Description
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe offers a rich and comforting dinner with tender chicken breasts, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a luscious sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, it is perfect for easy weeknight meals or entertaining, providing a flavorful, creamy pasta dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 chicken breasts, trimmed and lightly seasoned with garlic powder (natural) and onion powder (natural)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grape juice
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Trim the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and season the chicken breasts lightly with garlic powder (natural) and onion powder (natural). This builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Brown the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until just crispy. This enhances its smoky character and renders some fat to flavor the dish.
- Layer Everything in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the cooked turkey bacon on top, then sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the bacon. Pour the chicken broth and grape juice over everything, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours to allow the chicken to become tender and the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: When cooking is done, stir in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent until fully melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Pre-soak the pasta for 10 minutes prior to adding to the crockpot for a creamier texture.
- Season gradually with salt and pepper to control flavor intensity.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta or dry chicken.
- Use fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Stir gently after adding cheese and natural gelling agent to maintain a smooth sauce without clumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, turkey bacon pasta, slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken pasta