Description

This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender slow-cooked chicken infused with Italian dressing, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that results in a rich, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing evenly over the chicken to ensure it is well coated.
Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes on top, then place the block of cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker for gradual melting during cooking.
Cook the 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 tender and fully cooked.
Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked thoroughly, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and dressing to create a creamy sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot directly from the slow cooker, optionally garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Using the slow cooker allows for a hands-off recipe and tender chicken infused with dressing flavors.
Be sure to shred the chicken in the slow cooker to incorporate all the flavorful sauce components.
Pasta timing is important to add it fresh and prevent it from overcooking when combined.
For a lower-fat version, use light cream cheese and reduced-fat parmesan cheese.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta, Olive Garden Copycat Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Dressing Chicken, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes