If you dream about creamy, comforting pasta dishes but want a foolproof meal with all the luscious flavors of your favorite restaurant, you’ll absolutely love this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is one of those magical recipes that seem to satisfy every craving—tender seasoned chicken, velvety cheese sauce, garlicky aroma, and hearty penne, all cooked up into a dinner that tastes like a special treat but is doable any night of the week. This recipe makes enough to serve a hungry crowd (or provide delicious leftovers), and the best part: you only need 2 main steps in the slow cooker before bringing it all together with a dreamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Trust me, this dish will make you look like an Italian dinner superstar!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this 2 is full of kitchen staples, each one playing an important role in building layers of flavor and that irresistible creamy texture. Don’t skip or substitute—the magic happens when all these elements come together!

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide protein and get ultra-tender after slow cooking.
Kosher salt: Divided to layer seasoning onto the chicken and into the sauce for a well-rounded taste.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and depth, split between the chicken and the sauce for balanced seasoning.
Dry Italian dressing mix: A secret flavor booster; it infuses the chicken with herbal, zesty notes while it slow cooks.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken juicy in the slow cooker and helps blend all those flavors.
Penne pasta: The ideal shape for capturing buckets of sauce in every bite—cook just until al dente!
Unsalted butter: The start of a true Alfredo, this gets melted with flour to create a silky roux base.
All-purpose flour: Thickens your sauce to the perfect creamy consistency, no lumps allowed.
Fresh garlic, grated: Don’t skip this step; fresh garlic packs sweet sharpness you just can’t get from powder.
Dried parsley: Earthy, mild flavor that perks up the creamy sauce without being overpowering.
Half & half: Lightens up the Alfredo sauce, keeping it rich but not overly heavy.
Heavy cream: The decadent secret to the sauce’s smooth, rich finish.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Essential for that classic nutty, salty, “restaurant-style” flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle right before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Delight

Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Start by placing your 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle half of the kosher salt and pepper evenly over the meat, then dust the Italian dressing mix across the top. Gently pour in the chicken broth—this bathes the chicken so it stays wonderfully moist while taking on all those Italian flavors. Pop the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

When the chicken is cooked through, it should shred easily with two forks. Carefully transfer the chicken out of the liquid to a clean plate and shred into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and toss gently to keep those juicy flavors mingling while you prepare the pasta and sauce.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is finishing up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions for al dente—usually around 11 minutes. Drain well, reserving about a half cup of the pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it bubbles, whisk in the flour to make a light roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until just pale golden and fragrant. Stir in the grated garlic and dried parsley, cooking about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the half & half and heavy cream, ensuring the sauce stays smooth and lump-free. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and luscious. Season the sauce with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper, tasting to make sure it’s just right.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne and shredded chicken (liquid included) to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until every noodle is coated in that dreamy, cheesy sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Serve hot and finish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, restaurant-style flourish.

How to Serve 2

Garnishes

As you present your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Delight, don’t underestimate the power of a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little more parmesan right up top. The green adds freshness and color, while more cheese never hurt anyone! Feel free to experiment with a dash of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat or a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil to finish.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta pairs absolutely perfectly with classic garlic bread or a crispy baguette—ideal for scooping up every drop of Alfredo sauce. For a lighter contrast, serve with a mixed green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette, or roast up some broccoli or asparagus for a burst of color and texture on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try plating the pasta in a large, shallow platter and arranging the shredded chicken elegantly on top before ladling over the sauce. For a family-style vibe, pile up the pasta in a big bowl and let everyone help themselves. Leftovers? Spoon individual portions into ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly second-day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your 2 tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, so plan to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

While Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Past can be frozen, note that creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. To minimize this, cool everything completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove, whisking well to re-emulsify the sauce.

Reheating

For best results, reheat 2 gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream, half & half, or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and avoid high heat to prevent the dairy from breaking or the sauce from becoming grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of penne?

Absolutely! Any short pasta with grooves like rigatoni or rotini will soak up the rich Alfredo sauce beautifully, keeping that classic Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pastvibe. Just cook whichever shape you use al dente for the best texture.

What if I don’t have dry Italian dressing mix?

No worries—you can use 2 teaspoons each of dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder as a flavorful substitute. It won’t be quite as tangy, but still will be delicious!

Can I make this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pastin advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate, and just cook fresh pasta right before serving. This trick makes dinnertime totally stress-free when you have guests.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for all half & half, or use a reduced-fat dairy blend. The sauce may be a bit less rich, but you’ll still get that comforting 2 effect. Just don’t skip the parmesan cheese—that’s the flavor star!

How can I make this spicier?

To give your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta little kick, add 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce, or serve with Calabrian chili paste for an Italian twist.

Final Thoughts

When you’re seeking a meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, this Pasta will never let you down. Whether you’re feeding family or hoping to impress a few friends, its cozy flavors and creamy goodness guarantee smiles all around. Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and taste how exceptional homemade comfort can be!