Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both creamy and satisfying. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with savory Italian seasonings, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all blending together to create a rich and flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The magic of this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta lies in the slow cooking process. The chicken becomes so tender it practically falls apart, while the creamy sauce simmers to perfection, coating each pasta bite with savory goodness. The best part? You can set it and forget it. Just toss everything into your crockpot, let it cook, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious dish, you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this dish. They cook evenly and stay moist in the slow cooker.
• Cream Cheese: This forms the creamy base of the sauce. It adds richness and tang, making the dish indulgent without being overly heavy.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: This brings a bit of zesty flavor to the sauce. The ranch seasoning really ties all the flavors together and complements the creamy texture.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Another key flavor component, adding a savory, herby kick to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: For a savory base and to help keep everything moist while cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic base to the sauce, giving it that familiar Olive Garden flavor.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta can work, but rotini or penne is ideal for capturing the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a final touch of flavor, enriching the dish with an umami-packed finish.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a luxurious texture and enhances the creaminess of the dish.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

While this recipe is super easy to follow, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure it comes out perfectly every time:

• Sear the Chicken First (Optional): For an added depth of flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before adding them to the crockpot. This will give the chicken a nice golden crust and help lock in flavor.
• Do Not Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts in the crockpot can become dry if left cooking for too long. For tender, juicy chicken, cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low, but be sure to check the chicken towards the end.
• Add Fresh Veggies: If you want to add some extra nutrition and color to your dish, consider adding some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini in the last hour of cooking. These veggies will cook perfectly in the slow cooker without losing their flavor or texture.
• Use Low Sodium Broth: To control the salt content of the dish, opt for low-sodium chicken broth.
• Stir Occasionally: If you have the time, give the sauce a stir midway through the cooking process. This will help incorporate all the ingredients and prevent anything from sticking to the sides of the crockpot.

Variations to Try

While this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

• Swap the Chicken for Pork or Turkey: If you prefer pork or turkey, you can easily substitute the chicken breasts with boneless pork chops or turkey breasts. These alternatives cook similarly in the slow cooker.
• Add More Veggies: For a more wholesome meal, throw in some fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. These can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Use mozzarella or provolone cheese for a slightly different twist on the flavor. Combining a couple of cheese types can add a nice depth of taste to the dish.

How to Serve

This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a filling dish on its own, but you can always serve it with some side dishes to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A perfect complement to this creamy pasta, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing pairs beautifully with this dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans will add some color and balance to your meal.

How to Store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Leftovers of this hearty dish store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Freezing Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This recipe also freezes wonderfully! If you have leftovers or want to make a double batch for later, freeze the pasta and sauce in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that it may take longer to cook. If you’re cooking on high, expect it to take 4-5 hours, and on low, it may take closer to 7-8 hours.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of this recipe. The texture won’t be quite as creamy, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use store-bought ranch and Italian dressing instead of the mixes?

Absolutely! If you don’t have the seasoning mixes, you can use 1/4 cup of each store-bought dressing. Just make sure the dressings are creamy to keep the consistency of the sauce.

This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is perfect for anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a go-to dinner option for busy weeknights. Try this recipe today, and your family will be asking for seconds!

Other delicious chicken recipes to try:

• Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken
• Crockpot Sesame Chicken
• Crockpot Pesto Chicken