Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Introduction
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that mimics the beloved Italian restaurant favorite. By using a slow cooker, you can easily create a meal that is not only satisfying but incredibly easy to prepare. With tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a mix of Italian seasonings, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation. The convenience of the slow cooker allows you to toss in all the ingredients, set it, and let the flavors meld together as it cooks. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish offers the creamy indulgence of Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo in the comfort of your own home.

The History of
The original Chicken Alfredo dish traces its roots back to Italy, specifically to Rome, where it was created by Alfredo di Lelio in the 1900s. However, the Americanized version of Alfredo sauce with cream and butter became popular in the U.S. after being introduced in the 1920s. Olive Garden’s version of Chicken Alfredo took this classic Italian dish and made it even more accessible by adding chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce that would become a restaurant staple. Over the years, Olive Garden has expanded its menu, offering various takes on the dish, including the beloved Chicken Alfredo. The popularity of Olive Garden’s version, often served with garlic breadsticks, led to the creation of home-friendly recipes that mimic the restaurant’s rich and indulgent flavors, such as the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe.

Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while chicken breasts can provide a leaner option. Either cut will work well when slow-cooked.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce and contributes to the overall creaminess of the dish.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce can be used to save time, though making your own from scratch is an option for those who want more control over the flavor.
Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder bring an authentic Italian flavor to the dish. These ingredients enhance the sauce’s depth and complement the chicken.
Pasta: Any pasta of your choice can be used, but traditional fettuccine is the classic option. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti can also work well.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a finishing touch to the dish, providing additional richness and flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add to the Crockpot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the crockpot and stir to combine.
5. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir it into the creamy chicken sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated.
7. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and stir to combine.
8. Serve: Serve the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness, as they hold up better in the slow cooker. For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a little extra cream cheese or heavy cream at the end. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute some of the Alfredo sauce with a lighter cream or a mixture of half-and-half. To save time, use pre-cooked pasta or cook it while the chicken is finishing in the crockpot. Be sure to stir the pasta into the sauce at the end to allow it to soak up the delicious flavors.

Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Add Vegetables: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to give the dish a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Make it Lighter: Use a lighter Alfredo sauce, or substitute some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthier version.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent meal, it can be made slightly healthier by using low-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat Alfredo sauce. The dish is high in protein from the chicken and offers a good amount of carbohydrates from the pasta, making it a filling meal. For those watching their calorie intake, using a smaller amount of pasta or substituting cauliflower rice can help reduce the overall carbs. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli increases the fiber content and provides additional vitamins and minerals. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium, opt for a low-sodium Alfredo sauce and chicken broth.

FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I use a different pasta? Yes, any pasta works, but traditional fettuccine is recommended for an authentic experience.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate them. Cook the next day as directed.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I make this without a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the cooked pasta and mix everything together.

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that mimics the restaurant favorite. Perfect for busy nights, it combines tender chicken, Alfredo sauce, and pasta in a slow cooker for a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• ▢1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5-2 pounds is fine)
• ▢16 oz. Olive Garden Italian dressing or any Italian dressing of your choice; note that Olive Garden dressing is high in sodium and may be salty, so consider a lower sodium option if preferred
• ▢1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢1/4 tsp. black pepper
• ▢8 oz. cream cheese

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and black pepper.
• Top with the cream cheese.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.
• When the cooking time is nearly complete, begin cooking the pasta on the stovetop according to the package instructions.
• Shred the chicken using two forks. Drain the pasta and add it to the shredded chicken and sauce, then stir to combine.
• Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
• Serve and enjoy!