This slow cooker creamy goat cheese chicken cavatelli is the kind of weeknight treat that feels special without asking much of you. The whole idea is simple: you stir together one tangy, herby mixture with goat cheese, white wine, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh thyme, then pour it over raw chicken breasts and dry cavatelli in the slow cooker. By the time you’re ready for supper, the chicken is tender, the pasta has soaked up all that flavor, and the sauce is silky and comforting.
It reminds me of the church potlucks I grew up with in the rural Midwest—humble ingredients, cooked low and slow, turning into something surprisingly irresistible.
Slow cooker chicken cavatelli in rustic serving bowl
Slow cooker chicken cavatelli in rustic serving bowl
Spoon the creamy chicken and cavatelli into warm shallow bowls and top with an extra sprinkle of fresh thyme or a little grated Parmesan if you like. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, and buttered green beans or steamed broccoli feel right at home beside it.
Warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for catching every last bit of sauce, and if you enjoy wine, pour a small glass of the same dry white you used in the dish to tie the whole meal together.
Slow Cooker Creamy Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces dry cavatelli pasta
6 ounces goat cheese, softened and crumbled
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (optional but recommended)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle heat)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Ingredients for goat cheese chicken cavatelli on kitchen counter
Ingredients for goat cheese chicken cavatelli on kitchen counter
Directions
Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
