Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right into your home. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, creating a rich experience that you’ll love serving to family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity; it’s all made in one pot!
Why We Love This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
One big reason this recipe is a favorite for many is the ease with which it can be prepared. By simply adding your ingredients to the crockpot, you’ll set it and forget it while it works its magic. The savory Olive Garden Italian dressing infuses the chicken with flavor, and once combined with the cream cheese and parmesan, your taste buds will be dancing! Plus, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a meal that satisfies but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients about Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe Directions
To start your culinary adventure with this yumminess, arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the base of your crockpot. This forms the heart of your dish. Next, pour the 16 oz of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken. Take a moment to ensure each piece is well coated; this step is crucial for that flavor explosion you’re after.
Now it’s time to add in the creamy elements. Place the softened cream cheese right on top of the chicken and dressing. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
With everything in the pot, cover it up and let the crockpot do its magic. Cook it on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become wonderfully tender, making it easy to shred later on.
When cooking time is nearly up, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This mixing process allows the chicken to blend perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a deliciously rich coating.
While your chicken is transforming into a delectable dish, cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it. This water will help you achieve the perfect texture for your pasta when combined with the sauce.
Once the pasta is ready, add it to the crockpot along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together to ensure each piece of pasta gets covered with that delicious creamy sauce. To really let those flavors meld together, set your crockpot to the WARM setting and allow it to sit for an additional 5-10 minutes.
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also adds a delightful herbal note to the dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Serving this delightful meal is as easy as it gets. Scoop generous portions of the creamy chicken pasta onto plates or bowls. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread to elevate the dining experience. If you’re having guests over, consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of extra parsley or even some additional Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness.
This dish is comforting and hearty, making it ideal for family meals, potlucks, or cozy dinner gatherings. It’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to time and again!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
To ensure your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a hit every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary based on your specific crockpot model. If it’s your first time making this dish, check for doneness a little earlier to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Cream Cheese Tip: If you want an even creamier sauce, consider adding a bit more cream cheese. Just remember to combine it well for a consistent texture.
- Pasta Cooking Strategy: If you want the pasta to soak up more sauce, you can add it to the crockpot a bit earlier than mentioned. Just monitor it carefully, adding a little more pasta water if needed.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! You might even find that the flavor develops and becomes even better the next day.
- Controlled Heat: If you opt to add red pepper flakes for heat, start with a small amount and adjust to your preference. You can always add more!
How to Store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Storing your leftover Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to freeze it, make sure to use freezer-safe containers. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on low in the microwave or in a pot on the stove, adding a little water or broth as needed to maintain the creaminess.
Variation of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
For those keen on mixing things up, here are some fun variations to try with your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta:
- Vegetable Boost: Add some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before cooking for an added nutritional punch and vibrant colors.
- Cheesy Delight: Blend in some shredded mozzarella cheese at the end of cooking for that gooey, cheesy texture.
- Protein Swap: If you’re looking to experiment, feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein. Just adjust cook times accordingly to achieve the tenderness you desire.
- Herb Infusion: While parsley is a great garnish, try adding fresh basil or oregano to your cooking mixture for a different flavor profile that still pays homage to that Italian flair.
FAQ
What is the best way to ensure the chicken is tender in the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The key to tender chicken is to cook it on low for the appropriate time. Chicken breasts become too dry if overcooked, so keep an eye on them and shred once they are easy to pull apart.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as they will need a bit longer to cook through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce in the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe?
For a flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of Italian seasoning or some fresh minced garlic to the mixture. These additions can elevate the dish and provide depth to the sauce.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out regular penne or rotini for gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook faster than traditional options.
Can leftovers from the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe be frozen?
Yes, leftovers freeze very well! Make sure to place them in airtight containers, and remember to label them with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for about three months.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These accompany the dish beautifully and balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
By following these steps, you’ll create a delectable meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy making your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta and savor every bite!
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing For flavor infusion.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the base of your crockpot.
- Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Place the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Cooking
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks when cooking time is nearly up.
- Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the pasta and reserved pasta water to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Set the crockpot to WARM for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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