why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing for tender, juicy chicken and a creamy sauce without much effort. This dish is also a comforting favorite with its rich flavors, making it a hit with family and friends alike.

how to make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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

Directions :

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing seasoning evenly over them.
Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Add the cubed cream cheese on top of the mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, stirring it into the creamy mixture until well combined.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
While the chicken mixture cooks, prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Stir the cooked pasta and chopped spinach into the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and let the dish sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the spinach to soften and flavors to meld together.
Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

how to serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served hot right out of the slow cooker. You can serve it in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley to add color. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

how to store Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, let them cool down completely before transferring the pasta to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pasta for longer storage, but it’s best to consume it within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

tips to make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

You can adjust the amount of cream cheese depending on how creamy you want the dish to be.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
To make it a bit spicy, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

variation (if any)

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and substitute the heavy cream with milk or a low-fat alternative. Additionally, if you want to make it even healthier, consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?
While cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and flavor, you can also use cream of mushroom or any other cream soup as a substitute.