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!
Video
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.