Description
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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Ingredients
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2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lbs)
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1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any zesty Italian dressing)
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8 oz cream cheese, cubed
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
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Optional: ½ cup reserved pasta water or milk (to loosen the sauce)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Cuisine: American–Italian