When you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This delicious dish combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and al dente pasta, making it a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
Why We Love This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary experience in the comfort of your home. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, leading to tender chicken infused with the tangy zest of Olive Garden Italian dressing. The creamy texture, courtesy of the cream cheese and Parmesan, wraps the pasta in deliciousness. It’s a meal that not only feeds your family but also brings everyone together around the table. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Ingredients about Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To whip up this delightful recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 ounce) block full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- 16 oz penne pasta
List of ingredients with measurements
- Chicken: 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Dressing: 1 (16 ounce) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Cream Cheese: 1 (8 ounce) block full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- Pasta: 16 oz penne pasta
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Directions
Making this scrumptious meal is as simple as following these easy steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly spread out for even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Olive Garden Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.
- Combine in the Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Add Cream Cheese: Next, take the cubed cream cheese and sprinkle it on top of the chicken. The cream cheese will melt and create a rich, creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set your cooking temperature. For a quicker option, cook on HIGH for 4 hours. If you prefer, you can set it to LOW and cook for 6 hours. The chicken will be perfectly tender when done.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix it thoroughly with the creamy sauce to ensure the flavor is well-distributed.
- Add Pasta to the Cooker: Gently toss the cooked penne pasta into the slow cooker, stirring to coat the pasta in the chicken and creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well mixed, it’s time to serve! Scoop the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta onto plates, and if desired, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Serving Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a breeze. This dish looks delightful on a plate and brings warmth to any gathering. Here’s how you can make the meal even more enjoyable:
- Garnish With Fresh Herbs: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Pair With Bread: Serve your pasta with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any leftover creamy sauce. This combination is simply irresistible.
- Add a Side Salad: To create a well-rounded meal, pair your pasta with a fresh salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta nicely.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Serve it in individual containers for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure not to crowd the slow cooker. If needed, consider halving the recipe to ensure even cooking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the taste. Hence, opt for high-quality Olive Garden dressing and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you love a creamier sauce, feel free to add more cream cheese or Parmesan. Just ensure you adjust your pasta water accordingly.
- Shred the Chicken While Hot: The best time to shred the chicken is while it’s still hot. This ensures it falls apart easily and mixes well with the sauce.
How to Store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the delicious taste of your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Here’s how to store it:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature. This helps to prevent condensation in the storage container.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the pasta into airtight containers. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents the dish from drying out.
- Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the pasta within 3-4 days.
- Freezing Option: If you plan to keep the dish longer, consider freezing it. Place the pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variation of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, you can enhance it with various adaptations. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate some vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli can be stirred in during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While penne pasta works well, you can try using rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- Change the Dressing: Experiment with different dressings. A zesty ranch dressing can add a unique flavor twist to the dish.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, Olive Garden Italian dressing, cream cheese, and penne pasta, all cooked slowly in a crockpot.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
If you cook on HIGH, it generally takes about 4 hours, while cooking on LOW will take approximately 6 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, ensure they are fully cooked to a safe temperature after the cooking time.
What can I substitute for Olive Garden Italian dressing?
If you don’t have Olive Garden Italian dressing, a homemade mixture of Italian herbs, garlic, vinegar, and oil can work as a substitute.
How can I make my sauce creamier?
You can make the sauce creamier by adding more cream cheese or Parmesan cheese, or by incorporating a splash of heavy cream if desired.
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (16 ounce) Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block (8 ounce) full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, evenly spread out.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Olive Garden Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Gently toss the cooked penne pasta into the slow cooker and stir to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
Serving
- Scoop the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta onto plates and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese if desired.
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