Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta loaded with tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese in a savory sauce. This simple, one-pot meal comes together effortlessly in the crockpot, offering rich Italian-inspired flavors perfect for family dinners or casual meals any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grape juice
Produce and Seasonings
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 2 cups dried pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Cut chicken into chunks if desired or leave whole for shredding later. Measure out chicken broth, grape juice, and seasonings to streamline the cooking process.
- Layer Your Crockpot: Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Scatter smoked turkey bacon over the chicken, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning (natural). Pour chicken broth and grape juice evenly over all ingredients, then add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
- Cook Chicken Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Add Pasta and Plant-Based Cheese: Shred the cooked chicken if desired. Stir in dried pasta, plant-based cheese (plant-based), and natural gelling agent gently to combine all ingredients, allowing pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Final Cook: Cook uncovered on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking.
- Add dried pasta after chicken is cooked to prevent mushiness.
- Layer ingredients without mixing initially to preserve texture and flavor balance.
- Penne or rigatoni pasta works best for sauce absorption and even cooking.
- Stir occasionally during the final cooking stage to keep sauce creamy and prevent clumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours low or 2 to 3 hours high + 30 to 45 minutes final cook
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken pasta, creamy pasta, olive garden style, slow cooker pasta, turkey bacon pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, easy family dinner
