Some nights, I just need dinner to cook itself. Between school pickups, snack negotiations (why do they always want snacks right before dinner?!), and trying to keep my toddler from coloring on the walls, I don’t have time to stand over a stove. That’s why I love easy crockpot meals like this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Crockpot recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and veggies—the kind of one-pan chicken broccoli pasta that makes my life so much easier.
If you’re looking for quick chicken and broccoli recipes that don’t require you to hover over the kitchen like a short-order cook, this one’s for you. It’s one of those easy crockpot chicken recipes that checks all the boxes—dump it in, let the crockpot chicken and broccoli do its thing, and boom: dinner’s ready. Plus, it’s picky-eater approved (because who’s got time for a dinner battle?).
So if you need easy dinner recipes for those crazy busy nights, add this to your list of crockpot meals with broccoli. Whether you call it broccoli chicken noodles, pasta crockpot meals, or just delicious dishes that make life easier, this one’s a keeper. Trust me—your future self will thank you.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is super flexible—use what you have, swap things out, make it work. But here’s what I usually throw in:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, or rotisserie chicken if we’re really taking the easy route)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, elbow—whatever is in the pantry)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No babysitting required – The crockpot does all the work.
- Picky eater approved – My kids actually ask for seconds.
- Minimal dishes – One pot. That’s it. Dinner with zero extra cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dump everything in the crockpot
Toss in the chicken, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. No stirring needed, no overthinking. Just dump it all in and walk away.
- Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
2. Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. If you’re short on time (or patience), a hand mixer works in about ten seconds.
3. Add the pasta and cheese
Stir in the uncooked pasta, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Give it a good mix so everything gets coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring once or twice to make sure the pasta cooks evenly.
4. Toss in the broccoli
When the pasta is almost done, stir in the broccoli. Adding it at the end keeps it from getting mushy but still lets it soak up the flavor.
- Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender but still a nice bright green.
5. Serve and enjoy
Scoop it into bowls, add some extra cheese on top if you want, and watch your kids actually eat their veggies without a single complaint.
FAQs for Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but I highly recommend thawing it first. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can make it cook unevenly and stay in the “danger zone” (aka bacteria party) for too long. If you’re in a pinch, add extra cook time and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
The trick is to add uncooked pasta towards the end and stir it in. If you’re meal prepping, I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it in when reheating.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk or broth before microwaving to keep it creamy.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Cook the chicken in a pot with broth and seasonings, shred it, then stir in cooked pasta, cheese, and broccoli. Let it all come together for a few minutes, and done!
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe Card
Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta pasta (or penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese , softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the crockpot – Place the chicken, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken – Once fully cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Add pasta and cheese – Stir in the uncooked pasta, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix well to coat the pasta. Cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the broccoli – When the pasta is almost done, stir in the broccoli and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until tender.
- Serve and enjoy – Scoop into bowls and top with extra cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this easy crockpot chicken and broccoli dinner.
Notes
Pro Tips
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
- Want more flavor? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a little milk to keep it creamy.
And just like that, dinner is done. No standing over the stove, no extra dishes, just one cozy bowl of Broccoli Chicken Noodles that somehow gets devoured every time. This is exactly why I love Chicken Broccoli Slow Cooker Recipes—it’s effortless, delicious, and saves me from the “what’s for dinner?” chaos.
If you’re looking for easy crockpot chicken recipes that actually taste amazing, this one’s a keeper. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a cozy fall crockpot recipe, or just another go-to for those nights when you don’t wanna cook, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Crockpot dish has you covered. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s one of those one-pan chicken broccoli pasta meals that make cleanup a breeze.
So, next time you need ready crockpot meals that basically cook themselves, try this out. It’s got all the best parts of Crock Pot Chicken And Broccoli wrapped up in a warm, comforting dish that even the pickiest eaters won’t complain about. And hey, if you have any extra crockpot ideas, let me know—I’m always looking for new delicious dishes to keep dinner easy!
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