Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy families or anyone who loves creamy pasta with tender chicken. Imagine coming home to the aroma of a delicious Italian meal waiting for you, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This comforting pasta dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser, bringing that famous Olive Garden flavor right into your kitchen.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this creamy and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless (900 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided in half
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided in half
- 0.7 ounces dry Italian dressing mix (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (240 ml)
- 16 ounces penne pasta (450 grams)
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (140 grams)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 cups half and half (480 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated (150 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Creating this luscious pasta dish is simple! Follow these easy steps:
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the dry Italian dressing mix and pour in the chicken broth.
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Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. When it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the pot along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Set your crockpot to WARM.
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Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the grated garlic, dried parsley, remaining salt, and pepper while whisking continuously.
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Add Cream: Gradually pour in the half and half and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens.
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Stir in Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it blends beautifully with the sauce.
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Combine Everything: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta, a few simple touches can elevate the experience. Plate generous servings of the creamy pasta in shallow bowls. This not only looks appealing but also allows for easy mingling of flavors. Pair your dish with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a special night out.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Add Vegetables: For an extra dose of nutrition, consider adding some steamed broccoli or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker, but be sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or two until the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I substitute something for the heavy cream?
You can use more half and half in place of heavy cream to lighten it up, but the sauce may not be as rich.
What can I serve on the side?
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables for a delicious, well-rounded meal.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that is full of flavor and just waiting to be made in your slow cooker! With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect any night of the week. Give it a try, and enjoy the joy of coming home to an Italian classic made right at home!
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish with tender chicken, perfect for busy families.
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided in half)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided in half)
- 0.7 ounces dry Italian dressing mix ((about 2 tablespoons))
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped (optional garnish))
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the dry Italian dressing mix and pour in the chicken broth.
Cooking the Chicken
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. When it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the pot along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Set your crockpot to WARM.
Cooking the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the grated garlic, dried parsley, remaining salt, and pepper while whisking continuously.
- Gradually pour in the half and half and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it blends beautifully with the sauce.
Combining Everything
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Serving
- Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
For an extra dose of nutrition, consider adding some steamed broccoli or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
