Crockpot Chicken Pesto Farfalle: Creamy One-Pot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a slow cooker with a ceramic insert, as it distributes heat more evenly than metal.

Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents—they can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Shredding your own provolone from a block yields a creamier sauce.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the pesto. For extra vegetables, you can add a cup of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers in the layering step.

Just keep the total volume similar to avoid overcrowding, which could affect cooking time.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Layer in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the spinach for extra color and nutrients. Sauté them briefly before adding to the slow cooker to reduce excess moisture.
• Spicy Pesto: Stir 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the pesto for a subtle heat that complements the creamy cheese. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They stay even more tender and juicy during the long slow cook. Cut them into similar-sized cubes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free farfalle pasta and ensure the pesto is gluten-free. Check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.

Freezer

Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if needed.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low as directed. You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients start cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this pasta as a main course with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

It's also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of extra pesto on top. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a side of roasted vegetables would round out the meal.

For a family-style dinner, bring the slow cooker to the table and let everyone serve themselves. The presentation is rustic and inviting, with the melted cheese and pesto creating a beautiful, homey dish.

Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Chicken Pesto Farfalle: Creamy One-Pot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 3/4 cup basil pesto
• 4 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the farfalle pasta, fresh baby spinach, and basil pesto over the chicken, distributing them as evenly as possible.
2. Spoon dollops of whole-milk ricotta over the top, then sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over everything. Do not stir.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Do not lift the lid during the first 3 hours to keep the heat steady.
4. After 4 hours, stir the mixture gently to combine the melted cheeses and wilted spinach. Check that the chicken is cooked through by inserting an instant-read thermometer into a few cubes—it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
5. Spoon the hot pasta onto plates or into bowls. Serve immediately, making sure each portion gets a generous amount of the creamy sauce and melted cheese.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

26 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.