Slow cooking ensures that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the pesto, making this dish as flavorful as it is easy. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a comforting, satisfying choice.
For a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional creamy casseroles, you might also enjoy our Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad, which offers a fresh twist with lighter ingredients while still providing rich flavors.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole?
Using a crock pot offers a number of advantages, particularly for busy families. The crock pot allows the chicken to slowly cook, becoming incredibly tender as it soaks in the flavors of the pesto and seasonings. Not only does this enhance the dish’s flavor, but it also makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Just throw the ingredients into the crock pot, set it, and forget it!
In addition, slow cooking helps preserve the creamy texture of the sauce while infusing it with the savory, herby flavors of the pesto. For a dish that’s just as easy but more geared towards breakfast, consider trying this Mexican Breakfast Casserole for a flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole
This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring only a few key ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or cream cheese for creaminess
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Optional: garlic, onions, fresh basil for extra flavor
Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. For instance, you can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed or add extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a more nutrient-dense meal.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole
Making this pesto chicken pasta casserole in the crock pot is simple and hassle-free. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add the Pesto: In a bowl, mix the pesto with heavy cream or cream cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions while the chicken is cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Everything: In the last hour of cooking, add the cooked pasta to the crock pot. Stir in the shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or more cheese before serving.
For more easy-to-make comfort food recipes, check out the classic Crack Chicken Casserole for a delicious and hearty dinner idea.
Variations of Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole
One of the great things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways you can change up the recipe to suit your needs:
1. Low-Carb Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These alternatives reduce the carbohydrate content while still allowing you to enjoy the creamy, rich flavors of the pesto and chicken.
2. Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Instead of using cheese, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
3. Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Casserole
To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Why Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole is a Perfect Weeknight Meal
This dish is perfect for weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook. It’s easy to prepare, can be left to cook while you take care of other tasks, and yields enough for leftovers. You can even prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Pesto chicken pasta casserole is also a fantastic option for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or preparing a meal for a family gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to for busy nights.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Though this casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with light side dishes for a well-rounded dinner. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread to soak up the creamy pesto sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus makes an excellent side dish, balancing the richness of the pasta and chicken with fresh flavors.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, this casserole stores and reheats beautifully:
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole by letting it cool completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating. If the casserole seems dry, add a bit more broth or cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does crock pot pesto chicken pasta casserole last in the fridge?
This casserole will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. It will take 1-2 extra hours to fully cook through.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the pasta separately and add it to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking. This prevents the pasta from becoming too mushy.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this casserole healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole
Here are some tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Use high-quality pesto: The pesto is the main flavor of this dish, so be sure to use a high-quality brand or make your own.
- Stir in the pasta towards the end: Adding the pasta in the last hour of cooking ensures it doesn’t get mushy.
- Adjust consistency: If the casserole is too thick, you can thin it out with extra chicken broth or cream. Conversely, if it’s too runny, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta Casserole is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in the crock pot to create a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re making this dish for dinner tonight or preparing it for a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. For more delicious casserole recipes, try out this comforting Crack Chicken Casserole, another hearty meal that’s sure to please. For more tips on perfecting your pasta cooking technique, check out this guide to cooking pasta perfectly.