Drizzle this 1 mixture over raw chicken into a slow cooker for a weeknight meal you won't stop thinking about

This slow cooker creamy lemon caper chicken linguine is exactly the kind of weeknight meal I lean on when work runs late and I still want something that tastes a little special. You literally drizzle one bright, tangy, ultra-creamy mixture over raw chicken and dry linguine, snap the lid shut, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The combo of lemon zest, capers, white wine, and cream gives off cozy Italian restaurant vibes, but it’s made with pantry staples and zero fuss. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it dinner you’ll think about all afternoon—and be really happy to come home to.

Serve this creamy lemon caper chicken linguine straight from the slow cooker with a big shower of grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley or basil if you have it. I like to add a simple green side—think a tossed salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon—to balance the richness. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, and if you opened a bottle of dry white wine to cook with, pour a glass alongside to bring out the lemony, briny flavors in the dish.

Servings: 4

12 oz dry linguine

Lightly spray the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

Lay the dry linguine in the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking the noodles in half if needed so they fit in more or less in an even layer.

Arrange the raw chicken tenderloins on top of the linguine in a single layer as much as possible. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; just try not to bury them underneath the pasta.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, white wine, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning until everything is well combined. This is your one creamy lemon caper mixture.

Slowly drizzle this 1 mixture evenly over the raw chicken tenderloins and the linguine in the slow cooker, making sure the liquid seeps down around the pasta. Use the back of a spoon to gently nudge any dry pasta so it’s moistened by the sauce.

Scatter the butter pieces over the top. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F) and the pasta is tender but not mushy. Avoid opening the lid during the first 2 hours so the pasta can steam properly.

Once cooked, use two forks to gently shred or cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-size pieces right in the slow cooker. Stir everything well so the pasta gets coated in the creamy lemon caper sauce.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. If the pasta seems too thick, splash in an extra 1/4 cup of warm chicken stock or hot water to loosen it to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Let the pasta sit on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

For a lighter version, swap half of the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk; the sauce will be a bit thinner but still creamy. If you don’t cook with wine, replace the white wine with additional chicken stock plus an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of tenderloins—just cut them into strips so they cook at the same rate as the pasta. Add veggies directly to the slow cooker for a more complete meal: stir in 1 to 2 cups of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes during the last 15 minutes of cooking, or toss in thawed frozen peas right before serving. For extra briny punch, add a spoonful more capers or a handful of chopped olives. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, finish the dish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice at the end. To meal prep, whisk the lemon caper mixture the night before and store it in the fridge, then in the morning all you have to do is layer the linguine and raw chicken in the slow cooker and drizzle the ready-made mixture over the top.