Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This comforting crockpot Olive Garden chicken pasta is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for any night when you want to serve up something creamy tangy and hearty without fuss. Perfect for busy days or when you are craving restaurant flavors at home this dish fills the house with delicious aromas as it cooks and brings everyone running to the table.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for an easy weeknight dinner and it quickly became a staple whenever we need comfort food with minimal effort. Even picky eaters rave about how tasty it is.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for soaking up all the flavors and they stay juicy in the slow cooker Choose fresh plump chicken for best results
• Olive Garden Italian dressing: This is key to get the signature flavor Store-bought works best but choose the Olive Garden brand for a truly authentic taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty saltiness and richness Freshly grated has more flavor than pre-shredded
• Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and balances the creaminess Use freshly ground for a bold kick
• Fresh garlic: Brings aromatic depth Fresh cloves are best for distinct flavor
• Full-fat cream cheese: Makes the sauce extra luscious Opt for the block version for smooth melting
• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce in every bite Try to use bronze-cut pasta for a better texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker:

Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker Make sure they are not overlapping to cook evenly

Mix the Sauce:

In a separate mixing bowl whisk together the Olive Garden dressing one fourth cup of Parmesan the black pepper and the minced garlic Stir until all the ingredients are completely combined and pour this mixture evenly over the chicken

Add Cream Cheese:

Cube the cream cheese and scatter it over the top of the chicken This will slowly melt into a creamy sauce as your chicken cooks

Cook Until Tender:

Set your slow cooker on high for four hours or low for six hours The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred with a fork

Cook the Pasta:

About 20 minutes before the chicken is ready bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente Drain but be sure to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining

Shred and Combine:

Using two forks gently shred the chicken inside the slow cooker Give everything a good mix so the chicken soaks up the creamy sauce

Finish with Pasta:

Add the cooked penne to the crockpot with chicken and sauce Gently stir to coat every piece If the sauce seems thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water little by little to loosen it up to your liking

Serve and Enjoy:

Scoop into bowls and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese for extra flavor Serve hot and enjoy the creamy tangy goodness

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Taking that first bite always reminds me of cozy family nights when we all catch up around the table This recipe led to one of our funniest dinner conversations as we tried to outdo each other in coming up with silly pasta shapes

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container The pasta will soak up extra sauce in the fridge so add a splash of milk or water when reheating for a creamy texture again You can keep this dish in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it in portions for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter version use low fat cream cheese though the sauce will be less rich Rotini or rigatoni work if you do not have penne while any creamy Italian dressing can sub in though the Olive Garden brand is recommended Shredded rotisserie chicken also works for a shortcut just reduce the cooking time

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli Garlic bread on the side is always a hit If you want to stretch the meal try adding blanched spinach or chopped sun dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor

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Recipe Origins

This kind of American Italian fusion reminds me of the comfort foods popular at family-style restaurants across the US The dish captures the creamy garlicky and herbaceous flavors that define Italian-American cooking but comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker making it ideal for busy home cooks like me

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different Italian dressing?

Substitute Italian dressing brands if needed, but for authentic flavor, Olive Garden dressing is recommended.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve some pasta water when draining penne, then gradually add it to the chicken and pasta mixture until your desired sauce consistency is reached.

→ Can this dish be made with other pasta types?

Yes, swap penne for rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle according to your preference or availability.

→ Is it possible to prepare this with chicken thighs instead?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy, but adjust cooking time as needed for even tenderness.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth if needed.