Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate ‘dump and go’ slow cooker meal! Tender shredded chicken breast swims in a rich, creamy sauce made from just three main ingredients: cream cheese, parmesan, and a bottle of Olive Garden’s famous Italian dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 Ingredients: The easiest grocery list you will ever have for a complete dinner.
• Set It and Forget It: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to an amazing smelling kitchen.
• Restaurant Quality: Captures that iconic, tangy, creamy Italian flavor perfectly.

Ingredients You Need

The star of this dish is a bottle of standard Olive Garden Italian Dressing (you can buy it at almost any grocery store). It acts as the marinade, seasoning, and sauce base all in one! Cream cheese and parmesan are added to make it incredibly rich and thick.

How to Make It

Place raw chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the Italian dressing and parmesan cheese over the top, then place a block of cream cheese right in the middle. Cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken, stir the melted cream cheese into the sauce, and toss with freshly cooked penne pasta.

Tips for Success

Do NOT cook the pasta in the slow cooker! It will turn to mush. Always boil your pasta separately on the stove right before you are ready to eat, then stir it into the crockpot.

Variations

Storage & Reheating

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in the slow cooker and will actually be even more tender than chicken breasts.

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bottle (16oz) Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 block (8oz) Cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz Penne pasta, cooked according to package
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

Main

1. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the dressing.
5. Place the block of cream cheese right in the center, on top of the chicken.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is easily shreddable.
7. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the melted cream cheese forms a smooth, rich sauce.
8. Boil the penne pasta separately on the stove. Drain and stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker until fully coated.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.