Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta for Busy Weeknights Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet effortless. Using a slow cooker, this recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thawed before cooking
• 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing or homemade vinaigrette
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, adjust to taste
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) or low-carb alternatives like rice or quinoa

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Place thawed chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken to infuse flavor.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken, then add cream cheese in blocks on top.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
6. Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain well.
7. Step 7: Shred the chicken gently with two forks in the slow cooker and mix with the melted cream cheese and sauce.
8. Step 8: Stir in the cooked pasta until well combined and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for extra flavor and color.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan.
• Try substituting the Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette to customize the flavor.
• Low-carb eaters can swap pasta for cooked rice or quinoa for a healthy alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Cooking from frozen may increase cooking time and affect the sauce consistency.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini pasta works well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. You can also try low-carb options like quinoa or rice if you prefer.

Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta for Busy Weeknights Recipe

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4.7 from 105 reviews

This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich and creamy sauce made from Olive Garden Italian dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Served over your choice of pasta, it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, thawed before cooking

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Olive Garden Italian Dressing or homemade vinaigrette
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded or shaved
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, adjust to taste

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces Pasta (Penne or Rotini) or low-carb alternatives like rice or quinoa

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup to prevent sticking and facilitate cleaning afterwards.
2. Add Chicken: Place thawed boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, spacing them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing evenly over the chicken breasts for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken, then add the cream cheese in blocks for a creamy, smooth sauce.
5. Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
6. Cook Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
7. Shred Chicken and Combine: Using two forks, gently shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix with the melted cream cheese and Parmesan until combined into a creamy sauce.
8. Mix Pasta and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture until thoroughly combined. Serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley before serving to enhance flavor and add a pop of color.
• This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a low-carb option, substitute the pasta with cooked quinoa or rice.
• Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup quick and simple.
• Let us know your variations and how you liked this recipe!

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker chicken, Olive Garden dressing recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy Parmesan pasta, slow cooker recipes