05/18/2026
Slow Cooker Creamy Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli
Introduction
Slow Cooker Creamy Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli is a rich, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, soft pasta, and a creamy goat cheese sauce with very little hands-on work. The slow cooker creates juicy, flavorful chicken while the tangy goat cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats every bite of cavatelli. Itβs an easy family dinner that tastes like something from a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g)
* 1 package (16 ounces / 450 g) cavatelli pasta
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
* 4 ounces (115 g) goat cheese, softened
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4β5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Stir in the goat cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Meanwhile, cook the cavatelli according to package directions until just tender.
9. Drain the pasta and stir it into the slow cooker mixture.
10. Cover and let sit for 10β15 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce.
11. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Description
This dish is creamy, savory, and slightly tangy from the goat cheese. The chicken becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking, and the cavatelliβs shape holds onto the luscious sauce perfectly. Itβs hearty enough for a full meal on its own and makes excellent leftovers.
Tips
* Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
* Let the goat cheese come to room temperature before adding so it melts more evenly.
* Shred the chicken while still warm for the easiest texture.
* Add a splash of extra broth if the sauce thickens too much after adding pasta.
Variations
* Add baby spinach during the last 10 minutes for extra color and nutrition.
* Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to reduce cook time.
* Substitute cream cheese for a milder flavor if goat cheese is unavailable.
* Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a slightly sweet and tangy twist.
* Use whole wheat cavatelli for a heartier texture.
Correction
For the best texture, avoid adding uncooked cavatelli directly to the slow cooker for the full cooking time, as it can overcook and become too soft. Cooking the pasta separately and mixing it in at the end gives the best results. Also, if your goat cheese is very crumbly, whisk it with a little warm broth first for a smoother sauce.
Enjoy
Serve this creamy goat cheese chicken cavatelli hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Itβs a cozy, satisfying slow cooker meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!