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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

by Sarah Olson on September 22, 2021 | Updated December 19, 2022 334 Comments

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Pesto chicken pasta images with text of what the ingredients are.
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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!

close up of pesto chicken pasta

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

ingredients for pesto pasta on table
  • 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.

overhead shot of pasta in bowl

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pesto pasta with cheese and parsley on top.

Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Pasta

4.86 from 222 votes
Slow Cooked chicken with pesto, lemon and butter. Then cooked pasta is added and topped with cheeses.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 633kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

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

These items don’t get added until the end

  • 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
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the chicken to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Spread over the pesto, squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken. Cut the butter into slices and lay over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Near the end of the cooking time, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well.
  • Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Add the cooked pasta and the parmesan cheese, stir everything until the pasta is coated with the buttery pesto sauce and the chicken is evenly dispersed throughout the pasta. Add the mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover for about 15 more minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • Serve and enjoy!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I omit the butter?
The butter is a main part of the recipe and makes a delicious buttery pesto pasta. You can use chicken broth instead (1/2 cup) though your recipe will be on the dry side.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Though be sure to trim them well.
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.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 633kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 888mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1204IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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You may also like these easy slow cooker recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
  • Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Zucchini Bolognese

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    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta

    Comments

    1. Diane says

      January 24, 2023 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this numerous times for different occasions, and everybody loves❤️ it!

      Reply
    2. Amada says

      January 23, 2023 at 1:13 am

      3 stars
      The flavors are there, unfortunately it was a dry day pasta

      Reply
    3. christmas eve dinner says

      December 23, 2022 at 7:19 am

      Can I double this recipe in the crockpot?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 23, 2022 at 8:07 am

        I don’t think it would fit unless you have a bigger than 6 quart slow cooker.

        Reply
    4. Sharon says

      December 19, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved this and all said they would eat it again (which is rare)! Because I was a little short on time, I cut the two pounds of chicken breasts into large chunks and cooked it on low for three hours, I seasoned it with onion powder and garlic powder in addition to the salt & pepper called for in the recipe. My container of pesto was only 7.1 ounces, but it covered the chicken. I debated adding chicken broth due to the comments about it being dry. I’m glad I didn’t because there was plenty of liquid after it cooked. I microwaved three packages of Barilla Ready Pasta (penne) because I don’t have a stove right now to boil the pasta. There was exactly the right ratio of chicken, pasta and sauce, and it was enough to feed five adults.

      Reply
    5. Caitlin says

      December 19, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      Can you add a little heavy cream to it?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 19, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        Yes! You can add it with the pasta.

        Reply
    6. Gabby says

      December 14, 2022 at 10:58 am

      2 stars
      The flavor is fantastic! Unfortunately, like a lot of others, I do find the final product is rather dry. I see others have added additional sauces and cream cheese to lend moisture. Given the recipe already has an entire stick of butter, and pesto is quite oily, too, I’m not sure I’m willing to make it even more rich and heavy. Overall, it was a tasty try, but I don’t think I’ll make it again.

      Reply
      • Sharon says

        December 19, 2022 at 1:09 pm

        You could try adding chicken broth, which will give moisture without being heavy.

        Reply
    7. Kara says

      November 11, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      So much flavor! I love anything with pesto and mozzarella, but the lemon really added a nice flavor and the chicken was so moist and not dry at all. Definitely will be making it again.

      Reply
    8. Pam says

      November 5, 2022 at 3:54 pm

      1 star
      Mine turned out dry, not saucy at all

      Reply
    9. Colin says

      November 4, 2022 at 6:34 pm

      3 stars
      Flavors are good, the 5hrs is spot on, tasty meal but I’d add a can of condensed chicken soup to it, was a bit dry but overall it’s a keeper for us!

      Reply
    10. Tara says

      October 21, 2022 at 6:07 am

      5 stars
      Tried this yesterday. The whole family loved it and said it was good.
      I think next time I will add an Alfredo sauce at the end as well… my noodles seemed to need something after the Mozzarella & parm melted.

      Reply
    11. Jessica says

      September 26, 2022 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      I loved this! Just wondering if you know of an option to cook in an instant pot instead of a crock pot for a faster cooking time?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 26, 2022 at 9:30 am

        I have not tested it in an instant pot, I apologize.

        Reply
      • Andrea says

        October 13, 2022 at 4:13 pm

        I put it in the IP every time. I add the chicken and seasoning. Butter. Pesto sauce. Then fill up the pesto bottle half way with water. Then set it on high for 12 minutes. Quick release, shred then add cooked pasta

        Reply
        • Sarah Olson says

          October 13, 2022 at 7:21 pm

          Thanks for the info!

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