Creamy, rich, and packed with comforting flavor, this slow cooker pasta combines tender shredded chicken, tangy goat cheese, and hearty cavatelli in one cozy family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- Rich and creamy goat cheese sauce
- Tender shredded chicken
- Restaurant-style comfort food at home
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz soft goat cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 16 oz cavatelli pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Large pot
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken on top, then pour in the chicken broth and olive oil.
2. Slow Cook
Cover and cook until the chicken is tender:
- LOW for 4–5 hours
or - HIGH for 2½–3 hours
3. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Make the Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce
Add the goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, cream cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Cover and cook on LOW for another 15–20 minutes until fully melted.
5. Cook the Cavatelli
Meanwhile, boil the cavatelli according to package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked cavatelli to the slow cooker and gently toss until coated in the creamy sauce.
If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
7. Serve
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite.
Tips for Best Results
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before mixing it into the sauce.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Not ideal for freezing because dairy sauces can separate.
Serving Ideas
Pair this creamy pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
