Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and comforting all in one dish. I first stumbled upon it when I needed a fuss-free meal for a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite. The magic is in that Italian dressing-infused sauce that makes the chicken super tender while packing tons of flavor without any complicated steps.

What really makes this recipe worth trying is its simplicity combined with how satisfying it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a hearty dinner that feels like you spent hours preparing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe hits the spot every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to deliver a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with minimal effort. When picking your Italian dressing, you might want to taste it first because some are saltier than others, and that can affect the final dish.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: I like to use fresh, but frozen works well too if you adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Olive Garden Italian dressing: This gives the dish its signature tangy flavor; consider a lighter sodium version if you’re watching salt.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Black pepper: Just a pinch to balance the flavors without overpowering them.
• Cream cheese: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—softened cream cheese works best for easy melting.
• Penne pasta: Cooked al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.

Variations

I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe to keep things interesting and suit different tastes. You can easily swap in veggies or use different types of pasta for a fresh twist or to meet dietary needs.

• Add Vegetables: I often toss in some sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition—it blends right in without extra fuss.
• Use Turkey or Pork: I once tried this with ground turkey instead of chicken, and it was just as delicious, making it perfect for those who want a leaner protein.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re gluten-sensitive, gluten-free penne works perfectly without changing the cooking method.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before cooking for a little heat my family loves.

How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Flavors

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and black pepper on top. Finally, lay the cream cheese blocks gently on the chicken pieces—this helps the cream cheese melt slowly into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours. I usually do the low-and-slow method because it makes the chicken extra tender and juicy, but high setting works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure the chicken fully cooks through and the cream cheese is melted and mixed into the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta and Combine

When there’s about 15 minutes left on the slow cooker, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions and drain it well. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then add the drained pasta to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in that delicious creamy sauce, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the pasta onto plates or bowls, garnish as you like, and enjoy a meal that feels fancy but was honestly so easy to pull together.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated parmesan on top never hurts either! If you want a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole dish nicely.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crispy garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad to keep the Italian vibe going. Sometimes I serve it alongside roasted or steamed broccoli for an easy wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets and topped with a little extra parmesan and fresh herbs right before the guests arrive—it feels rustic yet elegant. Another fun idea is to bake it briefly with mozzarella on top for a cheesy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. When thawed, I add freshly cooked pasta to revive the consistency and avoid mushiness. This method keeps it tasting fresh after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If it thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth brings it back to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those cozy meals that feels lovingly homemade but requires very little hands-on effort. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded of how small shortcuts can lead to big, comforting flavors. I really think you’re going to enjoy adding this to your weeknight dinner rotation—it’s a simple recipe with big, dreamy results that your family (and you) will ask for again and again.

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