introduction
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the popular restaurant right to your kitchen. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, making for a satisfying meal.
With minimal effort, you can create this comforting dish in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly as it cooks. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a fuss-free meal everyone will love.
why make this recipe
Making Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a great way to enjoy a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your home. The slow-cooked chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, while the creamy sauce wraps around the pasta beautifully.
Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to spend your time on other tasks. It’s also a dish that can feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
equipment needed for Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools.
- A crockpot or slow cooker is crucial for cooking the pasta and chicken together.
- A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- A mixing bowl for combining sauces
- A serving spoon for dish assembly
With these basic tools, you are ready to create your Olive Garden-inspired meal!
What You Need to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Gather the following ingredients before starting your cooking process:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning
- 1 jar (16 oz) of Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup of cream cheese (softened)
- 8 oz of penne pasta
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is both hearty and delicious.
How to Cook Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Ensure they are properly thawed and remove any visible fat. Then, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken. This blend will add a delicious flavor base to your dish. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and ranch seasoning, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Following that, add the jar of Alfredo sauce to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything without disturbing the chicken too much. Add in the softened cream cheese, spreading it evenly across the top to ensure a creamy texture in the finished dish.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the heat. You can either cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred when it’s done cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it inside the crockpot. This will allow the sauce to envelop the chicken fully. Next, add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
If needed, add a little extra chicken broth or water to ensure the pasta cooks correctly. Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or 1 hour on low until the pasta is tender.
Finally, when the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into the dish. You can top it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
how to make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Making this dish is simple yet highly rewarding. Start by ensuring you have all your ingredients on hand. Prepare the chicken by trimming any fat and placing it into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken, then pour the chicken broth on top. This step ensures the chicken infuses with excellent flavor as it cooks. Then, add the Alfredo sauce and cream cheese, spreading them out for even cooking.
After the cooking period is complete, shred the chicken and stir in the pasta. Allow it to cook again until the pasta is al dente, and finish with cheese for that extra creamy finish.
how to serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Once your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is ready, it’s time to serve! You can dish it out directly from the crockpot onto individual plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor, and if desired, add extra cheese on top. This dish looks beautiful when served hot and steamy!
what to serve with Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta pairs well with several side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread is a classic side that adds a nice crunch to your meal. For something heartier, roasted vegetables can add additional nutrition and flavor.
Consider serving a crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water to enhance the dining experience.
how to store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To store any leftovers of your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and keep it in your refrigerator.
It can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
tips to make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To ensure the best result, remember a few crucial tips. Always use good quality chicken breasts for a juicy outcome.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding more cream cheese. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference. For more spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
Be mindful of the cooking times; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, so keep an eye on it during the final cooking step.
variation
While this recipe is fantastic as it is, there are several variations you can experiment with. Try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta or a low-fat Alfredo sauce. If you enjoy a bit of tang, adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
best time to make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is perfect for any time of year. However, it shines particularly well during cold months when comfort food is most welcome.
Weeknights after busy days are ideal since it cooks while you’re occupied. It’s also a fantastic choice for gatherings or family meals when you need something hearty that can feed several people.
common mistakes to avoid
To achieve the best outcome, there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of. Avoid using frozen chicken, as it requires different cooking times and may not achieve the desired tenderness.
Don’t skip the step of shredding the chicken, as this allows the meat to absorb the sauce. Additionally, ensure you check the pasta periodically during cooking to avoid it becoming too soft.
Also, be cautious about adding too much liquid; the recipes estimate what’s needed for perfect sauce consistency.
nutritional notes (optional)
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta can be quite hearty. A typical serving offers a balance of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the pasta.
It is advisable to watch portion sizes if you are monitoring caloric intake. By adapting the cheese and sauce quantities, you can make it slightly lighter while still keeping the delicious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Frozen chicken may not reach the right temperature in the cooking time recommended.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook. Just remember to keep the ingredients separate and mix them before cooking.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make a quick substitute with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. The flavor might slightly differ, but it will still taste delicious.
conclusion
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an easy and satisfying dish that can bring a bit of restaurant magic to your home. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, it’s perfect for busy families and anyone who appreciates comfort food.
Give it a try on your next busy weeknight, and enjoy a delicious meal without all the fuss. Your family and friends will surely love this delicious twist on a classic favorite!
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts Ensure they are thawed.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning For flavoring the chicken.
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (16 oz)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened) Ensure it is softened for better mixing.
- 8 oz penne pasta Uncooked.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping at the end.
- Fresh parsley For garnish.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Preparation of Ingredients
Ensure chicken breasts are thawed and trimmed of visible fat, then place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Pour chicken broth over the chicken and ranch seasoning.
Add Alfredo sauce and cream cheese, stirring gently to combine.
Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks inside the crockpot.
Add uncooked penne pasta to the crockpot, stirring to ensure it is coated.
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or 1 hour on low until the pasta is tender.
Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
Serving
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
To store leftovers, cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
