Slow cooker chicken pesto pasta

Your pesto pasta got an upgrade

This has to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser as it’s got chicken, it’s got cheese and it’s got that ‘wham bam, thank you ma’am’ that will get you wanting to make this for dinner again and again. Also, plot twist…I actually use my slow cooker in summer, too. That’s right, your slow cooker doesn’t need to gather dust during the warmer months. Let’s be controversial and use it year-round. 

Why you’ll never look at standard pesto pasta the same anymore

The magic of this chicken pesto pasta lies in the way the flavours develop slowly. The pesto melts into the sauce, coating the chicken in herby, garlicky perfection, while the cheese turns everything gloriously gooey. The slow cooker helps everything stay tender and perfectly cooked without you having to hover over the hob.

This recipe is also an exclusive from my Sunday Times Bestseller, Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Slow Cooker Cookbook, and I can confidently say it’s one of those dishes that everyone in the family demolishes. It’s easy enough for a weekday meal, impressive enough for a weekend gathering, and versatile enough to tweak depending on your mood (or whatever you’ve got in the fridge). Got a bit more veg going? Whack it in. 

We love a slow cooker 

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the slow cooker. I swear it’s the most underrated bit of kitchen kit going. Not only does it save you time and washing up, but it also turns simple ingredients into something spectacular. Cooking pasta in the slow cooker might sound a bit rebellious and risky, but it works because the sauce thickens, the chicken stays tender, and the flavours deepen in a way that’s hard to replicate on the hob. 

If you’re juggling a million things during the day, this is the kind of recipe that will make you look like you’ve spent hours cooking when really, you’ve just been living your best multitasking life. Look super organised with barely any effort. 

Serving suggestions

For a little freshness, dress some rocket leaves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few shavings of parmesan. Pile it on top of your pasta just before serving for that perfect mix of creamy and crisp.

You can absolutely use shop-bought pesto, because I am not against that at all. Just stir it through at the start of cooking so all that basil-y goodness soaks into the chicken. Want to change things up? Try a red, sun-dried tomato pesto for a slightly richer, sweeter twist.

And because no pasta dinner is complete without a side of carbs (I don’t make the rules), you’ve absolutely got to make my air fryer garlic bread. Slice a baguette (not all the way through), mix 150g softened butter with 6 crushed garlic cloves and a handful of chopped parsley, then smother it into the crevices. Wrap in foil and air fry for 15 minutes, or bake in the oven for 20–25. Golden, garlicky heaven.

Make it your own

You can switch out the chicken for cooked bacon, shredded roast leftovers, or even roasted veg if you fancy a meat-free version. Want to sneak in some greens? Stir through a handful of spinach or peas just before serving.  The heat from the sauce will wilt them perfectly.

This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, creamy, herby, and full of love (and cheese). Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this slow cooker chicken pesto pasta is guaranteed to hit the spot every time. Get in on your weekly rotation.