When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the rich, creamy goodness of Olive Garden chicken pasta crockpot. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a luscious sauce, draped over al dente pasta, with just the right amount of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, drawing you in with every delightful forkful. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those chaotic evenings when nothing seemed to go right. My toddler was in full meltdown mode while my husband tried to fix the Wi-Fi for the umpteenth time. Just when I thought all hope was lost, I popped everything into the crockpot, and within hours, my kitchen transformed into a fragrant haven. The moment we sat down to eat, all chaos melted away as we savored each bite together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Olive Garden chicken pasta crockpot recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time
- The flavor profile bursts with creamy richness and savory herbs that delight every palate
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, it looks as good as it tastes on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy nights or cozy gatherings, this dish offers flexibility that allows you to customize ingredients based on your pantry staples
My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was; my husband even asked if I could make it every week!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; trust me, it’s worth it!
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to keep control over the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds that divine creaminess; feel free to use reduced-fat if desired.
Pasta of Your Choice: Fettuccine or penne works beautifully here; choose what your heart desires.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach not only adds nutrition but also pops visually against the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs gives depth; store-bought blends work great too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish with a punch of flavor—don’t skimp on this.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic finely so that its aroma fills your kitchen with warmth as you cook.
Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear your chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each side.
Add Everything to the Crockpot: Place seared chicken into your crockpot along with garlic, broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Stir gently until combined.
Set It and Forget It: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours; life will smell heavenly while you wait!
Cook Your Pasta: About 15 minutes before serving time, boil water in a pot and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Combine and Serve: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together gently before garnishing with parmesan cheese.
Now sit back and enjoy your Olive Garden chicken pasta crockpot masterpiece! Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful experience!
You Must Know
- This delicious olive garden chicken pasta crockpot recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully, and you can easily adjust ingredients based on your pantry
- Plus, the aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then toss in the pasta with your creamy sauce to soak up all those glorious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the chicken tender and saucy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken well before cooking; it enhances flavor significantly
- Use fresh herbs when possible for a vibrant taste
- Don’t rush the simmering time; let those flavors develop fully for a rich outcome
The first time I made this olive garden chicken pasta crockpot dish, my friends raved about it! They insisted it was better than takeout, which felt like winning a culinary gold medal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it beforehand to ensure even cooking.
What pasta works best for olive garden chicken pasta crockpot?
Penne or rotini holds up well and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta option.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Crockpot
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden chicken pasta made effortlessly in a crockpot. This dish features tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy garlic sauce, combined with your favorite pasta and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich taste and delightful aroma wafting through your home.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (reduced-fat optional)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the garlic.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes each side).
- Transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot and add garlic, broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, boil water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks, then add cooked pasta and toss gently. Serve after garnishing with parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
