There’s nothing better than a hearty, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, especially when it’s effortless to make! This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your cooking time to a minimum. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy Italian dressing, and cheesy goodness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort: Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Super Creamy and Delicious: The Olive Garden dressing adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – This becomes tender and shreds beautifully.
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian Dressing – The secret ingredient that adds amazing flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – For that rich, creamy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, cheesy taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper – A little spice to balance the creaminess.
- 1 lb penne or rotini pasta (cooked separately) – Any pasta shape works, but these hold the sauce well.
- ¼ cup milk (optional) – Helps thin out the sauce if needed.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour the Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the chicken. Then, add the cream cheese (cut into chunks), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low yields the most tender chicken, but if you’re short on time, high works well too.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the creamy sauce that has formed.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken finishes, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker, mixing until it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to loosen it up.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a final touch. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Use a Liner: For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
- Cut the Cream Cheese into Chunks: This helps it melt more evenly.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the mixture a gentle stir halfway through cooking.
- Want More Flavor? Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra kick.
- Need More Sauce? If you like extra sauce, add an additional ½ cup of heavy cream or a little chicken broth.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some variations you can try:
1. Low-Carb/Keto Version
- Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
- Reduce the amount of dressing to 1 cup to lower the carbs.
2. Dairy-Free Option
- Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese substitute.
3. Spicy Version
- Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
4. Extra Protein
- Mix in cooked Italian sausage or bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with this creamy dish? Here are some delicious ideas:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect way to scoop up all that creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad balances out the richness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This dish makes amazing leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with so many variations, you can easily tailor it to your preferences.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 😊