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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pesto sauce - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cups chicken broth - 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this creamy pesto chicken pasta, I keep it simple. The main items are chicken, pesto, and cream. These three make a rich base for the dish. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. I love homemade pesto for its fresh flavor. The chicken adds protein and keeps the meal filling. Next, I add chicken broth for moisture. It helps cook the chicken and adds depth to the sauce. The pasta is the heart of this dish. I prefer penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well. Don’t forget the cherry tomatoes! They add a sweet burst of flavor. Lastly, I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts beautifully and enhances the creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add color and aroma, making the dish visually appealing. With these ingredients, you create a delicious and satisfying meal. - Place 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. - Season the chicken with salt and pepper. - Pour 1 cup of pesto sauce over the chicken. - Add 3 cups of chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix. - Cover the slow cooker with its lid. - Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. - Check if the chicken is fully cooked and tender. - Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it well. - Cook 12 oz of pasta according to the package until al dente. - Drain the pasta and add it to the slow cooker. - Add the shredded chicken and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Stir all ingredients together until well combined. - Let it warm for 10 minutes on low. - Just before serving, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. This dish is simple and full of flavor. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken pasta! How to choose the best pesto sauce When picking pesto, look for fresh flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you choose store-bought, check for real basil and no added sugars. A bright green color shows freshness. If you make your own, blend basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. This will give you control over taste and texture. Tips for shredding chicken easily To shred chicken, first let it cool for a few minutes. This helps you handle it better. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Start at the thicker part and work your way down. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it too. Just place the chicken in the bowl and mix on low speed for a few seconds. This technique saves time and gives you perfect shreds. Presentation tips for an appealing dish Serve the creamy pesto pasta in wide bowls. This allows the dish to shine. Top with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nice touch. You can also add a dash of extra pesto on top for style. Make sure the dish looks vibrant and inviting. Best side dishes to pair with creamy pesto pasta Pair this dish with a light salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. Its crunch complements the soft pasta. Roasted vegetables can also add flavor and color to your meal. These sides balance the creamy pasta nicely. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Turkey works well in this dish. You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist. Both options give a new taste while keeping the dish fun. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, use tofu instead of chicken. Tofu soaks up the pesto flavor nicely. It also adds a nice texture. Want to boost the taste? Add extra herbs like thyme or oregano. They bring fresh flavors to the dish. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Incorporating vegetables is another great way to enhance the meal. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Bell peppers give a sweet crunch. Toss them in before serving for a vibrant touch. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Use glass or plastic containers for best results. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you remember when you made it. To freeze the dish, cool it completely first. Spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture while reheating. Stir well and heat until hot throughout. Enjoy this creamy delight anytime! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Let it cool, and store in the fridge. You can cook the pasta later and mix it in when ready to serve. What type of pasta works best? I recommend using penne or rotini pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well. They also add a nice texture to the dish. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free. The pasta contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. How can I make it dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for a non-dairy milk. You can use almond milk or coconut cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free alternative or skip it. Can I make this on the stovetop instead? Yes, you can make this on the stovetop. Cook the chicken in a large pot with the pesto and broth. Simmer until the chicken is tender. Then, stir in the cream and cooked pasta. How to adjust cooking times for different slow cookers? Each slow cooker heats differently. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken after 3 hours on low. If it runs cool, you might need to add time. Always make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. This creamy pesto chicken pasta combines simple ingredients and easy steps for a tasty meal. Start with seasoned chicken and pesto, then let it cook to perfection. Add cream, pasta, and veggies for a complete dish. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your taste. Store leftovers for quick meals later. With these tips, you’ll make a dish your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving suggestions!

Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of this Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, an easy and delicious meal perfect for busy days! With tender chicken, creamy pesto, and pasta all cooked to perfection, this recipe is a must-try for any pasta lover. Enjoy a comforting dish that your family will adore. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself to a delightful dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream

3 cups chicken broth

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rotini)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.

    Pour the pesto sauce over the chicken, then add the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.

      Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

        Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Set aside.

          Add the heavy cream to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

            Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and add to the slow cooker.

              Add the shredded chicken and halved cherry tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

                Let the mixture warm together for an additional 10 minutes on low to heat everything through.

                  Just before serving, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 4-6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.