Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Creamy, zesty, and packed with cheesy goodness, Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate dump-and-go dinner recipe. With tender shredded chicken, bold Italian dressing, rich cream cheese, and plenty of parmesan, this slow cooker pasta dish tastes like a comforting meal straight out of a restaurant—but with almost no effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It – Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Creamy & Flavorful – A tangy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Family Favorite – Mild, rich flavor that’s kid-approved and adult-loved.
Great for Leftovers – Even better the next day and easy to reheat.
No-Fail Meal – Minimal prep and full-proof steps make it nearly impossible to mess up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lbs)
• 1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Italian Dressing (or any creamy 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 rigatoni work well)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water or milk (to thin the sauce, if needed)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker or Crockpot
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or forks (for shredding chicken)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken.
Add cubed cream cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and 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 chicken is cooked through and tender.
Low and slow helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Shred and Mix
Once chicken is cooked, use tongs or forks to shred it directly in the Crockpot.
Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and combines into a smooth, cheesy sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water (to help loosen the sauce later if needed).

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water or milk until your desired consistency is reached.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Tips for Best Results
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – It melts better and creates a silkier sauce.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
Add Veggies – Stir in cooked spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make It Spicy – Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Double It – This dish easily doubles in a 6-qt slow cooker for feeding a crowd.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – A classic pairing for creamy pasta dishes.
Green Salad – Light and crisp to balance the richness.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and fiber.
Grilled Asparagus – A fresh side that pairs beautifully.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time.
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen, extend cooking time and ensure internal temp hits 165°F.
2. Can I use a different pasta?
   Absolutely! Bowties, fettuccine, shells, or even gluten-free pasta all work well.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your dressing and cheese are gluten-free certified.
4. Can I use bottled Alfredo instead of dressing?
   You can, but it changes the flavor profile. Italian dressing brings a tangy kick that balances the richness.
5. Can I prep this the night before?
   Yes! Add everything to the Crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the definition of cozy comfort food with none of the hassle. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the kind of meal your whole family will request again and again. With just a few ingredients and hardly any prep, it’s the perfect dinner for any day of the week.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out—tag your dish and share the love!

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: 37g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 860mg

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