Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

Name: Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts ((1.5-2 pounds works fine, 3 chicken breasts)); 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper; 8.1 oz. jarred pesto (I used Classico (be sure to look at the ingredients if you have anyone allergic to nuts)); 1/2 cup salted butter; 1/2 lemon; 1 lb. dried rotini pasta ((cooked and drained, see directions for more info)); 1/2 cup grated parmesan ((I use the powdery shake bottle type)); 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 1/4 tsp. dried basil to garnish

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This Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect, easy dish that cooks itself while you’re busy with other things. It’s made in the slow cooker and it takes less than five minutes to assemble before you leave for work. You’ll come home to dinner waiting!

If you love this recipe you may also want to try my Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe.

Why this recipe works

This meal is a perfect, easy dish that cooks itself while you’re busy with other things. It’s made in the crockpot and it takes less than five minutes to assemble before you leave for work. The chicken, pesto, and lemon cook while you are away, then cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese are added before serving.

How to Make Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Since there’s no cooking on your part at all, once the chicken and pesto are in the slow cooker, it’s a great recipe to have on hand during busy weeks. Just add cooked pasta and mozzarella and you have a delicious dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours.

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts – season genoursly with salt and pepper
Pesto– I use a jar of Classico Traditional Basil Pesto. This ends up being about a cup of pesto.
Salted butter – no need to melt, just slice it!
Lemon – use a half of a large lemon. Do not use jarred lemon juice for this meal.
Rotini Pasta cooked to al dente and drained – DO NOT ADD THIS UNTIL THE CHICKEN IS DONE COOKING
Grated Parmesan – Mix this in with the pasta and chicken.
Shredded mozzarella – Sprinkle this on top of the dish and let melt.
Dried basil – for garnish

4 image collage on how to put the ingredients for pesto pasta in slow cooker

Step by Step Directions

Step 1 – Add the chicken and top with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Smear over the pesto over the chicken.

Step 3 – Squeeze over the lemon juice.

Step 4– Slice the butter and add on top.

collage about how to shred chicken, add pasta and cheese to dish

Step 5 – Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time

Step 6 – Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker with 2 forks.

Step 7– Add the cooked and drained pasta and the parmesan cheese, stir.

Step 8 – Sprinkle over the mozzarella cheese. Place the lid back on the slow cooker for 15 minutes more or until the cheese melts.

pesto pasta with cheese and parsley on top.

Recipes FAQs and Variations

Can I omit the butter?

The butter really flavors the dish and makes it decadent. Though if you want you can use a 1/2 cup of chicken broth instead of butter if desired.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

I use chicken breasts for this dish but you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat or if budget is an issue. You’ll just need to make sure your thighs cook long enough so they’re tender and not tough.

How to make sure your pasta is cooked properly

Use the correct amount of water (see your pasta box) and make sure it’s boiling before adding the pasta. Stir the pasta gently into the water. Cook to al dente. Drain your pasta in a colander and add to the recipe.

Variations

Use a jar of sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a change
Add sliced mushrooms for added texture.
Change the pasta shape; you can use any hearty pasta shape such as bow-tie pasta or penne.

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