Slow Cooker Creamy Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli

This slow cooker creamy goat cheese chicken cavatelli is the kind of cozy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though the slow cooker does almost all the work for you. Tender chicken breasts, hearty cavatelli pasta, tangy goat cheese, savory broth, and sun-dried tomatoes slowly cook together into a rich, silky sauce that feels both rustic and comforting.

Inspired by old-fashioned Midwestern comfort cooking, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or cozy weekends at home. The goat cheese melts beautifully into the broth and white wine, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and chicken.

If you love easy slow cooker dinners that feel restaurant-worthy without complicated preparation, this creamy chicken cavatelli deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pot slow cooker dinner
• Rich, creamy, and comforting flavor
• Minimal prep with simple ingredients
• Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta
• Great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
• Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking

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)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly spray the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Pasta

Lay the chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the dry cavatelli pasta around and over the chicken in an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Goat Cheese Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, chicken broth, white wine, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato oil, thyme, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Stir until the mixture becomes mostly smooth and creamy. A few small lumps of goat cheese are perfectly fine.

Step 4: Pour Over the Ingredients

Slowly pour the goat cheese mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta. Use the back of a spoon to gently press any exposed pasta into the liquid so it cooks evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cavatelli is tender.

Check once around the 3-hour mark and gently press any dry pasta into the sauce if needed.

Step 6: Shred and Stir

Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, or slice it into bite-sized pieces if preferred.

Stir everything together until the creamy sauce evenly coats the chicken and pasta.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Serve hot with extra thyme and grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Cavatelli

• Use full-fat goat cheese for the creamiest sauce texture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds extra richness and flavor.
• Keep most of the pasta submerged in liquid to ensure even cooking.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra tenderness.
• If your slow cooker cooks hot, begin checking the pasta earlier.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

Easy Variations

• Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy, hearty flavor.
• Stir in baby spinach during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
• Replace the wine with additional broth and finish with lemon juice for brightness.
• Use half cream cheese and half goat cheese for a milder sauce.
• Swap cavatelli for penne, rotini, or small shells if needed.

What to Serve with Goat Cheese Chicken Cavatelli

This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with fresh and simple side dishes. Serve it alongside:

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli
• Buttered green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• Warm crusty bread
• Soft dinner rolls

For an extra cozy dinner, pair the meal with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker creamy goat cheese chicken cavatelli delivers everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner: tender chicken, creamy pasta, rich savory flavor, and effortless preparation.

Whether you are feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving guests something cozy and satisfying, this easy slow cooker pasta recipe creates a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.