Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken cooks slowly in Italian dressing and cheese, then is combined with penne pasta for an easy, comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4-5 basil leaves, torn
• 1 pound penne pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts into a large slow cooker and pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing evenly over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing, then add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and place the cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and dressing to create a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Add the torn basil leaves, remaining parmesan cheese, and cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated.
7. Step 7: Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and parmesan or substitute part of the chicken with turkey breast.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale along with the basil for extra greens and nutrition.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
• If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

What if I don’t have Olive Garden Italian dressing?

You can substitute any good quality Italian dressing or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for a similar flavor.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in Olive Garden Italian Dressing, combined with creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal made effortlessly in the slow cooker and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4–5 basil leaves, torn

Pasta

• 1 pound penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a large slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing evenly over the chicken to ensure it is well coated and adds flavor during cooking.
2. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes on top, then place the block of cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker for gradual melting during cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and infused with the dressing’s Italian flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before the chicken is finished, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and dressing to create a creamy sauce base.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined and the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot directly from the slow cooker, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this hearty, rich meal fresh off the stove.

Notes

• You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
• If sun dried tomatoes are not available, you can omit or replace with chopped roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and parmesan.
• Cooked leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its vibrant flavor and aroma.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta, Olive Garden Copycat, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Dressing Chicken, Easy Slow Cooker Dinner