If ever there was a dish that could bring joy to a weeknight dinner table with almost no effort, it’s Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This irresistibly creamy, flavorful family favorite combines tender shredded chicken, savory Italian dressing, and luscious Parmesan-cream cheese sauce, all tossed with pasta and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The result is a comfort food classic that tastes indulgent but is incredibly simple to throw together, even on your busiest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s true kitchen magic in how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Each item on this list plays a starring role—bringing velvety texture, mouthwatering richness, and a pop of color or zing to the final dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and lean protein that takes on all the flavor.
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing: This bottled dressing is the not-so-secret star, infusing the chicken and sauce with bright, herby zip.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if possible; it melts into the sauce and adds a nutty, salty bite.
- Cream Cheese: Cubed for quick melting, this creates the luscious, creamy base for your sauce.
- Garlic Powder: A dash ramps up the savory levels and brings pleasant warmth throughout.
- Black Pepper: Just enough to balance out the creamy elements with a hint of bite.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat, or leave it out if you like things mild.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Choose your favorite; both shapes grab onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A touch of green at the end makes the dish look and taste fresh.
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Layer in the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re in a single layer so every bite gets completely tender and infused with flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, then sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, lay the cream cheese cubes over the top, and dust it all with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a kick. This layering helps the flavors meld while keeping the chicken juicy and the sauce wonderfully rich.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for about 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. This hands-off step is where the magic happens as the chicken turns fork-tender, and everything melds into a dreamy, creamy base for your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked through, grab two forks and shred it right in the crockpot. Don’t rush this part—it’s so satisfying to watch the chicken soak up all that creamy sauce. Stir everything together until it’s blended and you have a uniformly thick, cheesy coating.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Fold in your cooked pasta (penne and rotini both work beautifully) so every nook and cranny is glossed in sauce. If the mixture thickens a bit too much, splash in a couple of tablespoons of pasta cooking water to loosen things up.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Top with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness. By now, your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is ready to make its grand entrance!
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is in its creamy, golden tumble—but finishing touches can make it truly table-ready. Try a shower of freshly chopped parsley, some extra grated Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to add a little flair. These garnishes wake up the flavors and make every plate even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette provides a light, refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are a favorite for soaking up the extra sauce, turning your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into a complete, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl, sprinkle generous Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top, and let everyone help themselves. For a special touch, spoon the pasta into small ramekins for individual servings or nestle it inside halved, roasted bell peppers for a colorful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any leftover pasta into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as irresistible as day one.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well if you skip any fresh parsley garnish before storing. Portion cooled pasta into freeze-safe containers, remove as much air as possible, and keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For perfectly creamy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently while warming to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the sauce regains its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta with Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Definitely! While penne and rotini are classics for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap in any sturdy pasta shape you love—like farfalle, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta to keep things celiac-friendly.
Can I make this using chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be equally delicious and turn wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. Just make sure to trim any excess fat, and follow the same directions.
Is there a way to make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta even healthier?
For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese in place of regular cream cheese, whole wheat or alternative pasta, and toss in steamed broccoli or fresh baby spinach at the end to boost the veggie content.
Can I use homemade Italian dressing rather than the bottled variety?
Yes, if you have a favorite homemade Italian dressing recipe, use about 16 ounces. Just note, the signature Olive Garden flavor might be a bit different, but you’ll still get a delicious, zesty sauce.
What wine pairs well with Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, tangy sauce and savory chicken beautifully. For a non-alcoholic pairing, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime for a fresh finish.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat—easy enough for a busy day, yet decadent enough to feel like a special treat. I hope you enjoy every creamy, comforting bite and that it earns a spot in your own dinner rotation!
Print
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta for a hassle-free dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, rich Italian dressing, and creamy cheeses for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1 (16 oz) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini), cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour Italian dressing over chicken, then add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred chicken in the crockpot with forks, then stir in the creamy sauce.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta, toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
