Crockpot Mozzarella Chicken Pesto Farfalle: A 10-Minute Prep, Set-and-Forget Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cook the pasta in the slow cooker until it is just al dente—it will continue to soften slightly as it rests.

If you prefer a firmer bite, reduce the cook time by 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it stands, so don't worry if it looks thin during cooking.

To make the dish even more indulgent, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the pesto. If you have leftover sauce, it's great for dipping crusty bread.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for extra nutrition and texture. Sauté the mushrooms first to release moisture, or add them raw; they'll cook in the slow cooker.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the pesto for a spicy twist. The heat will mellow during cooking, leaving a subtle warmth that complements the creamy sauce.
• Herb Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the slow cooker. These herbs enhance the pesto's flavor and add depth to the sauce.
• Creamy Tomato Version: Replace the pesto with 1 cup of marinara sauce and add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. The result is a creamy tomato-basil sauce that's still rich and comforting.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy sauce.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, or in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth until hot.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, adding an extra 30 minutes if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta as a main dish with a simple green salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

It's also delicious with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread. The rich, cheesy sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.

For a family-style meal, place the slow cooker on the table and let everyone serve themselves. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and flavor. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day—just reheat gently.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Mozzarella Chicken Pesto Farfalle: A 10-Minute Prep, Set-and-Forget Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins, cubed
• 12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the farfalle pasta, fresh baby spinach, and basil pesto over the chicken, spreading them evenly. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place it in the center of the mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. The cream cheese and mozzarella will melt into a creamy sauce. Stir gently halfway through to distribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
3. Turn off the slow cooker and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, spooning the cheesy chicken and pasta onto plates. Garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, though the video serves it plain.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

40 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

30 g

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