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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (on HIGH) or 5-6 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) or 5 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Description

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in Olive Garden Italian dressing with cream cheese and parmesan. Paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, it makes for an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does the hard work, slowly infusing the chicken with the tangy Italian flavors, resulting in a rich and hearty pasta dish.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (1.5-2 pounds works fine)
  • 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz cream cheese

Pasta:

  • 16 oz penne pasta (cooked according to package directions and drained well)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare slow cooker: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker, laying them evenly.
  2. Add dressing and seasonings: Pour the 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the top, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Add cream cheese: Place the 8 oz block of cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Cook pasta: When the slow cooker time is nearly complete, cook the 16 oz penne pasta on the stovetop following the package instructions. Drain well once cooked.
  6. Shred chicken and combine: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce and cream cheese until creamy and well combined.
  7. Mix pasta and finish: Add the drained penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring it well with the chicken and sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top and stir gently.
  8. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken pasta warm and enjoy this delicious, easy slow cooker meal.

Notes

  • You can adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s temperature variations.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the pasta slightly less or add a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with light cream cheese or omit some parmesan.
  • This recipe easily doubles for larger groups by using a larger slow cooker or cooking in batches.

Find it online: https://yumbara.com/slow-cooker-olive-garden-chicken-pasta-recipe/