Directions
1Add chicken to slow cooker
2Combine cream, onion, pepper, garlic and pesto and pour over chicken
3Cook on LOW for 3.5-4hrs
4Add raw pasta and shallots, stir and cook on LOW an additional 30minutes (for small shells, larger pasta types might need 45mins+)
5Add cheese and stir through to mix and cook approximately 15mins more or until melted
6Serve with steamed greens or on it's own
Notes
1I think spinach would also make a nice addition added at the end to wilt before serving
Submitted by Paulene Christie
86 Reviews
Debbie Millar
June 7, 2021
Hi Paulene do you think I could swap out cheddar ( hard cheese ) for soft cheese ricotta, Philadelphia, or Brie, worried it will change consistency. If so how much. I love cheese but need to avoid as have had issues, ok with dairy but randomly, cheese has shown up thanks Deb
Kelly
June 2, 2021
This is a regular meal I make for the family they love it. I also freeze it for our late night quick meals for after the kids after school activities.
Gemma
December 17, 2020
This is so yummy. Even fussy Mr 6 ate it happily.
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
June 1, 2020
Are you in Australia? I find all woolies and coles have it. Do you have those shops?
Monique
May 31, 2020
I want to make this recipe but I cant get sundried tomato pesto. What can be used as a substitute?
Annmarie
November 14, 2019
Made this tonight for myself and my kiddies. Used light coconut cream and dairy free cheddar cheese instead as my son has a dairy allergy and omg the coconut cream really made it taste so much better!!
Hayley wells
July 18, 2019
Absolutely delicious one of our faves. I used sun dried tomato pesto and served with fettuchini that I cooked separately winner winner yummo!!
Megan Lamont
May 12, 2019
Love this one – I doubled the recipe as I’m do big batch cooking for meal prep but I’ll only use 600ml of cream next time when doubling the recipe, way too runny with 1.2L. Also added spinach and might add mushroom next time!
Sharon
May 3, 2019
Hi just check have had it on high instead of low it’s been on for 3hours oops should I turn down to low or put pasta in now and turn yo low
mandy
April 26, 2019
Delicious!! Added Broccoli & bacon when started cooking and spinach towards the end. Only 250ml of cream though.
Everyone loved it. Thank you! x
Jude Lesley
April 5, 2019
Easy to make. My partner and stepson love this and they are fussy eaters.
Sandra
March 31, 2019
I made this for dinner and it was delicious! I used chicken breast, Aldi sundried tomato pesto, added some mushrooms and baby spinach, left out the spring onion. I cooked the pasta seperate and will freeze half the sauce as it makes a lot! Will make again.
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
March 15, 2019
I haven’t tried myself to be sure but perhaps someone who has will see this. Remember too that splitting is visual only – it wouldn’t make it any less edible if it did happen x (Split Cream)
Kerri barnes
March 14, 2019
Hi was wondering if anyone has frozen this
Am worried that on thawing the sauce could split
Nikki Harding
February 22, 2019
We tried this tonight and it was delicious! The whole family loved it and the partner would have gone back for seconds if there was any left 🙂
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
January 26, 2019
Cooking cream is one that resists splitting over heat 🙂
More info here
Barbara
January 25, 2019
What is cooking cream in the UK? Double cream?
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
January 3, 2019
A good spoon or two of tomato paste would probably be closer in flavour concentration
Nikki
December 28, 2018
I want to try this recipe tomorrow 29/12/18 but i dont like pestos of any type can i use a tomatoe based sauce like for lasagna or Bolognese or even a tin of condensed tomatoe soup instead of the pesto???
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
November 13, 2018
Different brands would have different colours – I think from memory mine was Coles brand? But don’t worry too much about colour so long as the taste is what you love 🙂
Sally
October 29, 2018
I made this and loved it but it did not have the bright colour, I used sun dried tomato pesto would I get the colour if I just used tomato pesto please
TriciaHayley
October 27, 2018
This was a hit with my slow cooker hating partner hahaha. He said this is one of the best recipes I’ve done. Toddler gobbled it up too. I’ve found the Coles brand pesto is much nicer than the Leggos one. I add 3 cups of pasta, 3 very large chunky cut mushrooms, and spinach.
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
September 24, 2018
The pasta would be mush by that time I’m afraid. And the shallots could be added at the start but will have less taste also after cooking that long
Robynne Dare
September 23, 2018
Could you put the pasta and shallots all in when you start cooking
Michelle Roberts Pfieffer
September 20, 2018
Made this for the 1st time tonight for dinner was pleased howit turned out. Even happier fussy 4 yo liked it and wants me to cook it again
Michelle
September 20, 2018
Cooking this for dinner tonight fussy toddler said yum when I told him what we were having. So will let you know how it goes if it gets the 👍 will be making it again.
Amy U
September 19, 2018
I made this for tea tonight. Added mushies, bacon and spinach. And I only had 300ml of cream so used a tin of evaporated milk too. Tasted good. Kids both ate it and hubby ate 3 bowls. Winner in my house. 😃
Michelle Watson
September 11, 2018
Delicious 👍up from both kids. Served on own, Will make this again
Sarah
August 22, 2018
Gave this recipe a go today… But added the whole packet of pasta and more cream and spinach… kids had an early dinner. At first were hesitant because of the spinach but once we got past that, they loved and demolished it! Yay!!
Sharon
August 14, 2018
Loved,loved,Loved it! So did my dinner guests from out of town . This is the 2nd time I have used them as guinea pigs for recipes from this site then they want the recipe after.
Shayla
August 10, 2018
Cooked this tonight, partner and I both really like it. Cooked the pasta separately so that it wouldn’t soak up any liquid from the slow cooker and just added in the cooked pasta when the cheese went in, ended up being able to add the entire bag of pasta without any lack of sauce. Also added 500g diced bacon, and the final result yielded 8 meals. Definitely will be cooking again
Kerron Steen
August 2, 2018
Followed the recipe exactly, unfortunately it made most of my household feel sick. Bit rich I think.
Alicia Hall
July 22, 2018
This was amazing and added mushrooms an hour before pasta shells 30 mins before serving & baby spinach added 10 mins before serving the smell through the house was incredible & had to be patient until it was ready there was only 2 of us and the bowl was empty no leftovers will definitely be a favorite
Amber Webster
July 18, 2018
This was a big win with the 4 fussy children. Next time I will add a bit more pasta as we had a lot of sauce left over. Was very yummy and tasty
Denise
July 18, 2018
Made this today. Added mushroom. Bloody yummy. Will be making again. Thank you for the recipe.
Dianne Waite
July 15, 2018
Another yummy dish next time might add some mushrooms 👍😊
Talia
July 9, 2018
Cooked this tonight with spinach and normal thickened cream . perfect consistency , a tad bland on first taste but added salt and sugar and it was lovely with steamed veg
Cass Jones
July 6, 2018
Absolutely LOVE this dish!! So easy and super tasty. I add mushrooms and spinach 😋
Toni
July 5, 2018
Cooked this the other night, was absolutely delicious, will definitely be making it again.
Alyce
July 5, 2018
This recipe is delicious! Used chicken thigh and added mushrooms and fresh spinach, my partner said it is the best slow cooker meal I have ever cooked. Thanks for sharing .
Rhiannon
July 4, 2018
My sons allergic to gluten and the only gluten free pasta I could find was spaghetti noodles, Do you think it’ll still work? Also I can’t use Shallots either cause my partners allergic.
Roz Ching
June 30, 2018
Didn’t take as long as recipe stated in my slow cooker but was delicious will definitely do again.
Nadine
June 28, 2018
Absolute family favourite my kids polished their plates. They even think I should be a chef after cooking this 🙂 will be making this a regular meal in this house
IanD
June 24, 2018
Cooked the chicken side of this, and will freeze before the addition of the pasta… however, maybe it’s just me being generous with my portions, but I find this only really serves 4?
Melinda
June 21, 2018
Cooked this a few times now its delish I add a little more pasta and some frozen veg yummy 🙂
Aimee
June 21, 2018
Would halving the recipe, fit in the 1.5L slow cooker?
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
June 21, 2018
Wow thanks Greg 🙂
Greg Andrews
June 20, 2018
Absolutely loved this, awesome flavour, simple to make. The wife loves it too and told me i am definitely making this again. Thanks to the original poster. 10 out of 10.
Melissa
June 17, 2018
Tasted amazing. I doubled the whole recipe as I’ve got a big tribe, and also added spinach, mushrooms and bacon. Will be a regular on our menu.
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
June 16, 2018
It absolutley will 🙂
Hanna
June 15, 2018
10/10 my family love it! I can’t wait to try it again
Helen
June 15, 2018
I can’t eat pasta do you think it would go alright over mashed potatoes instead.
jayden carter
June 13, 2018
10/10
One of my absolute favourites!
Will make a double batch next time so I can put one half into pies.
Just so a can drag out the delicious-ness a little longer.
Thank you!
Amanda
June 11, 2018
Thought this was a great dish however too much of the one flavor for me to have just this so I added fresh steamed veggies on my plate and it was very yummy. Have frozen leftovers for when hubby is on night shift
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
June 11, 2018
I think that would be fine 🙂
Cheryl Tremayne
June 9, 2018
This was absolutely delicious. A winner for sure. Quick question – I was thinking of having the cooking cream and pesto “on hand” so I could make it on a minute’s notice, so to speak. We always have chicken in the freezer. Someone suggested spinach would be a nice addition and I am inclined to agree and was going to add it next time. Frozen spinach should be ok, shouldn’t it? If so, I can have it “on hand” too.
Deb
June 8, 2018
Hubbys new number one favourite, will definitely be making this again.
Bridgette Morgan
June 4, 2018
Omg! This was so delicious.. My 1.5 year old loved it, i will definitely be making this one again. If you’re a lover of creamy cheesy pasta dishes, this will not disappoint. Yum!
Naomie
June 3, 2018
I made this tonight although I decided to add 2 cups of pasta not even thinking it would soak up the sauce.. it was still delicious I think I’d double the sauce next time..
Tracy
June 3, 2018
What a winner…the kids and I loved it….so easy and tasted great..we will be having this again soon.
krisharna Davies
June 3, 2018
such a great simple meal to make and I have 1 fussy kid and one non fussy and they wanted more so I’ll be making it again
Danni M
May 31, 2018
Hubby is onto his 4th bowl as I type….
This tasted perfect. I accidentally popped the cheese in at the start because I don’t read through recipies properly , I added some bacon and spinach too and it’s definitely on my list of regular meals
Sally
May 31, 2018
Made this and loved it , I might cut a bit of cream out next time or put more pasta in
Connie
May 14, 2018
Just wondering if this would freeze well? 1kg of chicken is 3-4 family meals so I’m hoping we can make for dinner and freeze leftovers?
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
May 7, 2018
It certainly not meant to mix with coconut flavours :/
That’s a big difference.
I’d try it again as it’s intended 🙂
Alivia
May 7, 2018
Tried this and wasn’t that great. I had to use coconut cream instead of normal cream, maybe that was the reaso. But not a fave in our house and would make again but glad I gave it a go and pretty simple to make. 😊
Andrea Crocombe
April 29, 2018
Absolutely delicious! Added some baby spinach at the end per the suggestion and am adding this to my favourites ☺
Jade
April 29, 2018
I used lactose free cream and didn’t cut the chicken breast I just shredded it before adding the pasta. I also added peas as my son loves them. It was such a great one pot dish!
Leteeshia Aitcheson
April 27, 2018
Didn’t dice chicken breast, just threw it in and pulled/shredded when adding the pasta and shallots. Also added a pinch of salt. And added about 3 hand full of large pasta shells.
I cooked on low for 5hrs and it’s amazing. Melt in your mouth. My partner LOVES it and keeps going back for more. Definetly making this again.
Hanna Mc
April 26, 2018
Tried this recipe today for the first time. Didn’t add the shallots as family aren’t too keen but it was still a hit with all the family (including hubby chef and 11 month old son)
Very impressed and definitely will be cooking this again!
Nikita
April 25, 2018
Absolutely Beautiful! I served with steamed broccoli & zucchini. Such an easy yet versatile dish!!
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
April 23, 2018
It would be a much stronger tomato flavour than the pesto I think but you could 🙂
Michelle Ivey
April 22, 2018
My family loved this and they are so fussy when I cook meals in the slow cooker. I will definitely cook this again, finally had a win.
Tanya
April 21, 2018
Does it have to be pesto or can I use Tomato Paste?
Tori
April 19, 2018
Tried this tonight, unfortunately the smell was a lot better then the taste, very bland
Kate Williamson
April 15, 2018
We love this so much! I don’t add the onion or shallots . I also cook the pasta seperate as I don’t have it but the others do. I love the sundried tomato flavour. It’s cooking away right now for our dinner.
B S
April 10, 2018
Delicious and so easy! Kids loved it too. Thank you.
Lisa Saragas
April 10, 2018
This was a big winner in my house! So yummy!!! We used chicken breast which was a bit dry, we might put the breast in whole next time and shred. Also think adding bacon and even chopped sundried tomatoes as well as the pesto will give it that extra texture! A must try 😃
Ann Noonan
April 10, 2018
Your right Paulene did make me want to lick the plate but a slice of bread mopped up every last bit ….delicious thank you
Imogen Bizilis
April 9, 2018
This was delicious! My husband and almost 2 year old inhaled their dinner! Was absolutely a winner in our house and ill be making it again for sure. Next time i think ill stir some chopped avocado in right at the end which i think would be a nice addition but this recipe was perfect without it! Super yummy!
Imogen
April 9, 2018
This was delicious! My husband and almost 2 year old inhaled it! So easy but so tasty! Definitely a winner that I’ll make again!
Kriss
April 8, 2018
Tried this for the first time. Family found it to be quite bland in flavour
Kerron Steen
April 6, 2018
A bit too rich for my family. Might swap out the cream for evaporated milk
Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
April 4, 2018
Sorry I only just saw this today Casey … did you try it? How did it goes?
Casey
April 3, 2018
Trying this now how do you think mushrooms would be in it please Pauline?
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Paulene @ Slow Cooker Central
June 7, 2021
I think you could, or you could also leave it out if you prefer 🙂 I’m not sure how or if the other cheeses would melt over the top in the same way?