Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

I absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe because it combines comforting, luscious flavors with the convenience of slow cooking. The velvety butternut squash sauce wraps each rigatoni piece in creamy goodness, while tender chicken breasts add hearty protein, making it one of my go-to dishes for cozy nights. It’s a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels indulgent but comes together with minimal effort, making it a winning recipe in my book.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

What makes this dish truly stand out for me is the flavor profile. The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly balances the savory Parmesan and sage, creating a rich, aromatic sauce that tastes like it’s been lovingly simmering all day. The subtle hints of nutmeg and garlic add depth without overpowering the natural creaminess. Every bite feels cozy yet refined, which is why I keep coming back to it.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is the ease of preparation. I simply whisk the sauce together, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic for a few hours. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or anytime I want a home-cooked dinner without babysitting the stove. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve for a casual family meal or to impress guests at a small gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small white bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. The largest bowl at the top center contains bright orange chunks of butternut squash. Below it, a medium white bowl holds uncooked rigatoni pasta, which is light brown and tube-shaped. To the right, a smaller white bowl contains chunky pieces of red onion in shades of purple and white. Next to it is another small white bowl filled with small crispy pieces of bacon that are pinkish-brown. On the left side, a small white bowl has whole pecans with a dark brown color, and below it is a tiny white bowl filled with clear yellow olive oil. Another tiny bowl below that contains white and black mixed spices. At the bottom center, a small white bowl holds crumbly white goat cheese. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this recipe are refreshingly simple but each plays a vital role in creating its signature flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy butternut squash purée to the fragrant sage, these essentials combine harmoniously to deliver a comforting yet elegant meal.

Butternut squash purée: Provides natural sweetness and a creamy base for the sauce that feels indulgent but wholesome.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess without overwhelming the dish.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious richness that clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
Parmesan cheese: Enhances the sauce with umami and a subtle salty kick, essential for that classic cheesy depth.
Dried rubbed sage: Brings an earthy, herbal warmth that pairs perfectly with squash and chicken.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a whisper of warm spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Garlic and onion powder: Boost the savory undertones and round out the taste complexity.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Season the dish to perfection, enhancing all other flavors.
Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients together.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that cooks alongside the pasta, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
Dry rigatoni pasta: The perfect sturdy shape to hold the creamy sauce and bits of chicken for every bite.
Yellow onion and garlic: Fresh aromatics that infuse the dish with depth and sweetness while slow cooking.
Water (optional): Handy for adjusting sauce thickness to get just the right creamy consistency.
Fresh parsley or sage (optional garnish): Adds vibrant color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness to finish.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl or measuring pitcher, whisk together the butternut squash purée, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, dried sage, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce mixture. This will be your flavorful pour-over base.

Step 2: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking, making cleanup much easier later on.

Step 3: Arrange the raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter thinly sliced onion and minced garlic evenly over and around the chicken; they’ll infuse the dish with incredible flavor as everything cooks together.

Step 4: Layer the dry rigatoni pasta on top of the chicken and onions, spreading it out as evenly as you can. Resist the temptation to stir it in—just let the pasta mostly sit on top for the sauce to saturate it perfectly.

Step 5: Slowly pour the butternut squash and cream sauce mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken, ensuring all the pasta is moistened. If you see any dry pasta sticking out, gently push it down with a spoon and add up to 1/2 cup water if needed to cover it more completely.

Step 6: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Start checking at the earliest time—your chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part, and the rigatoni should be tender yet retain its shape.

Step 7: Use two forks to shred or slice the chicken right in the slow cooker, then gently stir it into the creamy butternut squash sauce and rigatoni. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of warm water or extra chicken broth until you hit the perfect silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 8: Let the entire dish sit, covered, for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to the pasta before serving.

Step 9: Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan sprinkled generously on top and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or sage for a bright, fresh element. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

Servings and Timing

This Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe serves 6 hearty portions, making it wonderful for families or meal prep. Prep time is about 15 minutes, while the cook time ranges from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours on low or 2 to 2 1/2 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker’s performance. After cooking, allow the dish to rest covered for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken perfectly. The total time you’ll need is roughly 4 to 5 hours, with most of it hands-off.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

A close-up view of a black slow cooker filled with three raw pale pink chicken pieces placed on top of short tubular, beige pasta rigatoni. A woman’s hand is holding a clear glass measuring cup, pouring a thick creamy orange-yellow sauce with green herb specks over the chicken and pasta. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden board blurred in the background. The texture of the sauce is smooth with visible bits of herbs, creating a rich layer over the chicken and pasta photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with something fresh and crisp to cut through the richness. A simple side salad of arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a light cucumber and tomato salad brings ideal contrast. Roasted brussels sprouts or garlic green beans are also fabulous warm vegetable sides that complement the creamy profile without overwhelming the flavors.

For garnishes, I always reach for extra grated Parmesan for that salty finish and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or sage to brighten up the colors and add a pop of herbal aroma. Presentation-wise, I like to serve the rigatoni in wide bowls, scooping generous portions so the sauce pools just right around the pasta edges. This also keeps it warm longer at the table.

When it comes to beverages, this recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, which balances the creaminess. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of lime or an herbal iced tea with mint works wonderfully. Whether it’s a cozy family weeknight dinner or an intimate gathering, I serve this dish hot and fresh from the slow cooker for maximum comfort and flavor enjoyment.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter take, I sometimes substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. It still keeps the sauce creamy but reduces the richness a bit. Using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts also adds incredible juiciness and tenderness; just watch the cooking time closely so they don’t overcook.

If you need to make this dish gluten-free, I swap regular rigatoni for gluten-free pasta varieties that handle slow cooking well, though I keep a close eye on pasta doneness since cook times may vary. For a vegetarian twist, I omit the chicken altogether and increase the squash purée and broth slightly, then add hearty mushrooms or cubes of roasted butternut squash for texture. A handful of baby spinach tossed in near the end adds wonderful color and nutrition without overpowering the delicate sauce.

For a smoky variation, I sometimes add smoked paprika or finish the dish with sage-infused brown butter drizzled over the top. Cooking in an oven-safe Dutch oven instead of the slow cooker can also work beautifully if you want to simmer this on the stovetop or low oven heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this comforting dish, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers—glass ones are my favorite for easy reheating and storing in the fridge. The creamy sauce holds up well, and the leftovers last about 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Be sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing to maintain quality and prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely if you want to save extra portions for later. I recommend portioning into freezer-safe containers with lids, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to keep the pasta and sauce together since the rigatoni will absorb the sauce flavors while thawing for maximum tastiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it thickens further in the fridge. This method helps avoid drying out the pasta or chicken. If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals and stir in between to distribute heat evenly and preserve the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking. Just keep the total weight about the same and check for doneness, as thighs can cook slightly faster than breasts.

Is it necessary to add water to cover the pasta fully?

It’s best if the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce to cook evenly and absorb flavor. If you notice some dry rigatoni peeking out after pouring the sauce, add up to 1/2 cup water to ensure consistent cooking and prevent a tough texture.

Can I prepare this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can use a large oven-safe Dutch oven, layering ingredients as directed, covering tightly with a lid or foil, and baking at 325°F for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir halfway through and check pasta doneness so it doesn’t overcook.

What can I garnish this dish with to make it look restaurant-quality?

Freshly chopped parsley or sage adds vivid green color and freshness. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of sage-infused brown butter elevates the presentation and flavor beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners. Just portion into single servings and keep the sauce loose with a bit of extra broth when reheating for the best texture each time.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for any day yet special enough to impress. Give it a go and enjoy the luscious flavors and effortless comfort it brings to your table!