.
Add extra Parmesan at the end for a burst of cheesy goodness.
Make your own pesto if you have time! It’s super easy and adds a fresh, personal touch.
Don’t overcook the pasta – cook it just before serving to keep it al dente and avoid mushiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta you prefer. Fusilli, penne, or even farfalle would work great in this dish.

2. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if you’re using frozen chicken breasts.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time, and it makes for excellent leftovers. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute light cream or half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy option.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the slow cooker for added texture and flavor. Stir them in during the last hour of cooking to keep them from becoming too soft.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

This slow cooker chicken pesto pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, incredibly comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Course Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings servings

Equipment

Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and pasta
Large Skillet For searing the chicken
Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup pesto sauce creamy
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
2 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic minced
12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite pasta
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, combine the pesto sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the shredded chicken and creamy pesto sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Use **chicken thighs** for extra flavor, or add **spinach** for an extra veggie boost.
Top with extra **Parmesan** or a drizzle of **olive oil** for added richness.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** and reheated easily on the stove or in the microwave.

Keyword chicken pesto pasta, creamy pesto chicken, slow cooker pasta

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About The Author

Kimberly Baxter

Kimberly Baxter is a nutrition and dietetics expert, holding a Master’s Degree in the field. With over four years of study in the US, she graduated in 2012. Kimberly’s passion lies in creating and capturing wholesome foods through baking and food photography. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.

As a passionate foodie and skilled cook, Kimberly started EatDelights.com to combine her love for cooking with her desire to inspire others to enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals. Through her blog, she aims to provide readers with a wide range of mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to follow and satisfying to eat.

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