Description
This Easy Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with tomato sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar (natural), and garlic, combined with penne pasta and creamy plant-based cheese. Finished with fresh spinach and a natural gelling agent, it offers a rich, creamy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-inspired flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce Base
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 cup chicken broth (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Add-ins
- 2 cups penne pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and base: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour in the tomato sauce (natural), chicken broth (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine, making sure the chicken is well-coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Slow cook for tenderness: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully tender and easy to shred.
- Add pasta and cheese: After shredding the chicken with two forks, add the penne pasta, plant-based cheese, and natural gelling agent to the crockpot. Stir well so everything is evenly mixed, then cover and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- Mix in fresh spinach: In the final 5 minutes, stir in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt, adding vibrant color and a boost of nutrition.
- Serve warm and enjoy: Once everything is cozy and combined, scoop out generous servings and savor this comforting, creamy dish.
Notes
- Prep ingredients early by mincing garlic and measuring sauces to save time.
- Use high-quality chicken broth to enhance flavor depth.
- Add pasta later to avoid mushy noodles and ensure perfect texture.
- Stir gently after adding pasta and cheese to evenly distribute without breaking pasta.
- Add fresh spinach just before serving to retain bright color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, Olive Garden style pasta, creamy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, slow cooker dinner