Another delicious Bored of Lunch recipe is this Slow Cooker Chicken Mozzarella & Pesto Pasta requiring around 3 hours to make using chicken, basil pesto, penne pasta, cream cheese, and mozzarella.

To make Chicken Mozzarella & Pesto Pasta in your slow cooker or crockpot, start by combining chicken, pesto, and lemon juice. Cook on high for 2 hours, then add pasta and cheese, cooking for another hour.

Who knew a slow cooker could handle pasta like a champ? Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to comment below if it made your day or at least your dinner!

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Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto to make this dish simpler and quicker to prepare. Opt for high-quality brands found in the refrigerated section, as they often have a fresher flavor compared to shelf-stable varieties.

Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp reduced-fat basil pesto
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 500 ml hot chicken stock
• 350 g dry penne pasta
• 1 tbsp low-fat soft cream cheese
• 70 g mozzarella, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In the slow cooker, combine the sliced chicken, basil pesto, crushed garlic, and lemon juice. Mix these ingredients well and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
2. Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker to high and cook the chicken mixture for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
3. Add Pasta and Stock: After 2 hours, pour the hot chicken stock into the slow cooker and add the dry penne pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
4. Continue Cooking: Continue cooking on high for another 40 minutes. Halfway through, at the 30-minute mark, give the pasta a good stir to prevent any sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the low-fat soft cream cheese until well incorporated. Evenly sprinkle the diced mozzarella over the top.
6. Final Cook: Cook for an additional 20 minutes on high, or until the mozzarella is completely melted and lightly golden.
7. Optional Browning Under the Grill: If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, you can place it under a preheated grill for about 5 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes browned and bubbly. This step adds a delightful crispiness to the cheesy top layer.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy and flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta hot, ideally complemented with a side of crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Check the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking its internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F. This prevents any foodborne illnesses and ensures safety.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: To avoid mushy pasta, check it about 5 minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. Al dente pasta holds up better, especially if you plan to reheat leftovers.
• Enhance Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese. This makes the dish richer and more indulgent without altering the overall flavor profile too much.
• Balance the Pesto: If the pesto flavor is too strong, balance it by adding a bit more lemon juice. This adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the pesto and cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a different flavor profile. Ensure seafood is cooked through, with shrimp turning pink and opaque, and salmon flaking easily with a fork.
• Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with grilled eggplant or canned chickpeas, and use vegan pesto and cheeses. This offers a plant-based version that retains the heartiness of the original.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure that your pesto and stock are gluten-free. This is crucial for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Add Vegetables: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for additional flavors and textures. These ingredients complement the pesto and add a Mediterranean twist to the dish.

What To Serve With Chicken Pesto Pasta

You can serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta with crisp arugula salad, steamed green beans, Orange-cardamom Slow Cooker Carrots, roasted cherry tomatoes, or Dim Sims.

You can also pair it with sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or Sweet Potato Wedges for a balanced meal.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta

In The Fridge:

Store your leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. I always make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up.

In The Freezer:

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is best enjoyed fresh and is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy components and pasta. Freezing can change the texture of the sauce and make the pasta mushy when reheated.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta

To reheat your leftover Chicken Pesto Pasta, I find that using a skillet over medium heat works best. Add a splash of water or additional pesto to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until it’s heated through. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the pasta too soft.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored Of Lunch Black Pepper Beef In Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Cajun Chicken and Penne Alfredo
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken and Chorizo Pasta