Introduction:
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With minimal prep and hands-free cooking, it’s an easy, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked
- ½ cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slow Cook: Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix over it. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken and slice it into strips. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped spinach into the slow cooker, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta, toss everything together, and let sit on warm for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: If you love extra cheesy pasta, stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese before serving. This will make the sauce even richer and gooier.
- Creamier Texture: For an ultra-creamy sauce, replace half of the heavy cream with cream cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for a thicker, silkier consistency.
- Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken breasts, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Cooking Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered on warm for 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve this pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A crusty baguette or homemade garlic knots make a perfect side.
- Side Salad Pairing: Balance the richness of the pasta with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple Caesar salad or an arugula and cherry tomato mix with balsamic dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta sits in the sauce for a few minutes before serving, cooking it al dente (slightly firm) prevents it from getting too soft or mushy.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain its creamy consistency.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by 30-60 minutes and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. -
How can I make this dish lighter?
To reduce calories and fat, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use reduced-fat Parmesan, and opt for whole wheat pasta. You can also increase the amount of spinach and tomatoes for extra nutrients. -
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook this on high for 2-3 hours instead of 4-5 hours on low. However, slow cooking at a lower temperature yields more tender chicken. -
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the chicken.
Conclusion
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is a delicious, effortless meal that brings together tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and fresh vegetables for a comforting, satisfying dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it fresh for dinner, this pasta is sure to be a hit. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With minimal prep and hands-free cooking, it’s an easy, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked
- ½ cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slow Cook: Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning mix over it. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken and slice it into strips. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped spinach into the slow cooker, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta, toss everything together, and let sit on warm for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered on warm for 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Olive Garden chicken pasta, crockpot chicken recipe