Delight in the comforting embrace of our “Savory Simplicity” Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant into the cozy confines of your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful Olive Garden Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection and served over your choice of pasta. It’s a foolproof meal that promises a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a taste of Italy made effortlessly at home.
Why You’ll Love “Savory Simplicity” Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta:
- Effortless Preparation: Just set it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The Italian dressing and cheeses create a rich, savory sauce that’s irresistible.
- Versatile: Works great with any pasta shape, making it a flexible addition to your meal planning.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both adults and children, ensuring clean plates all around.
Ingredients Notes For “Savory Simplicity” Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for shredding after slow cooking.
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing: Adds a zesty, herby flavor that infuses the chicken with restaurant-quality taste.
- Cream Cheese: Ensures the sauce is rich and creamy, melding beautifully with the dressing and Parmesan.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- Pasta: Choose from fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti – whatever complements your craving.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour over the Olive Garden Italian dressing, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and add cubes of cream cheese on top.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. Boil your pasta according to package instructions, drain, and then add it to the slow cooker, mixing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Final Touches: Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 (about 2 pounds)
- Italian dressing: 16 ounces (about 2 cups), use Olive Garden brand or your favorite Italian dressing for added authenticity
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pasta: 1 pound, penne or your choice, cooked al dente
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups (optional), for adding color and nutrition
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup (optional), chopped, for a tangy flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Dressing and Spices:
- Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken. Sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan:
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and melt the cheeses into the sauce. If using, add the fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes at this point.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- While the sauce finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve:
- Stir the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta cooking water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.