If you’re craving comfort food that’s equal parts creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying, you need to put Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta on your must-try list immediately. This simple recipe transforms classic Italian flavors into a slow-cooked dream, where tender chicken gets bathed in zesty Olive Garden dressing, velvety cream cheese, and lots of Parmesan—all tossed with pasta for a family-friendly dinner that feels instantly special. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding picky eaters, this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta will make you a weeknight hero with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is just how few ingredients it takes to deliver big flavor. Each component plays its part in building luscious sauce and hearty texture—and you probably have most of them on hand already!
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 pounds): The perfect blank canvas, these get unbelievably tender after hours in the slow cooker.
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing (16-ounce bottle): The secret sauce! This iconic dressing brings lively Italian herbs and tangy zip in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a rich, savory layer that thickens and flavors the creamy sauce.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to add a peppery warmth and a subtle kick.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of garlic to deepen the Italian flavor profile without any need for chopping.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, cubed and softened): Gives the sauce its signature creamy, dreamy texture. Don’t skip it!
- Penne Pasta (16-ounce box, cooked and drained): The ultimate vessel for all that luscious sauce, though rotini or bowtie works great, too.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, optional): Adds freshness and color as a garnish right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
Set the stage for deliciousness by placing the chicken breasts right in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken—it might seem like a lot, but that’s what infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps everything juicy. Next, sprinkle on the Parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder. Finish this layer by dotting the top with the cubed cream cheese, which will melt into dreamy pockets as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Fork-Tender
Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for about 4. Here’s where the magic happens: the chicken slowly poaches in the zesty sauce, soaking up all those Italian spices. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds effortlessly with a fork—no toughness, just juicy perfection.
Step 3: Shred and Stir
Using two forks, shred the chicken right inside the slow cooker. Take a moment to stir everything together; as you do, the cream cheese will finish melting, and you’ll start to see the sauce turn wonderfully creamy and thick, wrapping the chicken in flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cooked Pasta
Once your pasta is drained and ready, toss it straight into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until each piece of penne is coated in that irresistible sauce. If it looks a little thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen things up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into bowls or onto plates, and finish with a generous scattering of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve it up while it’s piping hot for the full comfort food experience!
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
For that visual “wow,” don’t skip the final flourish! A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds such a cheerful pop of green and fresh aroma. If you’re feeling indulgent, an extra dusting of Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil on top makes every bite feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is satisfying on its own, but nothing beats serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, or warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try plating this dish in shallow pasta bowls with a rosemary sprig or swirl of sauce on the side. Or for family-style comfort, pile it into a big serving platter and let everyone dig in together. Leftovers can be packed into to-go containers for a hearty workday lunch that’ll make you the envy of your office!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply scoop your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for prepping meals ahead. Let the cooked pasta and chicken mixture cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring this pasta back to its creamy glory, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. For larger amounts, use a covered skillet on the stove over low heat, stirring often until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can start with frozen chicken breasts, but add an extra hour to your cooking time and check with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
What’s the best substitute if I don’t have Olive Garden dressing?
If you don’t have the signature Olive Garden Italian, use any creamy Italian dressing or make your own by blending Italian herbs, garlic, vinegar, oil, and a little mayo for creaminess.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your dressing brand is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep everything up to the point of adding pasta, then refrigerate the chicken and sauce. When you’re ready to eat, cook your pasta fresh, warm the sauce, and combine.
Is there a way to add vegetables?
Definitely. Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms when mixing in the pasta. They’ll blend wonderfully into the creamy sauce without overpowering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want melt-in-your-mouth creamy pasta without any fuss, Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to impress a crowd. Go ahead—grab your slow cooker, and see for yourself why this recipe always earns rave reviews!
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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful slow-cooked dish with this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, Italian dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan meld together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 1 (16-ounce) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
Additional:
- 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta, cooked and drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place chicken in slow cooker, pour Italian dressing over it. Add Parmesan, pepper, garlic powder. Top with cream cheese.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4 hours until tender. Shred chicken and mix until creamy.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to slow cooker, coat with sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Consider using rotini or bowtie pasta
- For extra creaminess, add heavy cream or more Parmesan at the end
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
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