This easy crockpot creamy pesto chicken pasta is one of those meals you can throw together and let it do its thing. It comes out rich, creamy, and full of flavor every time. Perfect when you want something comforting without a lot of effort.
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this creamy version, I added a bit more cream and cheese than usual. It turned out smoother, richer, and way more comforting. Now I always make it this way.
- Super creamy and rich
- Very little prep needed
- Big flavor from simple ingredients
- Feels like comfort food but still fresh
- Great for leftovers
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Spoon
- Forks (for shredding)
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cream for the best texture
- Shred chicken while it’s hot so it pulls apart easily
- Add cheese at the end to keep the sauce smooth
- Don’t overcook pasta
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Add spinach for extra greens
- Try rotini instead of penne
Make Ahead Tips
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store in the fridge. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve and mix together.
Instructions
Step 1: Add Chicken and Seasoning
Place 2 lbs chicken breasts into the crockpot. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cloves garlic.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pesto
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup basil pesto.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cook until fully done and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Shred the chicken and return it to the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Cook 12 oz penne pasta until al dente.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add pasta and cheeses, then mix until creamy.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm while hot and creamy.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The cream and cheese combine with pesto to create a smooth, stable sauce. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender, so it blends easily into the sauce.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking pasta
- Adding cheese too early
- Not mixing the sauce well
- Using too little liquid
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
Macros Information (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 35g
Leftovers and Storage
Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
FAQ
Can I use store pesto?
Yes, it works great.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze the chicken and sauce only. Add fresh pasta later.
Can I make it lighter?
Use less cream or swap with half-and-half.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot creamy pesto chicken pasta is rich, simple, and always satisfying. Try it and see how easy a comforting homemade meal can be.
