Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that brings the iconic flavors of the popular restaurant right into the home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, zesty Italian dressing, cream cheese, and parmesan melds beautifully as it simmers, creating a velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this dish particularly satisfying for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends because it requires minimal preparation and relies entirely on a slow cooker to develop its full flavor. The balance of tangy, savory, and creamy notes offers a restaurant-quality experience with the simplicity of a set-it-and-forget-it method. It’s an ideal option when I’m seeking a hearty, family-friendly meal with wide appeal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• Cream cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Pasta (rotini or penne work particularly well)
• Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. I pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing evenly over the chicken.

3. I add the cream cheese and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.

4. I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Once cooked, I shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the sauce.

6. While the chicken finishes, I cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

7. I drain the pasta and stir it into the slow cooker mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated with the creamy sauce.

8. I serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional parmesan or chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 6–7 hours on low or 4 hours on high, depending on the desired level of tenderness and available time.

Variations

I sometimes enhance the flavor profile by adding garlic powder, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast. Substituting chicken thighs for breasts can offer a richer taste. For a lighter version, I use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat dressing. Additionally, incorporating vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms can elevate the nutritional value and texture.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

I usually use short pasta shapes like rotini or penne, as they hold the sauce well and mix easily with the chicken and cheese.

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

It’s recommended to thaw the chicken first for food safety and even cooking, though some prefer using frozen in a pinch. I ensure it’s cooked thoroughly if using frozen.

Is it necessary to use Olive Garden brand dressing?

While I find the signature Olive Garden Italian Dressing delivers the most authentic flavor, other creamy Italian dressings can serve as substitutes in a pinch.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Though traditionally made with cream cheese and parmesan, I substitute with dairy-free versions of both, and the result remains creamy and satisfying.

Can I cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker?

I prefer cooking the pasta separately to avoid overcooking or mushiness. Adding it at the end ensures the best texture and flavor retention.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a convenient, flavorful, and indulgent meal that replicates a restaurant favorite with ease. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or looking for dependable leftovers, it consistently delivers both comfort and taste with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

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Description

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy comfort dish made with tender chicken, zesty Italian dressing, cream cheese, and parmesan. It brings the beloved restaurant flavor home with minimal effort and maximum taste, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

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Ingredients

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
• Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Pour Italian dressing over the chicken evenly.

3. Add cream cheese and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 4 hours, until chicken is tender.

5. Shred chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.

6. While chicken finishes, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

7. Drain pasta and stir into the slow cooker mixture until fully coated.

8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parmesan or parsley.

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Notes

• For added flavor, include garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Substitute chicken thighs for extra richness or use low-fat dairy products for a lighter version.

• Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth.