This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings all the cozy, creamy comfort of your favorite restaurant dish right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken simmers low and slow in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with penne and fresh spinach for a rich, flavorful pasta the whole family will love. Minimal prep, maximum flavor this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle Italian dressing seasoning evenly over them.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Add cubed cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cooked pasta and chopped spinach into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spinach to soften.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Variation
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness:
While chicken breasts are lean and easy to shred, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay even juicier after hours in the slow cooker. This swap is great if you prefer richer, more tender meat in your pasta. - Make it Spicy:
For a little heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when you add the Parmesan and cream. You could also use a spicy Italian dressing mix to kick it up a notch perfect for those who like a bold, zesty finish. - Add Veggies for a Hearty Boost:
Toss in extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers during the last hour of cooking. They’ll blend beautifully into the creamy sauce and add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Cook the penne just until al dente and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Overcooked pasta can get mushy when mixed into the creamy sauce and left to sit. - Shred Chicken with Two Forks or a Mixer:
Shredding chicken with two forks works just fine, but if you’re in a hurry, use a hand mixer on low speed right in the slow cooker (remove a bit of sauce first if needed). It’s fast, easy, and gives a perfectly shredded texture. - Soften Cream Cheese Before Adding:
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. It will melt more smoothly into the sauce, helping you avoid any lumps or uneven texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Garlic Bread:
A warm slice of buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to this creamy pasta. It’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying crunch alongside the tender pasta. - Add a Fresh Green Salad:
Balance the richness of the dish with a light salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta and refreshes the palate between bites. - Top with Extra Parmesan and Cracked Pepper:
Just before serving, sprinkle each bowl with a little extra grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. It adds both visual appeal and a flavor boost that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for the Best Melt:
Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own from a block results in a richer, creamier sauce. - Double the Sauce for Extra Creaminess:
If you love your pasta extra saucy, consider increasing the cream and Parmesan by 25–50%. Just be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity and add the extra cream after cooking so it doesn’t curdle. - Let It Rest Before Serving:
Allowing the pasta to sit in the slow cooker for 10–15 minutes after everything’s combined gives the sauce time to thicken and soak into the pasta. It also allows the spinach to wilt just right and all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Prep & Cook Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low, or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker, as it takes too long to reach a safe internal temperature. For food safety, always thaw your chicken fully in the refrigerator before cooking. - What if I don’t have Italian dressing seasoning mix?
No problem! You can make a simple version at home using a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar. A splash of white vinegar and olive oil can also mimic that tangy Italian zip. - Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. - Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your cream of chicken soup and seasoning mix are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these staples now.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight win easy to make, family-friendly, and bursting with rich, creamy flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this comforting pasta dish delivers every time. Cozy, creamy, and full of Italian-inspired goodness, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings all the cozy, creamy comfort of your favorite restaurant dish right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken simmers low and slow in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with penne and fresh spinach for a rich, flavorful pasta the whole family will love. Minimal prep, maximum flavor this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle Italian dressing seasoning evenly over them.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Add cubed cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cooked pasta and chopped spinach into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spinach to soften.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using garlic Parmesan or zesty Italian dressing seasoning.
- Substitute rotini or rigatoni if you don’t have penne on hand.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, Olive Garden pasta, creamy chicken pasta, crockpot dinner