Crock Pot Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, penne pasta, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe creates a rich and creamy pasta dish with Italian seasoning and tender shredded chicken. It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to prepare and serves 8.

Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
• 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup butter (cubed, 75 grams)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed, room temperature, 1 full brick)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 400 grams penne pasta (4 cups)
• 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
• Fresh diced parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

1. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts into fillets and place them in a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, cream cheese, and spices over the chicken.
3. Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 3 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, cool slightly, and shred with two forks.
5. Mix Sauce & Pasta: Stir the sauce well to fully incorporate the cream cheese. Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine.
6. Final Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes. Add the shredded chicken back after 20 minutes.
7. Serve: Once pasta is tender, top with remaining parmesan and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Butterfly Chicken Evenly: Ensures even cooking throughout.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Helps it blend more smoothly into the sauce.
• Check Pasta Doneness: Stir and check at the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: For better flavor and melting.
• Optional Broccoli Add-In: Steam separately and stir in just before serving.

What To Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This rich dish pairs well with garlic bread, a side Caesar salad, or sautéed green beans. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio also complements it nicely.

How To Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 719
• Total Fat: 49.2g
• Carbohydrates: 43.1g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 4.9g
• Protein: 26.4g
• Sodium: ~740mg

FAQs

Can I add broccoli directly to the crock pot?
Yes, add frozen broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking or steamed fresh broccoli before serving.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just skip the initial cook and add it when you add the pasta.

Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes, rotini or fusilli are good alternatives.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and Alfredo sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo
• Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole
• Crock Pot Catalina Cranberry Chicken