Description
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish packed with zesty Italian flavors. Slow-cooked chicken breasts absorb the rich Olive Garden dressing, blending with cream cheese and Parmesan for a velvety sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this easy slow-cooker meal is perfect for busy nights and meal prep!
Ingredients
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)
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken.
- Add cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the sauce.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the crockpot, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Let it sit on WARM for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Make it creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or extra cream cheese.
Spice it up: Extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce give it heat.
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms.
Protein swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Best sides: Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal