Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash Chicken Rigatoni (Cozy One-Pot Comfort Meal)

A Warm, Effortless Dinner for Cozy Nights

When you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and comforting, this slow cooker butternut squash chicken rigatoni is the kind of meal that hits the spot. It brings together tender chicken, rich pasta, and a naturally velvety squash sauce—all in one pot with very little hands-on work.

As it cooks slowly, the butternut squash melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, silky texture that coats every piece of rigatoni. Warm spices like sage, nutmeg, and garlic blend in beautifully, giving the dish a deep, comforting flavor that feels perfect for fall and winter evenings.

Best of all, it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. No boiling pasta, no juggling multiple pans—just simple layering and slow cooking that results in a restaurant-style meal at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot slow cooker meal with minimal cleanup
• Naturally creamy sauce from butternut squash
• Perfect comfort food for busy weeknights
• Family-friendly and filling
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

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Ingredients

Creamy Sauce Base:

• 1½ cups canned butternut squash purée (100% squash)
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (warmed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 12 oz dry rigatoni
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley or sage
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Warm broth or water (if needed for thinning sauce)

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How to Make It