Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a viral favorite for a reason! Tender shredded chicken is slow-cooked in a rich, zesty dressing with cream cheese and parmesan, then tossed with your favorite pasta for a no-fuss meal the whole family will devour.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work
Creamy & Zesty – Loaded with savory, cheesy flavor and a tangy kick
Family-Friendly – Kid-approved and picky-eater safe
Great for Leftovers – Even better the next day
Minimal Ingredients – Only 6 ingredients total

Ingredients You’ll Need
3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing
8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work great)
Chopped parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Crockpot / slow cooker
Large pot for pasta
Forks for shredding chicken
Mixing spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Load the Crockpot
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour the full bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken.
Add cream cheese chunks, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 4 hours, until chicken is very tender.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
Drain well and add the pasta directly into the crockpot.
Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish
Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with extra parmesan, fresh herbs, or even a dash of red pepper flakes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook separately for the perfect texture
Add More Creaminess – Stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream if needed
Use Fresh Parmesan – Grates smoother and adds richer flavor
Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra kick

Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Garlic bread or buttery rolls
Crisp Caesar salad
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Lemon water or sparkling iced tea

Perfect for:
Weeknight family dinners
Meal prepping
Potluck parties
Leftover lunches

How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze: Freeze the chicken mixture (without pasta) for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—just ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking and food safety.

Can I use a different dressing?
You can substitute with another creamy Italian or vinaigrette-style dressing.

Is it very tangy?
The dressing adds a little zing—balance it with extra cream cheese if you prefer it milder.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli mix in beautifully at the end.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate busy-night dinner: rich, creamy, full of flavor, and practically effortless. Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and come home to a deliciously satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant—without ever turning on the stove.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Olive Garden Chicken Pasta turns out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Cuisine: American–Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 530 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 860mg

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