Introduction
This creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a luscious Italian-inspired sauce over al dente pasta. It’s the perfect comforting meal for busy days, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over them.
- Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add the cream cheese on top of the mixture and cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variations
- Swap the Pasta Type
Try this recipe with fettuccine, rotini, or even egg noodles for a different texture and presentation. Each pasta shape absorbs the creamy sauce differently, giving a unique experience every time. - Add Veggies for More Flavor
Enhance the dish with vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli. Sauté these veggies separately before adding them to the slow cooker to bring out their flavors and add more nutrients. - Make It Spicy
For a little heat, mix in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. This adds a kick to the creamy sauce, balancing the richness with a zesty punch.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
- Substitute penne pasta with your favorite type, like fettuccine or rotini.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Garlic Bread
Serve this creamy pasta with warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce. The crispy bread provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta. - Add a Fresh Salad
Complement the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing balances the creaminess of the pasta beautifully. - Top with Extra Parmesan and Herbs
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil on each serving. These toppings enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance
Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth cooking. This minimizes the time spent opening cans or chopping while your chicken cooks. - Cook Pasta Separately
Always cook pasta separately instead of in the slow cooker. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and ensures it retains its texture when mixed with the sauce. - Season Gradually
Taste the sauce before adding salt and pepper, especially since the Italian dressing mix and Parmesan cheese already add saltiness. Adjust seasoning as needed at the end.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to adjust the cooking time slightly. Frozen chicken may take longer to cook, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety and double-check that the Italian dressing mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free as well. - How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. - Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Add them during the last hour of cooking for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a true comfort food delight, combining tender chicken, a rich Italian-inspired sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
Print
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and a luscious Italian-inspired sauce over al dente pasta. It’s the perfect comforting meal for busy days, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over them.
- Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add the cream cheese on top of the mixture and cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
- Substitute penne pasta with your favorite type, like fettuccine or rotini.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, Italian chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken