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With very little prep work, Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole comes together quickly and easily. Tender chicken, flavorful pesto and more combine for a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole in the slow cooker with a wooden spoon

We love a good and easy casserole recipe and this Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole does not disappoint. Throw it together in minutes and the crock pot does all the work.

Each bite of chicken is so tender from being slow cooked all day and has a ton of delicious flavor. This meal is budget friendly and so easy to make. Everyone always loves this casserole slow cooker recipe. You may even like this Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Recipe.

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
Variation Ideas
How to Make Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole:
Recipe Tips
Do you Cook Pasta before adding to Slow Cooker?
Serving Suggestions
How to Store
More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
More Pasta Recipes
Crock pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

This pesto chicken pasta crockpot is loaded with flavor and made with simple ingredients. We love making this when we have friends and family over.

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal idea.

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or use chicken tenders)
Salt and Pepper
Pesto Sauce
Butter
Chicken Broth
Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Rotini Pasta, cooked

For the full recipe and ingredients, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

Chicken – We used chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
Additions – Feel free to add in basil pesto or slices cream cheese for a creamier texture. We have even squeezed fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
Broth – We used chicken broth in this recipe, but any type of liquid will work. You can simple use water to combine with the other ingredients.
Pasta – We like to use rotini pasta for this recipe. But any small size pasta will work. You can use penne pasta or rigatoni noodles. You can also make this recipe for low net carbs pasta.
Vegetables – You can sneak in vegetables to this casserole dish. Mix in slice mushrooms, bell peppers, or chopped broccoli. For added flavor, add in red pepper flakes for an extra kick in this recipe.
Instant Pot – This recipe can also be prepared in the instant pot.

How to Make Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole:

Placing the chicken breast in the slow cooker and topping with butter and pesto

Step 1 – Add Chicken to Slow cooker – First, place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. I used a 6 quart slow cooker or you can use a casserole slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper and spread the pesto sauce over the chicken. Then place the butter and chicken broth on top.

Placing the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker

Step 2 – Cook – Cover and Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. You can also cook on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred. Stir the chicken back in.

Mixing in the pasta and cheese into the chicken mixture

Step 3 – Mix in pasta – Stir in the pasta, mozzarella and the parmesan with the shredded chicken. Now you want to just cover and cook so the cheese is melted. This is only a few minutes.

Topping the pesto chicken mixture with shredded cheese

Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy – Right before serving, sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese. Once again, add the lid back on the crock pot and cook until melted.

Recipe Tips

Cooking Casserole – Add in the ingredients to the slow cooker. Then at end of the cooking time mix in the cheese, pasta, and parmesan. If you add these ingredients to soon the pasta could get mushy.
Cook Pasta Separately – Before mixing in the pasta to the slow cooker, make sure you have cooked them separately. I like to add olive oil when cooking pasta.
Chicken – Feel free to place frozen chicken in the slow cooker to make this pesto chicken pasta crock pot recipe.

Close up image of pesto chicken pasta casserole in the slow cooker with a wooden spoon

Do you Cook Pasta before adding to Slow Cooker?

Yes, we recommend cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Cook the pasta al dente but do not over cook. They will be heating in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

This is such an easy one pot meal. You really do not need much else to go with it.

Side Salad – I usually serve it with a simple salad. It is easy and goes great with the pesto chicken.
Roasted Vegetables – Other ideas include Roasted Green Beans. You can also learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for a super easy veggie side dish.
Bread Sticks – We love to serve this chicken pasta for a delicious meal idea.

How to Store

These chicken pesto pasta crock pot leftovers are amazing the next day. The ingredients marinate together overnight to create a delicious lunch the next day. Store in individual air tight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Store in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.

More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

More Pasta Recipes

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