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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a comforting and effortlessly delicious slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. With simple pantry staples and hands-off cooking, it creates rich, dreamy pasta that is perfect for family dinners or cozy solo meals. Adaptable and versatile, this dish delivers a flavorful and creamy pasta sauce without the fuss.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 cups chicken breasts, cut into sizable chunks
  • 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Milk

  • 1 cup plant-based cheese
  • 1 cup plant-based milk

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Carbohydrates

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta

Thickening Agents

  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the onions and garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into sizable chunks to ensure even cooking and good sauce absorption.
  2. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the chicken chunks at the bottom of the crockpot first for thorough cooking. Add the diced onions, garlic, and smoked turkey bacon on top. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
  3. Add Liquid and Cook: Pour in the chicken broth and plant-based milk, then cover the mixture with the uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly over the top to help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  4. Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to tenderize and the pasta to cook to an al dente texture, while flavors meld together.
  5. Stir in Plant-Based Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, gently stir in the plant-based cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cohesive sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overfill the crockpot; keep it no more than three-quarters full for proper heat circulation.
  • Check pasta texture around 4 hours to avoid overcooking as crockpots vary.
  • Layer pasta on top to ensure it absorbs liquid slowly and does not become mushy.
  • Let the dish rest with the lid off for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: crockpot, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cheese, slow cooker recipe, turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, gluten free pasta