Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight comfort meal that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, look no further than Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This rich, creamy dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken breasts, a luscious Italian dressing and cream cheese sauce, and perfectly coated pasta for a family dinner that always gets rave reviews. It’s easy enough for busy afternoons, yet impressive enough to serve guests – and the best part is your slow cooker does most of the work. Trust me, your house will smell positively amazing while it cooks!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is that it proves how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can create something truly special. Every component is essential, lending unique flavor, creamy texture, or a pop of color to your finished dish.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 lbs): These are perfect for soaking up the zesty flavors and shredding beautifully at the end.
• Olive Garden Italian Dressing (16 oz): This makes the sauce irresistibly tangy and creamy. If you don’t have Olive Garden brand, any creamy Italian dressing works!
• Cream Cheese, Softened (8 oz): For impossibly velvety texture and rich flavor, let the cream cheese come to room temp before adding.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty, nutty depth and thickens the sauce gorgeously.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For a mellow, savory backbone that amplifies all the other flavors.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
• Penne or Rotini Pasta (16 oz): These shapes hold onto every drop of the luscious sauce. Use your favorite!
• Reserved Pasta Water (1/4 cup, optional): Helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick – don’t skip this tip for the dreamiest texture.
• Fresh Parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle of green brings a fresh, inviting finish right before serving.

How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

Start by arranging your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour all that flavorful Italian dressing over the chicken, then dot it with softened cream cheese and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Round it out with garlic powder and cracked black pepper. No need to stir right now; the magic happens slowly as it all cooks together.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Succulent and Tender

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken will gently poach in all those creamy, zesty flavors, becoming so tender it practically falls apart. Your kitchen will transform into the coziest Italian bistro – prepare to get hungry!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

About 20 minutes before the chicken is finished, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente. Drain well, but be sure to scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later if needed. This step ensures your noodles are the perfect texture when they meet the sauce.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Create the Sauce

Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Give everything a good stir so the cream cheese, Parmesan, and all those seasonings turn into a thick, creamy sauce. It shouldn’t take more than a minute to create that signature Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta consistency.

Step 5: Stir in the Pasta

Add your cooked, drained pasta directly to the crockpot and toss to coat each piece with the velvety sauce. If you’d like a slightly looser texture, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right for you. You want every bite to be perfectly creamy without being heavy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

Right before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a hit of color and freshness. Scoop into big bowls and serve immediately – the longer it sits, the thicker the sauce becomes, so enjoy it at its creamiest!

How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way here! Freshly chopped parsley is classic, but thin ribbons of fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or even a dusting of crushed red pepper can add an exciting pop to each plate. If you want to impress, a twist of fresh cracked black pepper tableside looks and tastes lovely.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta plays nice with just about anything. Serve it with a simple green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, warm garlic bread, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. The brightness and crunch from the sides balance the rich, creamy pasta perfectly and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta for guests, try serving it family-style in a big bowl with tongs for easy sharing. Or, pile it high in individual shallow bowls and top with a dramatic cloud of extra Parmesan. For a fun twist, spoon some over roasted spaghetti squash or zoodles for a lighter, gluten-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the perks of this dish is how beautifully it reheats. Store any leftover Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify a little overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for future cravings, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. If you’re reheating a larger batch, pop it in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 325°F oven until piping hot. Stir partway through for even heating and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne and rotini hold the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells will work deliciously. Just choose a sturdy shape with plenty of nooks and crannies for that luscious sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is more savory and creamy than spicy. If you’d like a kick, simply add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the crockpot or sprinkle some over the finished dish.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken, but be sure your crockpot can bring them up to a safe temperature quickly. You may need to add an hour or two to the cook time and always make sure the chicken reaches 165°F before shredding.

Is there a way to add more veggies?

Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli florets, fresh baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms just before serving for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. The sauce is creamy enough to coat just about any veggie you love.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, swap the cream cheese and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based alternatives and check that your Italian dressing is dairy-free. The final texture will be a little different, but still totally crave-worthy!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a big bowl of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta with your favorite people – it’s cozy, creamy, and almost outrageously easy. If you’ve never tried this viral slow cooker sensation before, I’m confident it’ll become a new staple in your mealtime lineup. Grab those ingredients and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting – you’re in for a treat!

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