The Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe is pure comfort food magic done right in one pot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered slowly in zesty Olive Garden Italian dressing and sun dried tomatoes, all coming together with creamy cheese and fresh basil to create a luscious sauce that perfectly coats tender penne pasta. This recipe makes weeknight dinners excitingly simple while delivering big, familiar flavors that everyone will love. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it combines ease, richness, and heartwarming goodness effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is what makes this recipe both accessible and full-flavored. Each component plays a role, from the tangy dressing that imparts a signature Italian zing to the creamy cheese that adds richness and depth.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein that effortlessly absorbs flavors while cooking slowly.
- 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing: The key to authenticity, this dressing infuses the chicken with classic herbs and tanginess.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds a sharp, salty kick; half goes into cooking and half is stirred in later for extra cheesy flair.
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes (chopped): Bring a concentrated sweetness and a hint of chewiness to balance the savory elements.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Melts to create that smooth, velvety texture that transforms the sauce into a creamy delight.
- 4-5 basil leaves (torn): Fresh herbs brighten the dish with a subtle, peppery freshness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for catching every bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chicken and Italian Dressing
Begin by placing your chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a flavorful coat. This step is where the magic starts, as the dressing acts as both a marinade and a cooking sauce.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing to introduce a subtle savory depth. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes for bursts of rich, concentrated flavor. Then, place the block of cream cheese on top—this will slowly melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce as everything cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and let it work its magic: cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender and bursting with flavor. Slow cooking brings out incredible tenderness and allows all those ingredients to meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Prepare the Penne Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain it well and set it aside—perfect pasta will hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Shred and Combine
Once your chicken has cooked through, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker to mix it with the sauce. Add the torn basil leaves and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Fold in the cooked penne pasta gently but thoroughly, letting the pasta soak up every bit of the creamy, tangy sauce.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Your Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to delight right away. Serve it hot so the sauce stays luscious and the flavors stay vibrant. This step brings everything together for a heartwarming meal perfect for any night.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshen up the presentation with some extra torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for that pop of green. A little freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a lovely final touch and some texture contrast.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully with this dish, adding brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls can also complement the creamy pasta with their nostalgic comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini casserole dishes straight from the oven for individual portions. You could even layer the shredded chicken and pasta into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making delicious reheated meals.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce feels too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different Italian dressing for the recipe?
Absolutely! While the Olive Garden Italian dressing gives the recipe its signature flavor, you can use any good-quality Italian dressing you prefer. Just choose one with robust herbs and a balanced tang.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Penne is ideal because its hollow tubes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but you could also try rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle depending on your texture preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an instant pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté and pressure cook functions, adjusting cook times accordingly. However, the slow cooker’s gentle heat really enhances tenderness and flavor melding.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs will add extra richness and stay moist, but they may need slightly less cooking time because they are more tender than breasts.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
The recipe is mild and very kid-friendly by default. If you want to add a spicy kick, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe is a heartwarming, no-fuss dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Its ease and depth of flavor make it a kitchen winner for busy days or casual dinners that deserve a bit of special care. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become one of my personal favorites to share with friends and family!
Print
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty Italian dressing for an easy, delicious meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the entire 16-ounce bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing evenly over the chicken.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing, then add the chopped sun dried tomatoes. Top the mixture with the block of cream cheese.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it inside the slow cooker using two forks. Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while warm for a creamy, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Italian favorites.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or Italian seasoning when adding the dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan or cream cheese.
- Basil leaves can be substituted with fresh spinach or parsley for a different herbaceous note.
