Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
433 CommentsUpdated Jan 18, 2026
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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.
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. Cook the chicken, pesto, and lemon while you are away, then cook pasta and mozzarella cheese, which are added before serving.
The Ingredients
Not many ingredients and very little prep. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.
This recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned generously with salt and pepper for flavor. A full jar of Classico Traditional Basil Pesto (about one cup) adds rich, herby depth, while sliced salted butter and the juice of half a fresh lemon bring richness and brightness. Once the chicken is cooked, rotini pasta—cooked al dente and well-drained—is stirred in with grated parmesan to coat everything in the buttery pesto sauce. Shredded mozzarella is sprinkled over the top to melt, and a touch of dried basil finishes it off for a simple but satisfying meal.
How to Make Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
This comes together quickly in the slow cooker, see how I do it.
Step 1 – Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Spread the pesto over the top, then layer on the sliced butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything.
Step 2 – Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours without lifting the lid. Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Step 3 – Add the cooked and drained rotini pasta along with the parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
Step 4 – Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
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.
This meal is great on it’s own, but also great if you add a salad or garlic bread.
Featured Comment
“This is now in my regular rotation! I do add a bit of pasta water at the end to loosen it up though. About a coffee cup full (1/2 -1 cup) before I top it with the mozzarella cheese.“
– Andrea
How to Video
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
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!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta and Olive Garden Chicken Pasta are creamy, comforting favorites loaded with flavor and easy to prep. My Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is very popular and serves a crowd!
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta pairs rich, buttery sauce with tender chicken for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Try Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce or Zucchini Bolognese for a slow-cooked twist on classic Italian flavors.
Slow Cooker Shrimp Scampi and Crockpot Million Dollar Spaghetti are perfect for when you want something a little indulgent but still easy to make.
IS there anyway to make this with less fat?
Pesto has quite a bit of fat in in. Though you can use chicken broth instead of butter.
Hello Sarah! I tried this recipe once and it was amazing!
Thinking of making this again, and adding some baby spinach that i have in my fridge.
Would you recommend it? If so, when should i throw them in the crockpot?
Thank you!
Hi Sue! I did this with a similar recipe. I’d crank the slow cooker to high as your boiling the pasta (at the end of the cooing time). Then when you shred your chicken and right before you add the drained pasta add the (sliced) spinach. See this video if that sounds confusing: https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/slow-cooker-chicken-bacon-pasta/
Do you drain the water after the chicken is done cooking ?? Or does it get mixed in with the pasta.
It gets mixed in, it’s part of the sauce for the noodles.
Looks so good!
Wish there was a convertor on your recipes so that us people across the pond can have a go.
Thanks
CAROLINE
Thank you Caroline! Most of my recipes do. I just added it to this one for you. Thank you for letting me know.
I’m cooking this today but only half a recipe. What fo you suggest for cook time, still 5 hours?
One of my family’s favorite recipes. It is great go to recipe for a busy week.
Love this recipe! So easy!
How much rice would you suggest using if I wanted to use rice instead of the pasta
I would try 4 cups of cooked rice.
1/2 lemon, is that 1/2 cup???
No, the juice of half a lemon
Can you cook the pasta in the slow cooker with everything else?