That sounds like the kind of cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for colder days. Here’s a simple, delicious version of Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni you can easily make at home:
🍲 Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash (peeled & cubed)
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Load the Slow Cooker
Add butternut squash, chicken, garlic, onion, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
2. Cook
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours
- The chicken should be tender and easy to shred
3. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Blend (Optional but Recommended)
For a creamy texture, blend part or all of the squash mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Add Pasta & Cream
- Stir in rigatoni and heavy cream
- Cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, until pasta is tender
6. Finish
- Stir in Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle with olive oil and adjust seasoning
🍽️ Serving Tips
- Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad
💡 Make It Even Better
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients
- Use chili flakes if you like a little heat
- Substitute cream with milk + a bit of butter for a lighter version
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- One-pot comfort meal
- Creamy without being too heavy
- Perfect balance of sweet (squash) and savory (chicken & cheese)
If you want, I can also give you a quick stovetop version (ready in under 40 minutes) or a healthier low-calorie version of this dish.
