Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4-5 basil leaves, torn
• 1 pound penne pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a large slow cooker and pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing, then add the chopped sun dried tomatoes. Place the block of cream cheese on top.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together well.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the slow cooker before cooking.
• Substitute sun dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different twist.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a little heavy cream or cook the shredded chicken with the lid off for 20 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through completely. Cooking on low for 7-8 hours usually works well with frozen chicken.

What can I use if I don’t have Olive Garden Italian dressing?

You can substitute with any good-quality Italian dressing or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for a similar flavor.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory Italian dressing and sun-dried tomatoes, finished off with creamy parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it uses a slow cooker to achieve rich, melt-in-your-mouth textures with minimal effort.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4–5 basil leaves, torn

Pasta

• 1 pound penne pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a large slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing evenly over the chicken to ensure it is well coated and adds flavor during cooking.
2. Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes on top, then place the block of cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker for gradual melting during cooking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and infused with the dressing’s Italian flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before the chicken is finished, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and dressing to create a creamy sauce base.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined and the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot directly from the slow cooker, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this hearty, rich meal fresh off the stove.

Notes

• You can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the pasta slightly under al dente to absorb more sauce.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking can enhance nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta, Olive Garden Style, Italian Dressing Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Slow Cooker Recipe