Dinner

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

ByIsabella Vance November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked penne combine for a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.

The image shows a single layer of creamy pasta inside a black slow cooker. The pasta is penne, coated in a thick white sauce with small bits of what looks like chicken mixed in. The surface is sprinkled with pieces of green herbs, adding a little color contrast to the creamy white and light beige pasta. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breasts (3 to 4 pieces boneless skinless)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided in half)
½ teaspoon black pepper (divided in half)
0.7 ounces dry Italian dressing mix
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 ounces penne pasta
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh garlic (grated)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 cups half & half
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In the insert of your slow cooker or crockpot, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper evenly over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the entire dry Italian dressing mix evenly on top.
Step 2: Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot with the chicken and seasonings. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
Step 3: When the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Pour out all but 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the crockpot. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add back the reserved 1 cup of seasoned liquid.
Step 5: Turn the slow cooker to WARM while you cook the pasta and prepare the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 7: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 8: Add the grated garlic, dried parsley, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the butter-flour mixture. Whisk to combine. Slowly pour in the half & half and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 9: Cook the cream mixture for 5 to 6 minutes, whisking often, until it begins to bubble and thicken. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully combined.
Step 10: Add the cooked pasta to the shredded chicken in the slow cooker, then pour the Alfredo sauce over the top. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own to save time.
Swap penne pasta for rotini or fettuccine depending on your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute half & half and heavy cream with whole milk and reduce the butter slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta mixed in a black pot. The dish has one main layer of penne pasta coated in a thick, white creamy sauce that looks smooth and rich, with small bits of herbs and spices visible in the sauce. Light green chopped parsley pieces are scattered on top of the pasta, adding a small touch of color. A black spoon with a wooden handle is lifting a portion of the pasta, showing the texture of the sauce and the penne clearly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature before shredding.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free butter, milk alternatives, and vegan parmesan substitutes, though the texture and flavor will differ from the traditional creamy sauce.