Slow Cooker Recipes
Heart Healthy Crockpot Broccoli Chicken Pasta Recipe
This wholesome slow cooker meal combines tender chicken breast with fiber-rich broccoli and whole-wheat pasta in a light, savory lemon-garlic sauce. It is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that prioritizes heart health by using lean proteins and reducing saturated fats without sacrificing creamy comfort.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 270 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 480 kcal
Method
Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients until the chicken is submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
Stir in the dry whole wheat penne and the fresh broccoli florets. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until the sauce becomes creamy and well-combined.
Let the pasta stand for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli rather than frozen to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
If the sauce is too thick after adding the yogurt, splash in a little more broth or warm water.
For extra flavor without the sodium, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice.
Ensure the pasta is added only at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
