Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor, this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate dump-and-go dinner. With tender shredded chicken, zesty dressing, parmesan cheese, and a rich cream cheese base, this slow cooker meal is effortless and packed with comforting goodness. Serve it over pasta for a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant—only easier!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work.
Rich & Creamy – Made with cream cheese and parmesan for an indulgent sauce.
Family-Friendly – A kid-approved dinner that adults love too.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats well and can be repurposed.
Restaurant-Inspired – Tastes like Olive Garden, without the restaurant bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lbs)
• 1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any zesty Italian dressing)
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
• Optional: ½ cup reserved pasta water or milk (to loosen the sauce)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Tongs or forks (for shredding chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken.
Add cubed cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper on top.
Do not stir—just cover and cook.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Cooking low and slow helps develop flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
Stir the mixture to fully combine the cheese and dressing into a creamy sauce.
Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low to fully blend the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water if you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot and gently stir to coat in the creamy chicken sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or milk until your desired consistency is reached.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Tips for Best Results
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – For the creamiest texture.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a nutritional boost.
Cheese It Up – Add mozzarella or more parmesan for extra richness.
Make it Spicy – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Classic and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Simple Side Salad – A crisp Italian salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work well.
Roasted Zucchini – Adds a light and flavorful side dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, but increase the cook time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Always thaw for more even cooking if possible.
2. Can I make it without cream cheese?
   The creaminess comes from cream cheese, but you can substitute with a mix of sour cream and shredded cheese for a similar texture.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
   Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work great.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the dressing and parmesan are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next morning.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s creamy, zesty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, making it the perfect go-to for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Serve it up warm, topped with fresh herbs, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your slow cooker.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Cuisine: American–Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 900mg

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