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Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in Slow Cooker

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in Slow Cooker - Easy Family Meal

Before diving into the details of this easy recipe, let’s talk about what pairs really well with it. A simple garlic bread on the side keeps the Italian vibe intact. You might also whip up a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. 
If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some roasted vegetables or maybe some cheesy breadsticks that you can easily grab from your local store. And if you're feeling extra fancy, a glass of Chardonnay will elevate the meal even further.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or your preferred variety
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups Olive Garden-style Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese 1 block, softened
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder for added flavor depth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning for a herbaceous note
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste optional

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. Close your eyes and picture all of those ingredients laid out on your countertop. Get that pasta, chicken, and everything else ready. This way, you’ll have a smoother time as you move along.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breast in the slow cooker. No need to be fancy; just lay them down. Ensure that they're evenly distributed so each piece cooks properly.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
  1. Next, pour in the 2 cups of Olive Garden-style Italian dressing over the chicken. This will create a delightful marinade as it cooks. Spread it around to make sure every piece is nicely coated.
Step 4: Cream Cheese Action
  1. Here comes the rich part: add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing. It’ll blend well as it heats up, giving a smooth texture to your sauce. Don’t worry about mixing it just yet; we’ll get to that.
Step 5: Spice It Up
  1. Sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning over everything. If you’re a fan of a little heat, toss in some freshly ground black pepper too. These spices will enhance the flavors in every bowl.
Step 6: Set the Cooker
  1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your time. Honestly, the longer, the better. Just set it and forget it!
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
  1. About 15 minutes before your chicken is ready, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions. You don’t want mushy pasta, so keep an eye on it.
Step 8: Combine & Serve
  1. When the timer signals the end of cooking, shred the chicken using two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir it all to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly mixed with the creamy sauce. Drain your pasta and toss it in, ensuring every strand is coated in that delicious mix.
Step 9: Plate It Up
  1. Serve your Olive Garden chicken pasta warm, garnishing it with the freshly shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese. This is where that comforting aroma really shines!

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Dressing: This dressing is the heart of this recipe. It adds all the necessary flavor.
  • Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken will give the best results. Frozen ones may release excess moisture.
  • Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce seems thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it without losing flavor.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or use a blend of cheeses for a different twist.