Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
If comfort food had a fan club, Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta would be its president. This dish transforms simple ingredients into the creamiest, dreamiest pasta you can imagine, all with the ease of your slow cooker. The tangy Italian dressing and cream cheese create a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of tender chicken and pasta, while Parmesan adds that salty depth we all crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can build. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, turning Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into something truly irresistible and weeknight-worthy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): These become meltingly tender as they soak up all the creamy, tangy goodness of the sauce.
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing (16 oz): This iconic dressing lays down layers of zesty, herby flavor; substitute your favorite creamy Italian if needed.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, salty balance and helps thicken the luxurious sauce.
- Cream cheese, cut into cubes (8 oz block): This is your secret weapon for a rich, silky texture that clings to every noodle.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Bring on the garlicky warmth and that savory aroma.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little heat sharpens the flavors and perks up the sauce.
- Penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained (12 oz): Short noodles catch the sauce perfectly—just don’t skip the pre-cook step.
- Chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish: Optional, but these extras add instant color and a pop of freshness to finish.
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by arranging the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing evenly over the chicken. It might look like a lot, but that’s the magic that will infuse every bite. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper directly over the top, then gently toss those cubes of cream cheese right on top of everything. No need to stir—just let the slow cooker do its thing.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 5–6 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. The slow, gentle heat will transform the chicken into fork-tender shreds and meld the flavors into the ultimate creamy sauce. Don’t peek too often—trust the process and look forward to an amazing aroma in your kitchen.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and super tender, grab two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. As you pull the chicken apart, mix it thoroughly with all that melted cream cheese, Parmesan, and dressing. This step is where the sauce really comes together and coats every strand of chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Finish
Add your cooked pasta directly into the crockpot. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the sauce covers every bit of pasta. Let it sit on the warm setting for 5–10 minutes; this helps the sauce thicken up and cling to the noodles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, shower with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. The green from the parsley looks gorgeous against the creamy sauce, while a final dusting of cheese brings everything together with one last punch of flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Nothing finishes Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta quite like a flourish of fresh parsley or a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. These simple touches add both pop and polish, making the dish look as wonderful as it tastes. If you love a little zip, try a light scatter of red pepper flakes for extra color and gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta already holds its own, but a few simple sides never hurt. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette lets you soak up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, while steamed broccoli or roasted veggies add freshness and color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, beautiful bowl with serving tongs. For individual plates, twirl the pasta high and top each mound with chicken, finishing with garnish. If you want something casual, this pasta makes a fantastic filling for stuffed peppers or even pasta bakes—just pop under the broiler with extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and the sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s just as irresistible for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months; to maintain the best texture, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slowly in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce, returning that original creaminess to your meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chicken in Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are classic, boneless, skinless thighs also work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Whichever you choose, keep an eye on cook time, as thighs may cook slightly faster.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for canned white beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. The sauce holds up well, and you’ll still get all that creamy, cheesy satisfaction.
What should I do if the sauce gets too thick?
If Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta cooking water before serving. It will loosen up beautifully and return to its ultra-luxurious consistency.
Can I prep this recipe in advance?
You sure can! You can assemble all the slow cooker ingredients ahead of time and keep them in the fridge overnight, then start your crockpot in the morning. Alternatively, fully cooked leftovers reheat like a dream for hassle-free meals later in the week.
What pasta shapes work best for Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Penne and rotini are recommended because they grab and hold onto all that rich sauce, but shells or farfalle are great alternatives. Just pick a shape with plenty of nooks to catch every bit of flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the creamy, comforting magic of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that invites you to relax, gather friends or family, and savor every bite. Give it a try—you just may find yourself making it on repeat!
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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Tender chicken cooked in Italian dressing and cream cheese, then tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) bottle Olive Garden Italian Dressing (or any creamy Italian dressing)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- Optional chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour Italian dressing over the chicken, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Top with cubed cream cheese. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred and Combine: Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks, stir to combine with the sauce. Add cooked pasta and stir until fully coated.
- Final Touches: Let sit on warm for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For added veggies, stir in steamed broccoli or spinach at the end.
- This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen if needed when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
