Effortless Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli: Your Ultimate Guide to a Delicious, Stress-Free Meal
The return to school schedules and the bustling rhythm of daily life often mean a renewed focus on efficient meal planning. As families transition from leisurely summer days to the structured pace of academic terms, finding delicious yet time-saving dinner solutions becomes paramount. Last week marked our first foray back into consistent meal planning since the summer break, and the positive impact on our evenings has been truly remarkable. Knowing exactly what’s for dinner, especially on those hectic weeknights, brings an undeniable sense of calm and predictability.
For us, Wednesdays have officially become our designated “crock pot day.” With late afternoon activities that keep us out of the house until close to 6 PM, the slow cooker has emerged as an absolute lifesaver. There’s an unparalleled joy in walking through the door after a long day, greeted by the comforting aroma of a meal that’s almost entirely ready. The magic of slow cooking is genuinely contagious – I’m officially a devoted fan, and once you experience the ease and flavor it delivers, you will be too.
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli recipe quickly became a family favorite and is already being requested for a regular spot in our slow cooker rotation. I initially whipped this up during the summer, but its hearty, comforting nature makes it perfect for any season. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the incredible tenderness of the chicken, which simmers to perfection in your favorite spaghetti sauce. For ultimate convenience, I often “cheat” a little and use a good quality jarred sauce, especially when I find one on sale – it saves time without compromising on flavor. The chicken emerges so tender it practically falls apart, ready to be mingled with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a healthy dose of broccoli.
One of my favorite tricks for streamlining dinner cleanup is adding the cooked pasta and broccoli directly into the crock pot. This not only keeps things less messy but also ensures every strand of spaghetti and every florent of broccoli is beautifully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. And speaking of creamy, my secret ingredient for that luxurious texture? A couple of dollops of ricotta cheese. It melts into the sauce, transforming it into a wonderfully smooth and indulgent experience that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and pasta.
The verdict from our family of four was unanimous: this Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti earned a major thumbs up! It’s a meal that truly satisfies, offering a comforting warmth and delicious flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. Plus, the recipe yields a generous amount, which is fantastic for busy households. We always have plenty left over, making it ideal for packing into thermoses for school or work lunches the next day. It’s a meal prep dream!
Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of slow cooking with this incredible chicken spaghetti recipe. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how much your family will enjoy it. Happy cooking!
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Yield: about 6 servings 1x
Category: Chicken, Pasta
Method: Slow cooker
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli recipe is the epitome of comfort food meets convenience. It’s designed for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, then shredded and combined with al dente spaghetti, fresh broccoli, and creamy ricotta cheese. The result is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for families, this recipe makes enough for dinner and delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Experience the magic of your slow cooker transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal!
Ingredients
- 32 oz jar of good quality spaghetti sauce (or 4 cups of your favorite homemade sauce)
- 1 3/4 lb – 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 13 oz box of whole wheat spaghetti (or regular spaghetti)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed slightly if frozen)
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- Red pepper flakes, for serving – optional, for a touch of heat
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving – optional, but highly recommended
Instructions
- Begin by adding the entire jar of good quality spaghetti sauce to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the sauce. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken breasts over in the sauce to ensure they are thoroughly coated on both sides. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shredded.
- Approximately 20 minutes before you are ready to serve, begin preparing your spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it is almost al dente. About 3 minutes before the spaghetti is completely done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. This allows the broccoli to cook alongside the pasta, becoming perfectly tender-crisp.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, carefully drain them together in a large colander. Return your attention to the slow cooker. Using two forks, gently shred the cooked chicken breasts directly in the crock pot, incorporating the tender chicken into the rich sauce. Next, add the drained spaghetti and broccoli to the slow cooker, along with the 1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese. Using your forks, gently toss the spaghetti, chicken, broccoli, and ricotta until all ingredients are fully incorporated and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately! This creamy chicken spaghetti is delicious on its own, but feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, if desired. Enjoy your effortless and satisfying slow cooker meal!
Why This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is Your New Weeknight Hero
Beyond its incredible flavor, this chicken spaghetti recipe offers numerous benefits that make it an indispensable part of your meal planning arsenal. Let’s dive into why it’s such a winner:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a slow cooker meal is the minimal hands-on time required. Simply dump the chicken and sauce, season, and let your appliance do all the hard work. You can prep this in the morning, set it, and come home to a nearly finished meal.
- Unbeatable Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the flavors of the chicken, sauce, and seasonings to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a depth of flavor that quick stovetop meals often lack. The chicken becomes exceptionally tender and infused with the delicious tomato and oregano notes.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Pasta dishes are universally loved, and this creamy chicken spaghetti is no exception. The rich, savory sauce, tender chicken, and familiar spaghetti noodles are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The addition of broccoli is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!
- Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean chicken breast, whole wheat spaghetti (if preferred), and fresh broccoli, this dish offers a balanced meal. The part-skim ricotta adds creaminess without excessive fat, making it a healthier alternative to many cream-based sauces.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous batch, providing ample leftovers. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for packing lunches for school or work, or for a quick dinner on another busy evening. Simply portion it into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can elevate your dish even further:
- Choose Your Sauce Wisely: A good quality jarred spaghetti sauce can make all the difference. Look for brands with minimal added sugars and wholesome ingredients. If you have a favorite homemade sauce, this is the perfect opportunity to use it!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When adding the spaghetti and broccoli to the slow cooker, ensure the pasta is cooked just until al dente. It will continue to absorb some of the sauce’s liquid, and you want it to retain a pleasant bite.
- Customize Your Veggies: While broccoli is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers could be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking or along with the pasta.
- Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, don’t shy away from the red pepper flakes. You can add them to the slow cooker with the chicken for a more integrated warmth, or as a garnish for individual servings.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving can add a vibrant touch of color and aroma.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution. It’s an answer to the perennial “what’s for dinner?” question, a testament to the power of meal planning, and a celebration of the convenience that slow cooking brings to our busy lives. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to add it to your collection of cherished family meals. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
For more delicious and convenient meal ideas, be sure to check out our growing Slow Cooker Goodness Pinterest board. It’s packed with inspiration to help you make the most of your slow cooker!