Is there anything better than pasta paired with a creamy sauce and tender, filling chicken?
Yes, there is—when you add a splash of Olive Garden dressing, an American classic inspired by incredible Italian flavors.
This Olive Garden chicken pasta cooked in a slow cooker perfectly combines creaminess and bright, zesty flavors.
On top of all, it is so easy to make.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This slow cooker chicken pasta combines creamy goodness with a zesty Olive Garden twist, delivering comfort food that is so easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast,
- 16 oz. Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 16 oz. penne pasta, cooked according to package directions and drain well
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 425Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 700mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 34g
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what makes this dish so special:
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing: A zesty dressing that acts as both a marinade and a base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness to the dish.
• Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper enhances the overall flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
• Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta to soak up the creamy sauce while offering a satisfying texture.
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
Instructions
1. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper.
3. Top with Cream Cheese: Set the cream cheese block on top of the seasoned chicken.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Secure the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
5. Cook Pasta on Stovetop: Near the end of the cooking time, boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package.
6. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the tender chicken directly in the slow cooker.
7. Mix Pasta with Chicken and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine it with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce.
8. Sprinkle Extra Parmesan: Add a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
9. Serve and Savor: Spoon the creamy chicken pasta onto plates and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal!
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to make your dish even better:
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will soak up some of the sauce, make sure to cook it al dente on the stovetop before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and melt more evenly into the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: To make this dish even heartier, consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Olive Garden chicken pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
• Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful touch to the plate.
• Roasted Tomatoes: A side of roasted cherry tomatoes adds a burst of acidity to complement the creamy sauce.
Serve Olive Garden chicken pasta hot, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Bon appétit!