If you’ve ever wanted that creamy Olive Garden chicken pasta at home, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and tastes just like the restaurant version. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish brings comfort to your table without the hassle.
Why We Love This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Bringing the Olive Garden experience home is easier than you think, and here’s why this chicken pasta recipe is one to keep:
Unbelievably Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and Italian dressing gives the sauce a luxurious texture.
Effortless to Make: With a slow cooker doing most of the work, you get a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the savory, cheesy flavors.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein in this Olive Garden chicken pasta recipe. Using skinless breasts keeps the dish lean and easy to shred after slow cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Olive Garden Italian Dressing – This is the secret to the signature tangy, savory sauce. It combines herbs, vinegar, and oil that infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks. Using the original dressing brand helps get that authentic Olive Garden taste.
Cream Cheese – Adds the rich, creamy texture that makes this pasta sauce so indulgent. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, creating a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese – Gives a salty, nutty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the cream cheese and dressing, boosting flavor complexity.
Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish. Garlic powder evenly disperses in the sauce for consistent flavor.
Penne Pasta – The best pasta choice for this recipe because its ridges hold the creamy sauce well. Cooking it al dente keeps the texture balanced against the tender chicken and rich sauce.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This dish is slow cooker-friendly, meaning you can go about your day while your meal cooks itself to perfection.
Set Up the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the Italian dressing over the top and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Add the cream cheese in small spoonfuls, then top with grated Parmesan.
Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
Shred and Mix
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the mixture well so the cream cheese and dressing fully combine into a smooth, rich sauce.
Cook the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, cook your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Cooking this dish is straightforward, but these pro tips will take it to the next level:
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends more easily into the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better.
Add Liquid if Needed: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth while mixing.
Try Chicken Thighs: For even juicier results, substitute with boneless chicken thighs.
Variations You Can Try
Make this recipe your own with a few simple twists:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone before serving.
Baked Pasta: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with sides that complement its richness:
Garlic bread or breadsticks to scoop up the sauce
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices
This dish is also excellent for packed lunches or reheating throughout the week. Store in airtight containers and microwave with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
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FAQs About Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
What makes Olive Garden Chicken Pasta so creamy?
The blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian dressing melts together in the slow cooker to create a rich, smooth sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs have more flavor and remain juicy during long cooking times.
How can I make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta without a slow cooker?
Sear the chicken in a pan, then simmer with dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan until tender. Shred and mix with pasta.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rotini are excellent choices because they hold onto the sauce well, but you can use any short pasta you prefer.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Pot
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 to 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing bottle
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta
- 16 oz penne pasta
- to taste salt for boiling pasta
Garnish
- to taste fresh chopped parsley
- optional extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Pour the Italian dressing over the top and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Add the cream cheese in small spoonfuls, then top with grated Parmesan.
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the mixture well so the cream cheese and dressing fully combine into a smooth, rich sauce.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
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