Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, trimmed
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth (Low Sodium)
  • 8 oz block Cream Cheese (Full Fat), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 12 oz Dried Pasta (Penne or Rotini)
  • 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 5 cups Heavy Cream (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, packed
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (optional garnish), chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Cube the cream cheese and trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
  2. Combine Base Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the basin of the slow cooker.
  3. Start Cooking: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Use two forks (or a handheld electric mixer) to shred the chicken finely. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker basin.
  5. Stir Base Sauce: Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly with the melted cream cheese and broth mixture until it forms a uniform, creamy base.
  6. Add Pasta and Broccoli: Add the dried pasta and the fresh broccoli florets to the slow cooker. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  7. Continue Cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes on HIGH, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Stir occasionally during this phase to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  8. Temper and Add Cream: Once the pasta is done, turn the slow cooker off or set it to the WARM setting. Pour in the room-temperature heavy cream and stir gently to incorporate.
  9. Stir in Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, glossy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  10. Taste and Adjust: Taste the finished sauce and adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed.
  11. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately.