Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken

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This creamy Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken combines slow-cooked chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce (that also contains Olive Garden dressing) for an easy pasta dinner that will make you want to eat dinner at home every night.

Close up of Olive Garden chicken pasta in a Crock-Pot garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

This Olive Garden-inspired crockpot meal is so delicious that it will melt in your mouth! It is a simple slow cooker meal that is creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food. My favorite thing about this recipe is the fact that I can throw it all in the crockpot in the morning, and it will be ready to eat when I get home from work!

To make this simple chicken pasta, just put your chicken breasts in a crockpot, top with dressing, cheeses, and spices, and let it cook all day. All that is left to do is to cook your pasta! Enjoy this pasta with breadsticks and a salad with Italian dressing, and you’ll think you’re at Olive Garden for dinner! (Added bonus - at home, you can enjoy this in your pajamas!).

Why You’ll Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

It tastes better than just about anything that you will get at the restaurant!
It’s easy to make.
It will be practically ready when you get home.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious.
It’s a filling dinner that your entire family will love.
This pasta is a perfect comfort meal!

Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, it is recommended to utilize fresh boneless, and skinless chicken breasts.
Olive Garden Italian Dressing: The dressing is incredibly delicious! To relish all the amazing flavors, it is suggested to use the entire bottle.
Parmesan Cheese: I opted for pre-shredded parmesan cheese, which is incredibly convenient and likely already available in your refrigerator.
Cream Cheese: Incorporating cream cheese into the sauce produces a delightfully creamy texture and an unbeatable tangy flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic, onion powder, and black pepper add just the right amount of flavor to the chicken.
Cooked Penne Pasta: Prepare the pasta just before the chicken is ready, and you can simply toss it into the mixture and stir it in!

How To Make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta In The Crock Pot

Add the chicken to the Crock-Pot.
Cover the chicken with Olive Garden Italian dressing, onion powder, black pepper, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Then place the cream cheese on top.
Put the lid on the Crock-pot. Cook on high for 2 ½ - 3 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
Thirty minutes before cooking time is done. Cook the penne pasta as directed on the package and drain.
Shred the chicken in the Crock-pot with two forks and then add the cooked pasta in. Stir until well combined.
Serve while hot and garnish with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Overhead look of Olive Garden chicken pasta on a grey plate with a piece of fresh parsley on it.

What to Serve/Pair with Your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

If you want to feel like you’re at Olive Garden, pair your pasta with a glass of wine, garlic parmesan knots (or these 30-minute rolls), and a salad tossed in Olive Garden dressing.

If you are anything like me, you like to try to pair veggies with every meal. My favorites with this meal are steamed green beans, sauteed spinach, or this Crock Pot Corn On The Cob. My favorite dessert to pair with this pasta is Crock Pot Apple Crisp. These sweet and salty cookies go with practically everything, but something about a chocolate chip cookie after this chicken pasta just makes them a perfect match.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

You can use another type of pasta (elbows, bowtie, etc.) in place of the penne pasta.

For a little spice, add a dash of crushed red pepper to this dish, or have it on the side so you can top your serving with it.

How To Reheat & Store

This pasta, once it has completely cooled, can be stored in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. To reheat an individual serving, microwave it for 2 minutes or until warm. To reheat multiple servings, warm them in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

You can also freeze this meal once it has been cooked. Transfer it to a freezer-safe, sealed container. It will last in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it completely overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use another brand of Italian dressing?

You can, but if you truly want the Olive Garden flavors, I would recommend using their dressing. There’s just something about it that sets it apart. Can you tell that it’s my favorite?

Do I need to spray my crockpot with non-stick spray?

Yes, I’d recommend either doing this or using a liner for easy cleanup. You don’t want to get that hard burnt crust on the side that is such a pain to clean and get off.

How will I know that my chicken is completely cooked?

Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F. When your chicken is completely cooked, it will also be very easy to shred with two forks. If it is still tough and won’t shred easily, it needs more time.

Why do I have to add cream cheese?

The cream cheese in this recipe makes it creamy and delicious. You won’t regret adding it, I promise!

Close up of Olive Garden chicken pasta on a fork over a slow cooker.

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