Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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Introduction

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta—a comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a luscious Parmesan-spinach sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy slow cooker meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

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, cubed
  • 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, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning evenly over them.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Scatter the cubed cream cheese on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then mix it into the creamy base.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, blending until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
  6. While the sauce continues to cook, prepare the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Cover and let it rest for 10–15 minutes, allowing the spinach to soften and the flavors to meld together.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or Alfredo sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in an extra ½ cup of Parmesan.
  • Substitute rotini, fettuccine, or rigatoni for penne if you want a different pasta shape.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a full meal.

Helpful Tips

  1. Shred Chicken Easily: Use two forks to pull apart the chicken directly in the slow cooker. For an even smoother process, use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken quickly and effortlessly.

  2. Prevent Cream Cheese from Clumping: Cube the cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt evenly into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Stirring occasionally in the last hour can also prevent any lumps.

  3. Boost the Flavor: For a deeper, more restaurant-style taste, sauté a minced garlic clove in a bit of butter and add it to the slow cooker before cooking. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread or a toasted baguette makes the perfect side to soak up the rich, cheesy sauce.

  2. Add a Fresh Salad: Balance out the creamy pasta with a crisp side salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

  3. Top with Extra Parmesan and Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a bit of fresh basil or parsley on top. This enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color for a more appetizing presentation.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Use a Different Pasta: While penne is a great option, you can switch it up with rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. For a lower-carb version, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

  2. Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the fat content. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut down on the Parmesan for a lighter version.

  3. Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition by stirring in extra vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers. You can also substitute spinach with kale for a heartier texture.

Conservation and Storage

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.

  2. Freezing for Later: If you want to save this meal for later, freeze the pasta and chicken separately for best results. Store the shredded chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  3. Reheating Properly: To maintain the creamy texture, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent separation. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little milk or cream to loosen it up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overcooking the Chicken: Slow cookers vary in temperature, and leaving chicken in for too long can make it dry. Stick to 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, and check for tenderness before shredding.

  2. Adding Pasta Too Early: Cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker can make it mushy. Always cook pasta separately and stir it in at the end to ensure the perfect al dente texture. If adding uncooked pasta, do so in the last 30 minutes of cooking with an extra cup of broth.

  3. Skipping the Stirring: Stirring in the last hour of cooking helps ensure the cream cheese melts evenly and the sauce remains smooth. Without occasional mixing, you may end up with clumps of cheese rather than a rich, velvety sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
    Yes! You can make it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken, broth, and seasonings in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 25–30 minutes until tender. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream before adding cooked pasta.

  2. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
    If you prefer a homemade alternative, make a quick substitute by whisking together 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons flour over medium heat until thickened. This mimics the creamy texture of canned soup.

  3. Can I use frozen chicken?
    While some slow cookers can handle frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first for food safety reasons. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can leave it in the “danger zone” (40–140°F) for too long, increasing the risk of bacteria growth.

  4. How can I make this dish spicier?
    If you love a little heat, try adding ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also stir in sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home. With tender, slow-cooked chicken and a rich Parmesan-cream sauce, it’s an effortless yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

By following the helpful tips, storage guidelines, and common mistake avoidances, you’ll ensure a smooth and delicious cooking experience every time. Plus, with plenty of variations, you can easily customize this dish to suit your taste!

Whether served with warm garlic bread, a fresh salad, or topped with extra Parmesan, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Give it a try and let us know what’s your favorite slow cooker pasta dish? 🍽️😊

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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta—a comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a luscious Parmesan-cream sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning. Slow-cooked to perfection, this rich and hearty pasta dish brings a taste of your favorite restaurant straight to your kitchen. Serve it up for an effortless family dinner or a satisfying meal prep option!

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, cubed
  • 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, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning evenly over them.
  • Add the Liquid Base: Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Scatter the cubed cream cheese on top.
  • Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  • Shred & Mix: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir to blend it into the creamy sauce.
  • Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is velvety smooth.
  • Prepare the Pasta: While the sauce is finishing, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and finely chopped spinach to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let the Flavors Meld: Cover and let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes, allowing the spinach to soften and the flavors to fully blend.
  • Garnish & Serve: Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: Penne works great, but rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine can be used as well.
  • Creaminess Boost: For an even silkier sauce, stir in an extra splash of heavy cream before serving.
  • Add Some Heat: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  • Make It a One-Pot Meal: Skip boiling the pasta separately stir in uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking and add 1 extra cup of broth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 1080mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Olive Garden chicken pasta, crockpot chicken recipe

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