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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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