Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor? This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is your answer! It’s inspired by the beloved flavors of the famous restaurant, combining tender shredded chicken with creamy Italian dressing, Parmesan, and pasta—all slow-cooked to comfort food perfection. It’s rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Just dump, cook, and stir!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dump-and-Go – Minimal prep and the crockpot does all the work.
Ultra Creamy – A luscious sauce made from dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.
Meal Prep Hero – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days.
Restaurant Taste at Home – All the flavor of Olive Garden with no reservation needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian dressing (Olive Garden brand or similar creamy version)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (to loosen sauce if needed)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes
• Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Mixing spoon
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks for shredding chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Assemble in the Crockpot

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken.
3. Add cubed cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
2. Stir everything together to mix the shredded chicken with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
3. If you’re adding spinach or tomatoes, mix them in now so they wilt into the sauce.

Step 3: Cook and Add the Pasta

1. While the chicken is finishing up, cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
3. Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture.
4. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Dish the pasta into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright finish.
3. Serve with a green salad and breadsticks for a complete Olive Garden experience at home!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Use Creamy Dressing – For the authentic flavor, go for a creamy-style Italian dressing.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan – It adds salty, cheesy depth to the sauce.
Soften Cream Cheese – Let it sit at room temp for easier melting.
Add Pasta Last – Always stir in cooked pasta at the end to avoid overcooking or mushiness.
Customize It – Add sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to spice it up.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Breadsticks – Just like at Olive Garden, breadsticks are a must!
Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing side balances the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
Simple Green Salad – Toss with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes well—just allow to cool fully before sealing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Reheat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes! Thighs are juicy and flavorful—just trim excess fat and cook the same way.
2. What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
   Use any creamy vinaigrette or make a quick homemade version with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your dressing is gluten-free.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute will work, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
5. Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
   It’s best to cook pasta separately to avoid overcooking. Add it only at the end.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With just a few ingredients and almost no effort, you’ll have a rich, creamy, satisfying dish that rivals your favorite restaurant meal. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a warm bowl of pasta perfection.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–7 hours
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 730mg

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