Description
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings the beloved Olive Garden Italian dressing to life with tender slow-cooked chicken and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, the chicken cooks low and slow in the crockpot until tender, then mixes with a creamy parmesan sauce and pasta for a comforting and delicious dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot in an even layer to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Add dressing and seasonings: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken. Add cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, spreading them evenly on top.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix it thoroughly with the creamy sauce to combine flavors.
- Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Combine pasta with the chicken sauce: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water into the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Let flavors meld: Set the crockpot to WARM and let the pasta and sauce mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
- Reserve pasta water adds moisture and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Can be made ahead and reheated; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan.
