Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken with Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish made with juicy chicken breasts, Olive Garden Italian dressing, cream cheese, parmesan, and tender pasta. This slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious with minimal effort. The combination of tangy Italian dressing, rich creaminess from the cheese, and tender shredded chicken makes this recipe a family favorite that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect because it requires only a handful of ingredients and the crockpot does most of the work. It’s versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or even breadsticks on the side. The creamy parmesan sauce makes it irresistible, while the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out tender and juicy. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this Olive Garden crockpot chicken is a winning dish every time.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 (16-ounce bottle) Olive Garden Italian dressing (or homemade version)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 16 ounces cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts flat in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.
4. Add the block of cream cheese directly on top of the chicken mixture.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook for 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
6. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
7. Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it evenly with two forks.
8. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup parmesan over the shredded chicken.
9. Add in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined.
10. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This dish is best served hot, straight from the slow cooker, with pasta fully coated in the creamy parmesan sauce. Pair it with garlic bread, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
• Meal Prep: Cook the chicken and sauce in advance, store separately from the pasta, and combine them when ready to serve to keep pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Version – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The creamy sauce coats the vegetables perfectly while keeping it lighter.
2. Spicy Olive Garden Chicken – Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
3. Cheesy Upgrade – Stir in shredded mozzarella, provolone, or gouda just before serving for a gooey, cheesy finish.
4. Veggie-Packed – Add broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
5. Ranch-Flavored Variation – Substitute half of the Italian dressing with ranch dressing for a tangy and creamy twist.
6. Creamier Sauce – Add 1/2 cup heavy cream or a can of cream of chicken soup for a richer, more velvety sauce.
7. Herb-Infused – Stir in fresh basil, oregano, or parsley at the end of cooking for fresh Italian flavors.
8. Rice Alternative – Instead of pasta, serve the chicken and sauce over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
9. Kid-Friendly Version – Use shell pasta or macaroni and top with extra parmesan to make it fun and familiar for kids.

FAQs

1. Can I make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work great and will be even more tender.

2. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just ensure your crockpot is large enough to handle all ingredients.

3. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day.

4. Can I use homemade Italian dressing?
Absolutely, homemade dressing works perfectly and gives you control over flavor.

5. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

6. What type of pasta is best?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are great, but any pasta shape will work.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan alternatives.

8. Can I cook this recipe on high?
Yes, cook on high for about 4 hours instead of low for 6.

9. Can I add vegetables directly to the crockpot?
Yes, add sturdy veggies like carrots or broccoli in the last 1–2 hours of cooking.

10. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, reduce the cooking time to 1–2 hours on low since the chicken is already cooked.

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, deliciously creamy, and guaranteed to please the whole family. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation.

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