Description
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, plant-based cheese, and natural sauces, slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe delivers rich and comforting flavors with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (melting blend, shredded)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and ingredients: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If adding any optional veggies or herbs, prep those now as well.
- Combine in the crockpot: Place the chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, plant-based heavy cream, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent in the crockpot. Stir gently to mix everything evenly. This base will cook into a creamy sauce with tender chicken.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking ensures juicy, tender chicken and flavors blending well. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature and consistency.
- Add pasta and plant-based cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta and plant-based cheese. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted into a rich texture.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish to add color and brightness.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavorful broth if time allows.
- Add pasta in the final 30 minutes to avoid mushy noodles.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon to keep chicken pieces intact before fully cooked.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) after cooking for best flavor balance.
- Fresh garlic is preferred over powder for more aromatic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Italian inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, slow cooker pasta, Olive Garden style pasta, gluten free creamy chicken pasta