Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Effortlessly Delicious

Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, infused with the zesty tang of Olive Garden Italian dressing. Now picture all of this paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, coming together effortlessly in your crockpot. That’s exactly what this Creamy Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers – an indulgent, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

The first time I tried this dish, it became an instant favorite. The creamy richness from the Parmesan and cream cheese, balanced by the garlic and black pepper, creates a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. If you love dishes that taste like they took hours to prepare but require minimal effort, this is the recipe for you.

This amazing recipe was originally found on Insanely Good Recipes, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your whole family will love.

A Little Backstory on This Recipe

This recipe brings together the flavors of a beloved Olive Garden favorite with the ease of crockpot cooking. When I first made this dish, I was blown away by how the zesty Italian dressing from Olive Garden transformed a simple chicken and pasta meal into something extraordinary. It’s now a regular in my household, especially when I’m short on time but still want to impress with a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the use of just a few high-quality ingredients, allowing the flavors to shine through. By using Olive Garden's signature Italian dressing, you’re guaranteed the authentic taste that makes this meal special.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that Italian dressing isn’t even commonly used in traditional Italian cooking? This Americanized version of a vinaigrette gained popularity in the 20th century, making it a unique twist on Italian flavors. Olive Garden’s version stands out with its perfect blend of herbs, oil, and vinegar – and it works like magic in this recipe!

How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 block full-fat cream cheese
• 16 oz penne pasta

Instructions:

1. Start with the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Olive Garden Italian dressing, freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Add the Cream Cheese: Place the block of full-fat cream cheese directly on top of the chicken and dressing mixture.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
5. Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is finishing up, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
6. Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is done cooking, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Be careful not to over-shred – you want to keep those delicious chunks of chicken intact. Stir the shredded chicken to combine with the creamy sauce.
7. Add the Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
8. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Pasta:

• Stick to Olive Garden Dressing: To maintain the signature flavor of this dish, it’s crucial to use Olive Garden’s Italian dressing. Other brands just don’t give the same zesty flavor profile.
• Avoid Over-Shredding the Chicken: When you shred the chicken, leave some larger pieces to ensure the chicken doesn’t get lost in the creamy sauce.
• Adjust Garlic to Taste: Love garlic? Feel free to add more or dial it back if you prefer a milder flavor.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread, making it a complete meal perfect for weeknights or even casual gatherings.

Variations:

• Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini or use a low-carb pasta alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free penne pasta for a delicious gluten-free alternative.

This easy Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try it and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to follow me for more simple, yet delicious, slow-cooker meals like this one.

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