Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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.

Notes

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.

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