A creamy and flavorful slow cooker pasta dish inspired by Olive Garden, featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:7 hours
Total Time:7 hours 10 minutes
Yield:4-6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet Italian dressing mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 (16 oz) package penne pasta
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over them.
Pour the chicken broth on top and cover the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked pasta, chopped spinach, and cherry tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spinach to wilt.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked before shredding.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad.